100 drivers from 10 different states are registered for the Duryea Hillclimb this weekend, August 21-22. The annual 2.2 mile race takes competitors on an uphill course from 13th Street near City Park, up Duryea Drive past the Pagoda, finishing in front of the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower on Skyline Drive.
The event, which was first run in 1951, is part of the Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association Championship Series. It’s sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America and hosted by the local chapter, Blue Mountain Region SCCA. It’s been run every year since, except for 1979 (gas crisis) and 2020 (COVID-19).
Returning to defend his 2019 title is Bryan Fritzler of Lincoln University, PA. Previous winners, Bob Gardner of Newark DE, Kurt Eikenberg of Stewartstown, PA, and fan favorite Kerry Hitt, of Harrisburg PA.
Competition will begin Saturday August 21, at about 9:30am and continue until approximately 4pm. On Sunday, racing will begin around 9am and end around 4pm.
Map of the Course
For those spectating, the competition is from approximately 9am – 4pm both days. Entry is by donation on site, which benefits the Reading Recreation Commission, a community partnership between the City of Reading and Reading School District, that provides quality programs and facilities to the residents of Reading.
Clymer St., between Walnut St. and Hill Rd., will be closed off for the pit area. There is no dedicated parking. You can park anywhere in the area of Walnut St. and 13th St./Clymer St. or down in city park to access the lower portion of the course and the pits.
Spectators can access Turns 2, 3, and 4 by walking up Lombard Street and hiking on a short path up the hill. There are Bleachers between turns 2 and 3. Fans can also access Turns 7 and 8 by parking near the intersection of Hill Rd and Hill Rd, and hiking up a short path in the woods. There are Bleachers between turns 7 and 8.
There will be a Shuttle Bus for spectators to take. The shuttle will travel all the way to the fire tower / finish line and return, with stops at several points along the way. Rider-ship is by donation with donations going to the Reading Recreation Center at Third and Spruce. Shuttle picks up from the intersection of Clymer St. and Hill Rd.
