Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Nazareth is located in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles from Pocono Raceway. The town has deep motorsport roots as the former home of Nazareth Speedway, which operated from 1910 to 2004 as a dirt oval, paved oval, and road course. Though Nazareth Speedway closed, the town remains connected to racing culture and provides easy access to multiple regional tracks. The Mario Andretti Museum and Archives is planned for Nazareth, honoring the racing legend who grew up in the area. Current motorsport access centers on Pocono Raceway (15 miles north) and numerous other facilities within 90 minutes.
Pocono Raceway serves as the primary track for Nazareth-area motorsport enthusiasts. The facility offers HPDE track days through Chin Track Days, NASA Northeast, and private track rental groups. The 2.5-mile tri-oval configuration challenges drivers with three different corner styles and a 3,740-foot front straightaway. The infield road course provides a more technical 1.27-mile layout suitable for smaller vehicles and motorcycles. Track day pricing typically ranges from $300-450 per day depending on the organizer and includes multiple 20-30 minute sessions. Most organizations require Snell-rated helmets, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Novice groups receive instructor coaching, while advanced groups offer open passing and competition-level lap times.
Local motorsport clubs serving Nazareth include SCCA Northeast Pennsylvania Region, which hosts autocross events at Pocono Raceway and other regional venues. Membership costs approximately $115 annually and provides access to all regional events plus national SCCA benefits. Porsche Club of America Schattenbaum Region draws many Nazareth-area Porsche owners for social events, tech sessions, and track days. BMW CCA Genesee Valley Chapter welcomes BMW enthusiasts for autocross, driver schools, and social gatherings. The Lehigh Valley Sports Car Club organizes driving tours and car shows. These clubs provide community, technical knowledge, and organized motorsport opportunities at reduced member rates.
Within an hour of Nazareth, New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ (75 miles) offers two premier road courses. Thunderbolt measures 2.25 miles with 12 turns, elevation changes, and speeds exceeding 140mph on the main straight. Lightning provides 1.9 miles with 10 technical turns perfect for learning racecraft. NJMP hosts 150+ track day events annually through multiple organizations. The facility features excellent safety infrastructure including SAFER barriers, extensive run-off areas, and on-site medical staff. Paddock amenities include garages for rent, fuel station, tire mounting services, and camping areas. NJMP also operates a 0.6-mile karting circuit for outdoor kart racing and rental.
Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut sits 95 miles northeast of Nazareth. The 1.53-mile circuit features seven turns including the famous uphill section and Diving Turn. Lime Rock hosts Memorial Day racing traditions, vintage racing weekends, and extensive club racing schedules. The track operates under noise restrictions (no racing after 5pm weekdays), creating a unique quiet atmosphere in Connecticut's countryside. Track days through NASA, PCA, BMW CCA, and other clubs occur throughout the season. Spectator hills provide excellent viewing angles for all track sections. The track's family-friendly environment and scenic location make it popular for multi-day events combining racing with tourism in the Litchfield Hills.
Autocross opportunities abound near Nazareth. SCCA NEPA hosts monthly autocross at Pocono Raceway lots and other venues with large paved areas. Events typically feature 60-100 competitors across classes from stock vehicles to prepared race cars. Course layouts change for each event, using traffic cones to create technical challenges emphasizing car control and precision driving. Most runs last 40-60 seconds, with competitors getting 3-6 runs per event. Timing is electronic to thousandths of a second. Classes ensure fair competition between similar vehicles. Philadelphia Region SCCA runs events 60 miles south with 100+ car fields. These events cost $40-60 and welcome beginners with loaner helmets and course walks explaining autocross fundamentals.
Karting near Nazareth includes Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown (8 miles), featuring a technical indoor track with high-speed straights and tight hairpins. The facility operates European-style karts reaching 50mph indoors. Arrive-and-drive sessions cost $25-30 for 12-minute races. Racing leagues run year-round with championships and trophies. Corporate events and private rentals available. F1 Boston (70 miles) offers electric indoor karting on a longer layout. For outdoor karting, Oakland Valley Race Park in New York (55 miles) provides 0.7 miles of challenging outdoor circuit hosting club racing, practice days, and arrive-and-drive rentals. Serious kart racers can join local clubs running 2-stroke and 4-stroke classes in regional championships.
Nazareth's location between New York City (85 miles) and Philadelphia (65 miles) provides access to urban motorsport facilities and meetups. Cars and Coffee events occur regularly at various venues. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia hosts Demo Days where historic race cars are driven on their lot. The Lime Rock Historic Festival attracts vintage racing from across the Northeast. Nazareth itself maintains car culture through local cruise nights and the annual Nazareth Classic Auto Show. The town's population of 5,700 supports multiple automotive businesses including performance shops, restoration specialists, and racing parts suppliers. Route 191 and Route 248 provide scenic driving roads through the Lehigh Valley with minimal traffic and sweeping curves popular with driving enthusiasts.