Though it has its critics, Pocono Raceway is not on the block

UNLESS Bruton Smith swoops in with an overwhelming offer for Pocono Raceway, the mountain racetrack will remain in the Mattioli family's control. That's the sense gathered from conversations with people familiar with Pocono Raceway.

Almost every year, there is speculation that either Smith's Speedway Motorsports Inc. or International Speedway Corp. will buy Pocono Raceway. Speedway Motorsports owns seven racetracks. ISC owns 12.

After Smith, 81, recently purchased Kentucky Speedway, the North Carolina-based mega-car dealer indicated that he plans to bring a Sprint Cup race to the track. Since NASCAR has no plans to expand its 36-race Cup series schedule, Smith would have to move a race from an existing track.

Pocono, Dover International Speedway in Delaware and Indianapolis Motor Speedway are the only independently owned tracks remaining on NASCAR's Sprint Cup circuit.

Last week, Dr. Rose Mattioli, wife of Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway's board chairman, told the Associated Press Pocono is not for sale. Joseph Mattioli, 83, was not available yesterday. He is still recovering from pneumonia that hospitalized him.

For years, the Mattiolis have groomed their grandchildren to run the Pocono facility. One grandson, Brandon Igdalsky, is now president of the raceway and Mattco Inc., the family business. His brother, Nicholas, is senior vice president.

Last year, the Mattiolis announced that Mattco's holdings are worth $600 million. The businesses include Pocono, South Boston (Va.) Speedway and the Village at Pocono, a new project featuring condos and motel rooms.

Adding to the speculation about the track's future is recent criticism from prominent drivers Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton.

Gordon said the track is "outdated" and "needs a ton of upgrades." He said he's "shocked" that Pocono has had two races for years and doubted the track will continue to host two races annually.

Pocono is one of 14 tracks with two Sprint Cup races per year. The Pocono races are only 8 weeks apart.

During testing last week at Pocono, Earnhardt said the track is rough and needs repaving.

In April, Burton called the back straightaway at Pocono "ridiculous." He said drivers have tried for years to get the track to improve the guardrails in the Turn 2 area.

In the past, "Doc" Mattioli, a former Philadelphia dentist, has said the track has always fulfilled NASCAR's requests for improvements.