Hillclimb racers from as far away as Arizona are registered for the Duryea Hillclimb this weekend, August 19-20.
The event, 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. This will be the 71st running of the event which has been run every year since, except for 1979 (gas crisis) and 2020 (Covid-19).
The start line of the 2.2 mile course is at the intersection of Duryea Drive and 13th Street Extension, and the Finish line is at William Penn Memorial Fire Tower on Skyline Drive.
Returning to defend his “2022 King Of The Hill” title is Mark Aubele of Irwin PA. He’ll be up against stiff competition from previous overall winners Bryan Fritzler of Lincoln University, PA, J. Kurt Eikenberg of Stewartstown, PA, and Ron Moreck of Kingston, PA.
Competition will begin Saturday August 19th about 9:30am and continues until about 4pm, with a lunch break around noon. On Sunday, racing will begin around 9am and end around 4pm, with a break for lunch around noon. Admission is by voluntary donation and benefits Pagoda-Skyline, Inc.
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.
Map of the Course
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 William Penn Fire Tower, which is the race finish line, with stops at several points along the way. Rider-ship is by donation with donations going to the Reading Recreation Commission. Shuttle picks up from the intersection of Clymer Street and Hill Road.
For more info go to bmr-scca.org/spectate or connect on Facebook at the “Reading Hillclimbs” page.
