Best PA Track?

ThatOneKid
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Pittsburgh, PA US
3/22/2023 9:08am
ga_pike wrote:
Adding to the D5 RIP list: 1. Challenger 2. Rocky Ridge 3. Mountain View (practice track in Uniontown) 4. Brownsville 5. Beaver Valley 6. Motordrome Speedway...

Adding to the D5 RIP list:

1. Challenger

2. Rocky Ridge

3. Mountain View (practice track in Uniontown)

4. Brownsville

5. Beaver Valley

6. Motordrome Speedway

7. Farmington VFD Arenacross

+ Field of Dreams and R&D Raceway

Spoonguy
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Mc Kean, PA US
3/22/2023 9:17am

Rider planet has a pretty comprehensive list.

BobPA
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3/22/2023 9:24am

Tough to make a top 5 as they have changed so much in the last few years. I used to love Hurricane Hills, but it has gone to absolute dog shit now.

1. Pagoda

2. Breezewood (Track is meh, but the facility is awesome. We get a big group to camp every year)

3. Sleepy Hollow

4. High Point 

5. Happy Ramblers

Back when John Knowles (Scott Goggles) ran Evansville it was the place to be. Old school moto, fast, with big elevation changes and some big booters. Now they haven't picked rocks since 2007 and the layout does not utilize the monster hills. 

Miles Mountain was also awesome, but he let the prep slack in the last few years and I think it is done. Easily top-5 though. 

1
hummed46
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Why You Wanna Know?, PA US
3/22/2023 9:30am

Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few of the tracks that have gone under.  Seems like someone will buy a track, then gets tired of maintaining it until finally the patronage slows, then they can't justify the costs and the place eventually closes.  Club tracks it seams there's always someone else in the membership base to pick up the torch.

I'd like to see Pagoda bring back a few of the bigger step-ups, I remember them being more defined a decade ago.  There are only three on the track right now for 2023 but they were always the best part.  I like the new layout though, kindof like a big H.

2

The Shop

PatH
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That One, PA US
Fantasy
3/22/2023 9:35am
joemez wrote:
Its been years since i raced in Pa 1987-88 i only raced at Hickory hills a few times i dont even remember where exactaly but i...

Its been years since i raced in Pa 1987-88 i only raced at Hickory hills a few times i dont even remember where exactaly but i raced against Davey Yesyk on 80s .. Anyone remember the track?? It was s strip mined area,uphills 

Are you talking about Hillsville?  I am from Western Pa, I grew up riding there… and still do. 

1
BobPA
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3/22/2023 9:36am
hummed46 wrote:
Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few...

Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few of the tracks that have gone under.  Seems like someone will buy a track, then gets tired of maintaining it until finally the patronage slows, then they can't justify the costs and the place eventually closes.  Club tracks it seams there's always someone else in the membership base to pick up the torch.

I'd like to see Pagoda bring back a few of the bigger step-ups, I remember them being more defined a decade ago.  There are only three on the track right now for 2023 but they were always the best part.  I like the new layout though, kindof like a big H.

They had some pretty serious step-ups around 2010 or so. The layout is a lot tamer now, but still fun. My only gripe is the crowds, that place is an absolute zoo in the early season haha.

TAUTOG
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Mohrsville, PA US
3/22/2023 10:37am
hummed46 wrote:
Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few...

Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few of the tracks that have gone under.  Seems like someone will buy a track, then gets tired of maintaining it until finally the patronage slows, then they can't justify the costs and the place eventually closes.  Club tracks it seams there's always someone else in the membership base to pick up the torch.

I'd like to see Pagoda bring back a few of the bigger step-ups, I remember them being more defined a decade ago.  There are only three on the track right now for 2023 but they were always the best part.  I like the new layout though, kindof like a big H.

Isn't Pagoda soon to be a landfill? There have been talks for a while now about the track moving right?

DC817
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OH US
3/22/2023 11:05am

I’d vote Pleasure Valley. High Point is good too but they really cut the track down for amateur racing. MX Acres is a fun little practice track with one of the better 50 tracks I’ve seen. My kid loves their 50 track. 

1
oblitz
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Canfield, OH US
3/22/2023 11:28am

Harbor Woods

MXer391
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Altoona, PA US
3/22/2023 12:17pm

Are you talking about racing or practice tracks? Pleasure Valley and Doublin Gap get excellent turnouts for races in their series (PAMX and MDRA). MX Acres is a very nice practice facility. High Point is just a legendary MX circuit. 

