Pocono works out bugs on a successful Sunday

LONG POND, Pa. - For Dario Franchitti, just one thing was missing from IndyCar's return to Pocono Raceway on Sunday for the first time in 24 years.

Franchitti said he wanted to know: "What happened to all the Pocono bugs?"

In a typical race at Pocono, racers go through many tear-offs - the disposable film that covers a racer's visor. Franchitti exaggerated only slightly when he said with a smile that he expected to go through 50.

It seems that even the aggravating Pocono bugs knew not to spoil open-wheel racing's return. Franchitti said he needed just two tearoffs all day.

It was that kind of day for organizers, who said the Pocono IndyCar 400 exceeded expectations.

Racers praised the track's challenging turns. The attendance was strong, the weather ideal.

The race was marketed as a homecoming to one of IndyCar's most storied tracks. The word of the day for public-address announcers was history. A promotional image for the event showed a full grandstand in the background.

And Pocono delivered. Still, much has changed since 1989. Despite the tradition of the track and perfect conditions, Sunday's race-day atmosphere couldn't quite live up to the sepia-toned memories depicted on the posters.

The race appeared to draw more fans than some observers had expected, although the track does not release attendance figures. Slightly more than half of the seats were filled. In some areas high up and far from the finish line, empty seats outnumbered fans. The track has a grandstand capacity of about 77,000.

What the weekend suggested was that IndyCar racing can be sustainable at Pocono in the long term. The current contract stipulates one race per year at Pocono for three years.

"This is a hell of a way to cap off a Fourth of July weekend with the family," said Pocono Raceway's executive vice president, Nick Igdalsky. "There's no reason why we wouldn't continue that partnership."

Pocono was designed for IndyCar races, but a split developed after 1989. Pocono owner Joseph Mattioli said the races were no longer profitable. U.S. Auto Club officials questioned the track's safety.

Mattioli, who died in 2012, continued to resist reintroducing IndyCar to Pocono - even after a multimillion-dollar investment improved track conditions.

A chance meeting last year between former IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard and Pocono Raceway CEO Brandon Igdalsky ultimately brought back open-wheel racing. For IndyCar, Pocono's improved and safer track could provide an exciting race. For Pocono, the race fit with its effort to become an entertainment facility, not just a NASCAR track.

After the race Sunday, the drivers were almost all positive. Several praised the fan turnout. Driver Simon Pagenaud said Pocono's distinctive three turns provided a worthy challenge. Charlie Kimball called the track "an incredible place."

And not surprisingly, Scott Dixon gushed about Pocono after taking the checkered flag.

"I love this place. Pocono, the fans, just everyone has been fantastic," Dixon said. "I hope we race here for many, many, many more years."