Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading is city in southeastern Pennsylvania with population of 95,000 in city proper and 420,000 in metro area. Located 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City, Reading historically served as industrial manufacturing center and today maintains active automotive culture. The city provides excellent access to premier racing circuits in Mid-Atlantic region, all within 90-minute drive.
New Jersey Motorsports Park (90 miles east, 1.5 hours via I-76 and NJ Turnpike) in Millville operates on 500+ acres with two world-class circuits. The technical 2.25-mile Thunderbolt Raceway (fully repaved 2024) features 12 turns with significant elevation changes. The high-speed 1.9-mile Lightning Raceway offers flowing layout with long straights. Regional and national sportscar and motorcycle clubs hold hundreds of track day events each season. SCDA (Sports Car Driving Association) organizes regular events with pricing $350-450 per day including instructor coaching for beginners. TrackDaze, PCA, BMW CCA, and Ferrari Club also run frequent events. NJMP hosts MotoAmerica Pro Road Racing, 24 Hours of LeMons, American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, and SCCA Pro Racing F2000 Championship. Pocono Raceway (100 miles north, 1.5 hours via I-476) operates famous 2.5-mile tri-oval plus 22 road course configurations from 0.5 to 3.65 miles. The facility hosts 200+ annual events including NASCAR national series and extensive club racing through SCCA and EMRA (Eastern Motor Racing Association). Summit Point Motorsports Park (150 miles west, 2.5 hours) in West Virginia offers four circuits with 100+ annual track days. Watkins Glen (220 miles north) provides access to legendary 3.4-mile circuit.
Philadelphia Region SCCA is primary motorsport organization for Reading area, organizing autocross monthly at various venues attracting 80-120 competitors. Annual membership $115, events $50-60. The region supports road racing at neighboring tracks with volunteer workers and event officials. South Jersey Region SCCA offers additional autocross, rally, and track sprint events. Riesentöter Region Porsche Club of America hosts autocross and track days at NJMP, Pocono, and other venues. Monthly autocross attracts 60-100 participants. PCA membership $50 annually, events $50-70. BMW CCA Philadelphia Chapter runs driver schools and social events. The chapter organizes track days at NJMP and Summit Point with instructor training for beginners. Ferrari Club of America Mid-Atlantic Region coordinates track events and tours. N2 Track Days organizes motorcycle track events at NJMP, Pocono, and regional circuits.
Autocross venues in Reading area include parking lots at malls and fairgrounds through Philadelphia SCCA organizing 8-10 events annually. Format is beginner-friendly with loaner helmets and ride-alongs. Karting facilities exist in Lehigh Valley (30 miles north) and indoor facilities in Reading area. Maple Grove Raceway (50 miles southeast) operates quarter-mile drag strip hosting NHRA national events. Rally through SCCA RallyCross at regional venues in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The region benefits from highway access I-76, I-78, US-222 providing quick routes to all major circuits. Reading has strong automotive heritage and active car culture. Monthly Cars and Coffee events at various locations attract 200+ vehicles. Reading Fairgrounds hosts automotive swap meets and car shows. The area supports performance shops, tuning services, and specialty parts suppliers serving Philadelphia motorsport market. Reading's proximity to NJMP, Pocono, and Summit Point makes it excellent base for track day enthusiasts seeking variety. Lower cost of living compared to Philadelphia attracts motorsport participants looking for affordable home base with premium track access.