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Poconos see boost in business from NASCAR weekend

Pocono Raceway is now empty, but the economic boom from all of those NASCAR fans is still being calculated throughout the Poconos.

Thousands of fans filled the infield and packed the grandstands at Pocono Raceway over the weekend for the Great American Getaway 400. 

Businesses near the raceway were also full, thanks to the influx of NASCAR fans.

Owner of Chat N' Chew Café in Blakeslee says the restaurant saw visitors starting to make their way to the Poconos early in the week.

"Well, we went from Fourth of July weekend right into race weekend, so I don't really know if it was just an overlap from the fourth, but Monday, it never stopped. It just kept going," said owner Vickie Lewis

Over at Murph's Hideaway on Route 940, race weekend is always a busy time of year. 

"Friday, Friday night, Saturday, it got so busy we had to stop taking people in. The outside deck was full," said owner Mike Murphy. 

Even though the race is in the rearview, some race fans lingered in the Poconos through Monday. Businesses in the area say before those people head home they fuel up at their favorite places.

"We get so see everyone again and they all stop in, the vendors, the race people spectators it's always great to see them again," Lewis. 

Both restaurant owners say the fans who attend race weekend often visit other places, which is a benefit to the whole area.

"I think all of the businesses benefit from that weekend. All the people, they don't just come for the race. They're up here probably for the whole week," said Murphy. 

"It's the same people, the same businesses that are still going. They are always talking about going to Split Rock or going over to Hickory Run. They are familiar with the area, and they have a great time," said Lewis. 

Business owners say they're already looking forward to next year's NASCAR weekend.

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