Chase Briscoe did it last month. Denny Hamlin has done it five times. Daniel Dobalo and SCCA phenom Connor Zilisch have also accomplished it.
That’s right, those are the names everyone is chasing at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA, for the ultimate motorsports crossover – and the Tire Rack SCCA® Time Attack Challenge is one of the most unique tracks on NASCAR’s schedule.
OK, the Time Attack Challenge isn’t on NASCAR’s schedule – it’s better, because it’s something YOU can compete in in virtually any street car you wish with as little as a helmet.
Also, the Time Attack Challenge won’t be running the tri-oval track in its entirety – but it does get two course configurations during the July 19-20, 2025, event.
Does that make it the Tricky Digon? It doesn’t carry quite the same alliteration. Let’s dive in anyway…
Dastardly Digon
On Saturday, July 19, drivers will face off on the 2.53-mile route known as the North/South Option 3. This shoots drivers down the front straight and into the infield where they’ll hang a right to wind through a series of twists and turns that challenge even the best of drivers. Then it’s a dive through NASCAR Turn 2 before cutting back into the infield via a series of flowing turns that return to the front straight.
On Sunday, July 20, it’s time to hit North/South Option 2. This 2.26-mile setup is a fast and flowing configuration that’s similar to Saturday’s adventure, but Option 2 cuts out the more technical aspect of the east side of the track, which means these laps will come fast.
Who to Chase
A number of returning class winners are on the entry list for this year’s Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge at Pocono Raceway – which means no matter what class your car falls in, you’ll have a true test.
As always, the first test is against yourself – how quickly can you improve? The second measuring stick, however, is how quick you are compared to the competition.
Track records can be found via the Time Attack Challenge’s Track Records and Personal Bests interactive scoreboard, but we’ll list a few to whet your whistle:
- Tuner 1: Daniel Dobalo, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:34.978 (Option 2), 155.958.958 (Option 3)
- Sport 1: Jacob Glover, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:35.842 (Option 2), 1:56.586 (Option 3)
- Max 2: Ata Tabesh, Toyota Supra, 1:37.359 (Option 2), 1:59.278 (Option 3)
Weekend’s Activities
The July 19-20 weekend schedule is as full or relaxed as you’d like, but the gist is this: Check in on Friday evening (or, you can do that Saturday morning), hit the track Saturday morning, then come back Sunday for more of the same, albeit on a different track configuration.
You want specifics?
Expect paced laps followed by a practice session on Saturday and Sunday mornings around 8 a.m. From there, you’ll hit the track with timed flying laps beginning around 10 a.m. with three (yes THREE!) 20-minute timed sessions each day. Your fastest time from each day gets added together to determine your overall score.
That’s a lot of track time!
Saturday evening brings the Vitour Social Dinner Party, kicking off around 5:30 p.m., with Sunday’s KONI Podium Celebration beginning just past 3 p.m.
A complete schedule can be found on the event page – and note that there are run groups for everyone, from absolute rookie to seasoned track dog.
Hold up! Say you don’t want to go for timed competition yet still run at Pocono? The Hagerty Track Day has you covered.
What Else?
Beyond track time, there’s ample revelry at a Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge – and Pocono will be no different. Official gatherings, informal parties, bench racing, and someone getting a hand from fellow competitors to improve or repair a car – all will take place during the July 19-20, 2025, weekend.
Can you make it? Register today!
Photo by Sam Draiss