The Oak Mx Park (a track which I help work at) and Rocket MX are also starting a new series (Appalachian Outlaw MX) and have practice days almost every weekend. Both tracks have great ownership who are investing in the sport. 

We are fortunate to still have some good options throughout PA. 

1
Meister
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Canton, OH US
3/22/2023 12:18pm
DC817 wrote:
I’d vote Pleasure Valley. High Point is good too but they really cut the track down for amateur racing. MX Acres is a fun little practice...

I’d vote Pleasure Valley. High Point is good too but they really cut the track down for amateur racing. MX Acres is a fun little practice track with one of the better 50 tracks I’ve seen. My kid loves their 50 track. 

High point certainly left alot to be desired at the vet race. The actual track, like at a regional, is more fun.

I wish they would've kept steel city and dozed high point to be honest. 

3
1
olderandYZer
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Bellefonte , WV US
3/22/2023 12:35pm

I find it interesting reading the comments. Either your East Pa or West PA.  Most never raced in the other area.  At one time it would be called District 5  (west) and District 6 (east).

I've raced both areas. I lived near State College, PA  so both were equal distance to drive.  D6 area is by far a better area to race today than D5.  All you have to do as look how many tracks that are operational AND racing in the area. D5 is dead and replaced by PAMX.  PAMX is a shell of District 5, as evident the powerhouse riders in D5 are gone at the amature and pro level compared to the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. D6 still has many of those types of people  

 

Breezewood Proving Grounds probably gets more people by far than any other track in PA.  If numbers mean anything, then that place wins hands down. It has a cult following.....just go on their FB page and you'll find out how diehard people are and love BPG!

 

It's no contest.  

1
Meister
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3/22/2023 12:58pm

I duno why but when I think D5, there's one name that still resonates..

Gene Stull

Baddd dude. Looked pro with that yellow/red/black fox gear him and 199 always wore.

 

YZer, I'm pretty guilty as being a western pa guy as I'm from NE Ohio. Good catch.

3/22/2023 1:22pm
I find it interesting reading the comments. Either your East Pa or West PA.  Most never raced in the other area.  At one time it would...

I find it interesting reading the comments. Either your East Pa or West PA.  Most never raced in the other area.  At one time it would be called District 5  (west) and District 6 (east).

I've raced both areas. I lived near State College, PA  so both were equal distance to drive.  D6 area is by far a better area to race today than D5.  All you have to do as look how many tracks that are operational AND racing in the area. D5 is dead and replaced by PAMX.  PAMX is a shell of District 5, as evident the powerhouse riders in D5 are gone at the amature and pro level compared to the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. D6 still has many of those types of people  

 

Breezewood Proving Grounds probably gets more people by far than any other track in PA.  If numbers mean anything, then that place wins hands down. It has a cult following.....just go on their FB page and you'll find out how diehard people are and love BPG!

 

It's no contest.  

Breezewood for those that don’t know the area or the state. It’s all hills say going west on i76 Penn turn pike where down shifting 4 gears  & Jake brake wo with stage braking. You can’t drive junk in Pa. Like in Green Bay. Our local track from my garage to the track is aprox 24 mi. I get there & there’s 3 90,s 2-st in a 200 dollar old wooden trl pulled by a rusted out mini van.  But they ride every week . 

BobPA
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PA US
3/22/2023 1:27pm
I find it interesting reading the comments. Either your East Pa or West PA.  Most never raced in the other area.  At one time it would...

I find it interesting reading the comments. Either your East Pa or West PA.  Most never raced in the other area.  At one time it would be called District 5  (west) and District 6 (east).

I've raced both areas. I lived near State College, PA  so both were equal distance to drive.  D6 area is by far a better area to race today than D5.  All you have to do as look how many tracks that are operational AND racing in the area. D5 is dead and replaced by PAMX.  PAMX is a shell of District 5, as evident the powerhouse riders in D5 are gone at the amature and pro level compared to the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. D6 still has many of those types of people  

 

Breezewood Proving Grounds probably gets more people by far than any other track in PA.  If numbers mean anything, then that place wins hands down. It has a cult following.....just go on their FB page and you'll find out how diehard people are and love BPG!

