NASCAR's Pocono races to be shorter

LONG POND, Pa., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A decision has been made to cut next year's two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Pocono Raceway by 100 miles, track officials said Wednesday.

Instead of 500 miles, the June 10 and Aug. 5, 2012, races at the 2.5-mile track in Pennsylvania will be 400 miles. The change has the approval of NASCAR officials.

"The 400-mile distance will make NASCAR racing at Pocono even more exciting," said Brandon Igdalsky, track president and chief executive officer. "Race strategies will change, fuel mileage calculations will be altered, and I firmly believe that our fans will be treated to outstanding racing at the 400-mile distance."

Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's senior vice president for racing operations, agreed the need to alter driving strategies to account for the shorter race will heighten the excitement.

"We believe this will be a good transition for the fans and competitors," he said.