Mattioli (file)

LONG POND – Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Joseph Mattioli has died.  The man best known as the founder of the Pocono Raceway died Thursday at age 86.

Mattioli opened the raceway in the 1970.  It is now one of the prime venues on the NASCAR tour, often drawing more than 100,000 fans for its two races each year. 

A statement posted on the Pocono Raceway website says:  “His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the only remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.”

Mattioli retired last year, leaving the track operation to grandson Brandon Igdalsky. Other survivors include his wife, Rose, two daughters, a son and several grand and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.