Pocono racing icon, Joe Mattioli, dies

A Pennsylvania sports icon has passed away.

Pocono Raceway owner and philanthropist Joseph Mattioli died Thursday afternoon at Lehigh Valley Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

A former dentist, "Doc Mattioli," as he was known, brought big-time motorsports to the Poconos.

His 2.5-mile track in Long Pond, Monroe County hosted its first INDYCAR race in 1971 and its first NASCAR race in '74.

Last summer, Mattioli and his wife Rose retired, transferring day-to-day responsibilities to their three oldest grandchildren.

Joe Mattioli was 86 years old.

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