Dr. Rose Mattioli, one of the founders of Pocono Raceway, died June 29, 2020, at the age of 92.
“Dr. Rose was the heart and soul of Pocono Raceway for over 50 years,” a statement from the Mattioli and Igdalsky families, owners of Pocono Raceway, read. “She would often tell us, ‘I love Pocono and auto racing more than Doc,’ and we believed her. While Doc moved the mountains, Rose moved your spirit. Dr. Rose’s contributions to motorsports and her philanthropic efforts will always live in a class of their own. She played a vital role in allowing women into auto racing garage areas during an era where they were otherwise unwelcome. Additionally, Dr. Rose and Doc gave back to the community, often anonymously and without hesitation. Her passing has motivated us to remain steadfast, now more than ever, to never waiver from Rose and Doc’s commitment of always doing right by our Pocono Raceway family, our fans, our local community and the auto racing industry. While we will miss her, we take comfort in knowing Rose and Doc are reunited and that their legacy will live on forever.”
Mattioli, along with husband Dr. Joseph Mattioli, were among the founders of Pocono Raceway in 1968. The track hosted its first “major league” race with IndyCar in 1971. NASCAR followed in 1974. The triangle-shaped, 2.5-mile track has hosted NASCAR’s Cup Series twice a year since 1982.
“Our family and all of NASCAR is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Rose Mattioli,” a statement released by NASCAR from Chairman and CEO Jim France and Executive Vice Chairperson Lesa France Kennedy read. “For three generations, the relationship between our families has been more personal than professional. Rose and Doc created a unique racing experience at Pocono Raceway, bringing a passion for race fans and love of racing to everything they touched. On behalf of the France family and the entire motorsports industry, NASCAR extends our deepest condolences to the Mattioli family during this difficult time.”
Mattioli’s death came a day after a historic weekend at the track for NASCAR. The June 27-28 weekend marked the first time the Cup Series raced on consecutive days at the same track. Also, a rain postponement of a NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series race from June 27 to June 28 resulted in the first time all three NASCAR national series raced on the same day at the same track.
Mattioli practiced podiatry in northeast Philadelphia for several years after graduating from Temple University, where she met her future husband. She also was an active philanthropist in the Philadelphia area. The Mattioli Foundation has established scholarships, and the recently-launched Rose Pedals program is an initiative to expand opportunities for girls and women in the community.
Dr. Joseph Mattioli died in 2012. Dr. Rose Mattioli is survived by two daughters, a son, seven grandchildren and sixth great-grandchildren. She was honored in a private memorial service.
