Early Start at Pocono
NASCAR has shifted the green flag for Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway to 1 p.m. Eastern Time, a move designed to dodge a band of rain showers that were expected to roll through the track’s 2.5‑mile triangular layout.
The adjustment means fans will see the 160‑lap, 400‑mile event begin an hour earlier than originally scheduled, but the broadcast lineup remains unchanged. The race will be carried live on Prime Video, MRN Radio, HBO Max and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring a wide audience across both streaming and traditional audio platforms.
Harvick’s Forecast
Veteran driver Kevin Harvick, who has correctly called four of the last five Cup Series winners, offered his pick for the day’s outcome. He said he expects Bubba Wallace to take the checkered flag, citing Wallace’s recent uptick in performance and a noticeable improvement in his attitude on and off the track.
Harvick’s confidence in Wallace is not just a gut feeling. He pointed to the No. 23 driver’s stronger qualifying results and the way his team has tightened up pit strategy in recent weeks, factors that could translate into the extra speed needed on Pocono’s unique corners.
A Momentum Builder
Adding to the intrigue, Denny Hamlin entered the weekend on a high note after capturing his 63rd career Cup Series victory at Michigan International Speedway. The win has many analysts suggesting that Hamlin’s momentum could carry over to Pocono, where his experience on the 2.5‑mile track may give him an edge.
While Hamlin’s recent triumph adds a layer of unpredictability, the field still features a mix of seasoned champions and rising contenders. The race’s triangular configuration, with its long straightaways and tight turns, often rewards drivers who can balance raw horsepower with precise handling.
Fans tuning in will see a compact schedule, with the event still fitting comfortably into the afternoon slate before any potential weather interruptions. Whether Harvick’s prediction proves accurate or Hamlin’s recent form dominates, the adjusted start time ensures the action will unfold under clearer skies.