Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Pittsburgh International Race Complex 201 Penndale Road Wampum, PA 16157
Year Opened: 2002
Motorsports Outside the Steel City
Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners.
However, for all the positives for the updated facility, there is a general lack of access for fans, as well as a very inconspicuous location. Nevertheless, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend is by far the biggest pro event on the track’s calendar, meaning fans flock to this track for a taste of top-level motorsports.
Food & Beverage 2
There isn’t a permanent concession stand anywhere at the track, so food trucks are brought in for fans. On top of the fan viewing hill is an ice cream/shaved ice truck that offers drinks and cold snacks, while down in the main paddock a local BBQ food truck is stationed, featuring both breakfast and lunch menus for fans and crews. Selections for food can change from race event to race event, which means prices are unpredictable.
Other than the food trucks, a few vending machines for drinks are located around the facility. To make matters worse, the only real food options immediately outside the track itself is a local Subway shop that gets quite busy.
Atmosphere 3
This track is beautiful – verdant vistas greet you in all directions, and well-manicured grounds make for a welcoming sight. There is also a go-kart track on site, as well as a fan shop and an event center for rent. Victory lane is located in the paddock, allowing easy fan access to watch the winner get their trophy at the end of the race.
Unfortunately there are also some major downsides to the track; fan viewing options are limited, and there aren’t a lot of shade trees to help you beat the summer heat. Overall, while aesthetically pleasing, there is still much work to be done for the circuit to challenge others in the Northeast region for fan attention.
Neighborhood 2
There isn’t too much nearby for fans to find at Pitt Race – the track is located down a small road that turns off seemingly into a neighborhood. Outside the circuit, few hotels and restaurants exist aside from a Subway and some old-fashioned motels. The nearest highway exit with proper restaurants and hotel chains is about 20-25 minutes south of the track.
Fans 3
The fans at Pittsburgh International Race Complex are casual enjoyers of motorsports; this region of the country doesn’t have a long history for sportscar racing, meaning that most fans in attendance aren’t in the diehard category. On top of that there aren’t a lot of attendees on hand, even on Sunday for the main event. This means that palpable feeling of excitement you get at other tracks is hard to find at Pitt Race.
Access 3
The track is located only a few miles from a major highway, which makes getting to the circuit rather easy. However, its location is very well hidden, and signage is at an absolute minimum. The road up to the track’s entry gate is small and unkempt, making you doubt whether you made the right turn.
In addition, once inside fans can only access just under half of the circuit trackside – the entirety of the far side of the track, as well as all the infield areas, are off limits, even to media due to a lack of walls or barriers. Where crossover bridges and infield viewing areas would be a welcome addition for fans to take in more of the track, they’re forced to settle for viewing from the top of the fan hill only, or from the event center balcony.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here start at $20 for a Friday ticket, while Saturday or Sunday access runs $30. A weekend pass is available for $65, while family four packs ($175) and two-packs ($125) that include general parking are also available. This means watching professional racing at Pitt Race won’t break the bank to get in the front door.
Extras 3
The flag poles near the event center feature memorial plaques for several members of Corvettes of Pennsylvania, who were friends of the track. Also, as is tradition at SpeedTour events, a fan walk takes place before the main Trans Am races, giving fans the chance to see the cars and stars of the races on track up close and personal. Finally, the circuit features a go-kart track on site, allowing anyone who has the need for speed to get a sample of what it’s like to race.
Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh International Race Complex features so much potential to be a great facility – a challenging track that looks pretty to the eye, it unfortunately lacks the finer touches fans crave in terms of both creature comforts and overall access around the circuit. While tickets are inexpensive to come watch Trans Am and vintage SVRA racing here, there isn’t too much to truly draw fans to this track over others in the region.
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