"It’ll come down to making the right calls" - Justin Haley describes what makes Pocono Speedway ‘tricky’

Rick Ware Racing driver Justin Haley competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the #51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. After a P16 finish last weekend at the Chicago Street Circuit, Haley is gearing up for the 21st race of the Cup Series season at Pocono Raceway on July 14.

Haley secured a win at the Pocono Raceway in 2017 during his stint in the ARCA Menards Series. He also finished P10 and P5 at 'The Tricky Triangle' while competing for GMS Racing in the Truck Series in 2017 and 2018 respectively. He also has a career-best P21 at Pocono in the Cup Series and a P9 in the Xfinity Series.

Ahead of the Great American Getaway 400 in the Poconos, Haley discussed in an interview the important factors to consider while racing on the 2.5-mile asphalt surface. He also explained why Pocono is 'tricky' (via speedwaydigest.com):

"I've really enjoyed racing at Pocono in the past. I've had really good finishes there, a win, and also some pretty big hits. There are just so many things that it takes to be good there. Track position will be important, as it always is, but we're really going to have to try to get the car driving well in every corner. They're all different, so you know that there's probably going to be one or two corners where the car isn't doing exactly what you want."

"We've also seen Pocono turn into a strategy race, which has helped us at a few other places this year. It'll just come down to making the right calls and having a fast car. The Rick Ware cars have been really strong lately, so we just need to keep that going," Haley added.

Haley made his mark in the premier NASCAR division by securing a win in his third Cup Series race - the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. So far in the 2024 season, #51 Haley has been turning heads with his performance while driving the Ford for Rick Ware Racing.

---

A brief look into Justin Haley's 2024 Cup Series season

Justin Haley is in his first season with Rick Ware's outfit after signing a multi-year deal in the NASCAR Cup Series. Haley has secured two top-ten finishes in his 20 starts for Rick Ware Racing this season.

Before joining NASCAR's national series, the Indiana native was the 2016 ARCA Menards Series East champion. Haley elaborated on his move to Rick Ware Racing from Kaulig Racing in the same interview with Speedway Digest:

"I think a lot of people were confused and didn't understand why I was making the decision. I knew why. They(RWR) gave me what I needed to know improvement was coming. They put in the work to invest in people and commit to being better, and I've done the same for them."

"We're a small group but we're competing right alongside teams with a lot more resources than we have, and it's working. I owe everyone in that shop a lot and I'm glad I can go out and give them the finishes that they work hard for," Haley added.

Haley has currently accumulated 287 points and is placed 29 in the overall Cup Series standings. His season-best finishes were a P9 in Darlington and World Wide Technology Raceway.