Well it is again one of those two times a year when Lake Harmony and the area surrounding Long Pond, Pa becomes the 3rd Largest city in the state of Pennsylvania.  NASCAR Racing is coming for one of their two events held each year at Pocono International Raceway and it's unusual tri-oval tests the drivers and crews.  Of course the economic shot in the arm is always welcomed by area businesses (even if less enthusiastically by the residents due to the crowded restaurants. roads, etc).  NASCAR is still a fast growing sports/entertainment phenomenom and seems to have the open-wheelers beat, at least in this country, for fans. 

Most of the area establishments have race tie-ins with demo cars, demo activities, food or drink specials all geared for the race fans (and even drivers and crews), especially for those fans who may not have tickets to the event but are still here to enjoy the atmosphere, activity, and excitement generate by top level sporting event.

Tax coffers get a boost, businesses (especially hospitality related ones) get a shot of always needed revenue and race fans get to see their stars up close, not just on TV.  Its often a wild and wacky weekend and a great asset to the area.  Hope this year is as successful as past years, the early part of the week seemed a little slow compared to someothers but the crowds really start Thursday on so we'll soon see if the economy and high gas prices have a negaative impact on the event from a consumer viewpoint.