New Start Time for 2026 Great American Getaway 400
The 2026 Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway will now open at 1 p.m. EST—two hours earlier than the originally set 3 p.m. start—because of a looming rain threat.
The change is partly due to the event’s stream on Prime Video, which offers greater flexibility for adjusting opening times than traditional cable broadcasts.
Parking lot gates will remain at their normal 6 a.m. opening, while track gates stay as scheduled at 8 a.m.
Season Context and Defending Champion
This race marks the 16th round of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with Chase Briscoe returning as the defending winner.
Practice and qualifying sessions are set for Saturday afternoon, preceding the NASCAR O’Riley race that same day.
Historical Weather Impact at Pocono
Since joining the NASCAR circuit in 1974, the Pocono summer event has often been disrupted by weather.
Rain has shortened the race on five occasions, most recently in 2016 when Chris Buescher earned his first career victory in a reduced‑distance event.
The event has also been postponed three times in its history, and the 2002 race was brought to an early conclusion under darkness.
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