"Inside the 2025 Pagoda Hillclimb: Route, Race Highlights & Winners"

Last weekend, I got my adrenaline fix at the annual Pagoda Hillclimb in Reading, PA, held June 21–22, 2025, an iconic SCCA‑sanctioned event on Duryea Drive, right near the historic Pagoda atop Mount Penn. Tracing its roots back to the SCCA hill climbs of the 1950s and officially running since 1951, this 1.35‑mile course rises roughly 410 ft through nine hair‑raising turns. 🛣️ The Road Trip: Scranton → Reading I rolled out early Saturday from Scranton. The drive south on I‑81, then a brief cut through PA‑309 and I‑78 delivered me into Berks County by brunch. Parking near Clymer & Duryea was easy, and I hopped onto the shuttle that ferried fans up Skyline Drive to prime viewing spots near the Pagoda, perfect for catching those roaring runs near the summit . 🏞️ Venue & Atmosphere The hill is lined with excited fans, tents, camper‑vans, and enthusiasts drooling over everything from vintage Spec Miatas to highly tuned formula cars. The Pagoda and the William Penn Fire Tower loom overhead, offering iconic photo ops and a breathtaking skyline backdrop. Saturday evening featured a laid‑back cookout at the Fire Tower, classic hill‑climb hospitality. 🏁 Race Format & Classes The format: solo time‑trial runs, seeking fastest ascent for each class. Competitors are grouped into: Group 1: Street Prepared, Touring, Spec Miata, Vintage & Historic, etc. Group 2: Sports Racers, Formula cars, GT, Super Touring, etc. Runs kicked off around 9:30 AM on Saturday, and similarly on Sunday, with awards and cleanup concluding by 5 PM. 🔥 The Action Engines thundered through tight switchbacks. I was especially captivated by a lightweight formula car in Group 2—its down‑shifts and precise line through Turn 6 were poetry in motion. In Group 1, a Spec Miata kept pace with heavier setups, its roll‑bar echoing from one hairpin to the next under smoky brakes. The challenge of managing traction on uneven pavement between trees, with the Pagoda as a scenic anchor, made every run unique. 🏆 Conclusion & Victors When dust settled, local favorite Ron Moreck (panning shot above in his 2002 Norma M20) claimed overall victory and King of the Hill honors, adding to his championship legacy on this machine. Word is he shattered the 2023 record of ~73.2 sec—reportedly clocking in around 72 sec—though official timing was still finalizing. Meanwhile, standout performers in Group 1 included a blistering Spec Miata driver setting a personal best, nearly two seconds faster than Saturday’s practice. 🚗 Final Take In just under 4 minutes of scenic, hands‑on driving, Pagoda Hillclimb delivers raw motorsport thrills and community vibes, with racers pushing machines up hairpins, fans soaking in mountain views, and the legendary Pagoda keeping watch. If you're a gearhead in the Northeast, this historic hill climb should be on your bucket list, just be ready to chase that perfect run up the mountain! Want next year’s insider tips, parking hacks, best spectator spots, or how to prep a novice car? I’ve got you covered.

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