 

It's no contest.  

PA is a wide bitch, that it why there is such a separation. Breezewood is 3.5 hours from me. High Point is 5 hours and 15 minutes.... And I and not even on the far east side of the state. 

1
3/22/2023 1:27pm

That’s the west bound hill b4 Breezewood. I give you ne riders a lot of respect for what you go threw just to ride.  Funny that most riders at the local track just Love to ride. They don’t follow pro racing or know any of there names. Pure fun of riding not to be like some pro. 

mxnick
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Nor Cal, CA US
3/22/2023 2:19pm
hummed46 wrote:
Looking for a ranking of the top 5 tracks in Pennsylvania...anyone want to add names?  Seems like theres a lot! Dublin Gap Sleepy Hollow Pagoda Hurricane...

Looking for a ranking of the top 5 tracks in Pennsylvania...anyone want to add names?  Seems like theres a lot!

Dublin Gap

Sleepy Hollow

Pagoda

Hurricane Hills

Rocket MX

Evansville

Happy Ramblers

Dutchmen

Whole lot more?

Trail Way Speedway in Hanover. 
 

Just kidding, that placed SUCKED. DId a LL qualie there in 1995 and it was beyond garbage. 
 

Evansville used to be awesome. Nowadays I am not so sure. 

jtmaster
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165
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Location
Ephrata, PA US
3/22/2023 2:26pm
hummed46 wrote:
Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few...

Right on!  I think the best thing Pagoda has going for it is it's a club, so not tied to any one person like a few of the tracks that have gone under.  Seems like someone will buy a track, then gets tired of maintaining it until finally the patronage slows, then they can't justify the costs and the place eventually closes.  Club tracks it seams there's always someone else in the membership base to pick up the torch.

I'd like to see Pagoda bring back a few of the bigger step-ups, I remember them being more defined a decade ago.  There are only three on the track right now for 2023 but they were always the best part.  I like the new layout though, kindof like a big H.

TAUTOG wrote:

Isn't Pagoda soon to be a landfill? There have been talks for a while now about the track moving right?

They have been talking about moving for years. I was a member till I moved further away. I believe it is a land swap deal with the landfill and Pagoda is moving a couple miles east on 422. Don’t know what the land is like though. When I let my membership lapse last year I think they were starting to work on the new location. 

1
mikemike214
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Hammonton, NJ US
3/22/2023 2:27pm

Doublin gap, pleasure valley, pagoda and Dutchmen are our favorite pa tracks.  If your closer to nj then Fod and etown are even better ($$$ though)

1
FahQ
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NJ US
3/22/2023 4:23pm
ga_pike wrote:
Adding to the D5 RIP list: 1. Challenger 2. Rocky Ridge 3. Mountain View (practice track in Uniontown) 4. Brownsville 5. Beaver Valley 6. Motordrome Speedway...

Adding to the D5 RIP list:

1. Challenger

2. Rocky Ridge

3. Mountain View (practice track in Uniontown)

4. Brownsville

5. Beaver Valley

6. Motordrome Speedway

7. Farmington VFD Arenacross

Jack Frost 

sandtrack315
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Philadelphia, PA US
3/22/2023 5:08pm

Is Dutchmen worth the 2 hour drive from Philadelphia?

hummed46 wrote:

Where at in Philly?  I work on Market st.  Live north of the city a little ways.  Always looking for guys to ride with.

Mount Airy!

mikemike214
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3/22/2023 5:22pm

Is Dutchmen worth the 2 hour drive from Philadelphia?

hummed46 wrote:

Where at in Philly?  I work on Market st.  Live north of the city a little ways.  Always looking for guys to ride with.

Mount Airy!

Dutchmen is a fun track if you like ruts, a little tight but still fun. 

1
Spoonguy
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Mc Kean, PA US
3/22/2023 5:30pm Edited Date/Time 3/22/2023 5:31pm

None of the people I ride with have any idea who Adam Ciancirulou, Stu Baylor, Mitch Payton, or Ryan Sipes are, or couldn't pick Travis Pastrana or Ricky Carmichael out of a police line-up, but still ride at least 200 hours a year. That's Pennsylvania!

