Wilkes-Barre, PA --- A doubleheader on Kentucky Derby Day and an additional day per week of racing in July and August are two of the changes in the new Pocono racing schedule for 2012, as announced by Vice President of Racing Operations, Dale Rapson.

Racing opens at the five-eighths-mile oval in Wilkes Barre, Pa., on April 3, and continues on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Highlighting the new season will be an additional night of racing on Sundays in July and August.

Rick Kane, Director of Racing, promises an exciting season of racing with the top horses and drivers returning for another record-breaking year.

“Look for some surprises in our stakes schedule, which we’ll announce shortly. This year will be bigger and better than ever,” said Kane.

Kentucky Derby Day, May 4, traditionally a huge celebration of racing and partying, will also boast a doubleheader with two Pocono live race cards. Post time for the first will be at 11 a.m. and the second will be immediately following the 138th running of the Derby. In between, there will be the 'Run for the Roses Hat Review' and the famous Mint Juleps.

Post time for all racing nights is 6:30 p.m., with the season concluding on Saturday, Nov. 17.