Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono patriarch, dies at age 86
NASCAR is mourning the death of Dr. Joe Mattioli, right, with wife, Rose. // LaDon George, NASCAR Illustrated
Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder and chairman of the board of Pocono Raceway, passed away Thursday afternoon after a lengthy illness. He was 86.
Mattioli, who was affectionately referred to as “Doc,” built the 2.5-mile speedway in the Pocono Mountains in the early 1960s, then welcomed NASCAR to the quirky, three-turn track approximately a decade later. He stepped down from the daily effort of running the facility last year, turning the reins over to grandson Brandon Igdalsky.
“He was a friend from the very beginning with my grandfather [NASCAR founder William H.G. France],” NASCAR CEO Brian France said upon learning of Mattioli’s passing. “It’s very sad news to hear that.
“We were very close to the Mattioli family and obviously our hearts go out to them. He was a great man and really cared a lot about this sport. He will be missed.”
The track, which has two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races annually, is one of two family-owned facilities (along with Indianapolis) on the 36-race Cup circuit. Its 500-mile events have often been some of the most grueling each year, testing the limits of both car and driver.
"His loss has left with each of us an unbearable sadness, which we’ll bear with us for the rest of our lives," the family said in a statement. "'Doc' was a true leader in every sense of the word. As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports.
"His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist."
In 2009, Mattioli received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities.
"Beyond our family, he had a true love and admiration for the wonderful members of his North Eastern Pennsylvania Community," the family statement said. "He had a great respect for all of the great people that laid the foundations of prosperity before him, and an even greater hope for the future of our area, which he believed lies in its youth."
Through the years, he and his wife, Rose, strived to make Pocono Raceway a showplace where officials, teams and fans were treated with respect and kindness.
“There is no question that Doc was very symbolic to the passion of our sport,” NASCAR President Mike Helton said. “When you say 'Pocono,' everybody has their own different interpretation, their reaction. But ... certainly the character and the passion and the impact that Doc and Rose made on our sport will be forever ingrained in it.”
Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports Inc., called Mattioli "feisty" and said the track owner was "totally in charge of his domain."
"But he was also one of the friendliest people I've yet to meet," McGlynn said in a statement.
"He was one of our sport's most passionate supporters and a great friend to everyone in the racing community, most especially the fans."
Dr. Mattioli is survived by his wife, Rose, two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
"He leaves not only his family, but also everyone he’s ever met with an insatiable desire to take life by the horns," the family statement said. "He always lived life on his own terms He did it his way. … He died loved, respected, and admired."
Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