2
hummed46
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Why You Wanna Know?, PA US
3/22/2023 6:16pm

Is Dutchmen worth the 2 hour drive from Philadelphia?

hummed46 wrote:

Where at in Philly?  I work on Market st.  Live north of the city a little ways.  Always looking for guys to ride with.

Mount Airy!

Nice i take the ft washington train everyday.

 

Aparently theres a new track in Pennsburg called the Wentz Training Facility....lol WTF.  Private track but its on the district 6 facebook page.  Anyone heard of it?

1
Trevor91
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Kempton, PA US
3/22/2023 6:51pm

Miles Mtn in elkland is the best track hands down in pa! I live 40 ish min from pagoda and sleepy and pine grove and always enjoyed the 4 hour ride to miles the most! awesome elevation changes and great prep everytime we went. I hope they arent closed for good now

1
cwel11
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Orangeville, PA US
3/23/2023 2:56am

Is Dutchmen worth the 2 hour drive from Philadelphia?

I think so. They have no elevation changes but over the years have been bringing in better soil. It gets deep. Great track to practice ruts!  Rocket also another good one with more elevation. 

3
AH387
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Bridgeville, PA US
3/23/2023 4:07am
I’m fortunate enough to live about 20 minutes from MX Acres. It gets better each year. Big track, kids track and woods loop. If you’re in...

I’m fortunate enough to live about 20 minutes from MX Acres. It gets better each year. Big track, kids track and woods loop. If you’re in the area it’s worth a visit. This would be my favorite for Western PA  

High Point is fun if you can make it to one of the few open practices per year. Iconic but rarely open.

Switchback has open practice very regularly, multiple race events and an indoor AX track. My kid loves the indoor. 
 

 

Those are my "go-to" tracks also. Easiest for me to get to and I really enjoy both places. I couldn't say how they compare to some of the other popular tracks elsewhere in the state but I like those 2 and High Point.

Someone mentioned the old D5 days. Challenger was my favorite. I loved that place, even though it seemed like a lot of people didn't. Also, PVR is a great track and facility. I haven't raced there in years but it's always been a nice track.

High Voltage was a cool track too, which is now gone.

Airick
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Location
Hollywood, MD US
3/23/2023 4:32am

There was a d6 track called Bushkill Valley in the 90s, might still exist.  That place had the hugest hills I’ve ever seen on an mx track.  I think they held hill climbs there too. 

1
ga_pike
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Valdosta, GA US
3/23/2023 4:47am
I’m fortunate enough to live about 20 minutes from MX Acres. It gets better each year. Big track, kids track and woods loop. If you’re in...

I’m fortunate enough to live about 20 minutes from MX Acres. It gets better each year. Big track, kids track and woods loop. If you’re in the area it’s worth a visit. This would be my favorite for Western PA  

High Point is fun if you can make it to one of the few open practices per year. Iconic but rarely open.

Switchback has open practice very regularly, multiple race events and an indoor AX track. My kid loves the indoor. 
 

 

AH387 wrote:
Those are my "go-to" tracks also. Easiest for me to get to and I really enjoy both places. I couldn't say how they compare to some...

Those are my "go-to" tracks also. Easiest for me to get to and I really enjoy both places. I couldn't say how they compare to some of the other popular tracks elsewhere in the state but I like those 2 and High Point.

Someone mentioned the old D5 days. Challenger was my favorite. I loved that place, even though it seemed like a lot of people didn't. Also, PVR is a great track and facility. I haven't raced there in years but it's always been a nice track.

High Voltage was a cool track too, which is now gone.

Challenger was always my favorite track as well.  The layout kinda reminded me of Red Bud a little bit and you could see the entire track from the area on top by the tower.  The jumps were all very safe...  except maybe the series at the finish line.  Those were a little sketchy on an 80 and I had a few close calls in there.  

1
3/23/2023 5:25am
ga_pike wrote:
Challenger was always my favorite track as well.  The layout kinda reminded me of Red Bud a little bit and you could see the entire track...

Challenger was always my favorite track as well.  The layout kinda reminded me of Red Bud a little bit and you could see the entire track from the area on top by the tower.  The jumps were all very safe...  except maybe the series at the finish line.  Those were a little sketchy on an 80 and I had a few close calls in there.  

Are we talking Challenger outside of Indiana?  My family lived ~5 minutes from there.  Was a shame to see it shut down.

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