CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - NASCAR officials say that Pocono Raceway founder and chairman Dr. Joseph Mattioli has died. He was at 86.
Bob Pleban, the vice president of administration at Pocono Raceway, confirmed the news to The Associated Press, saying family members informed him Mattioli passed away around 1 p.m. at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Allentown, Pa.
Known as "Doc" to friends and associates, Mattioli founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960's and ran the speedway for more than four decades with his wife Rose. Under his leadership, the track grew and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.
Mattioli and his wife, Rose, retired last year, handing over control of Pocono Raceway to their eldest three grandchildren.
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