Drivers from several states are registered and ready to push their vehicles to the limit this weekend in the annual Pagoda Hillclimb. This year’s event will be held June 24-25, 2023, just above City Park at the bottom of Duryea Drive.
The Hillclimb, part of the Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association (PHA) Championship Series, is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and is hosted by the local chapter, Blue Mountain Region SCCA.
The Pagoda Hillclimb is a time trial event. Cars compete one at a time with the goal to set the fastest single pass time in their class up Mount Penn. The start line is just a few feet up from the intersection of Clymer Street and Duryea Drive, and the finish line is just below the Pagoda. The length of the course is about 1.35 miles.
Last year’s overall winner, Mark Aubele of Irwin, PA, will be returning to defend his title. He’ll be up against stiff competition from some previous winners, all eager to reclaim “King of The Hill” status.
For those spectating, competition begins Saturday at about 9:30am and continues until approximately 4pm. On Sunday, the event gets underway about 9am and ends around 4pm. Admission is by voluntary donation and benefits Pagoda-Skyline, Inc.
Clymer St., between Walnut St. and Hill Rd., will be closed off and this is used for the pit area. In addition, spectators should be aware there is no dedicated parking for the event. Parking can usually be found anywhere in the area of Walnut Street 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. To access Turns 7 and 8, park on Hill Road just past Steuben Road, and hike up a short path in the woods. There are also bleachers between turns 7 and 8.
A shuttle bus will be in service both days taking riders to the Pagoda and various spectating areas. Ridership is by voluntary donation to the Reading Recreation Center.
For additional details visit: bmr-scca.org or visit the Reading Hillclimbs Facebook page.
