Nazareth is a small town in Pennsylvania, United States which many consider to be the epicenter of American motorcycle racing. The town is home to the speedway, which is a half-mile oval that is most recognizable for its iconic yellow and blue colors. The speedway was built in 1934 and until recently has been the home of some of the biggest names in American racing, including the late great Kenny Roberts and former racing greats Lee Erwin and Harry Hyde.
The Mecca Of Motorcycle Racing
The speedway isn’t the only piece of sporting infrastructure in Nazareth; the town is also home to an NBA basketball team that plays in the Eastern Conference. However, it’s safe to say that the local paper prints more articles about the motorcyclist lifestyle than it does about the basketball team.
It’s difficult to put into words what the speedway at Nazareth is all about. For those who have never been there, here are some of the things you should know:
The Rivalry Between The Flyers And The Steelers
There are two major sports organizations in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Flyers. While the rivalry between the two is one of the best in all of professional sports, it doesn’t actually have much to do with the town of Nazareth. The reason behind this is that the Flyers and Browns organizations, which is now the Steelers, were established prior to the existence of Pennsylvania’s other major city, and so the rivalry is older than either of the teams themselves.
The Town’s Main Street Is A Beating Heart Of The Community
The center of town is referred to as the heart of the community, and for good reason. Not only does it house city hall, the library, and the historical society, but it also serves as a meeting place for locals and has a café and ice cream parlor that are open to everyone. This is an important aspect of a small town; it’s where people go to socialize, discover local events, and find out what is going on around town.
Another unique feature about the central business district is how it handles Christmas. Instead of Christmas trees and decorations, the street is lined with fake snow and a menorah. This is to symbolize the Jewish and Christian holidays that occur each year.
The Great American Race
The great American race is an annual motorsport event that was inspired by the Indianapolis 500 and is the oldest continuous sports event in America. It takes place on the last Sunday in October each year at the speedway, which means that the next race is going to take place on Sunday, October 27, 2020.
For those who love bikes and motorsport, this is a must-see event. The tradition of the great American race is to have it start at midday and continue until dusk. The first-ever edition of this event, which was inspired by the Indianapolis 500, took place in 1935 and was won by Louis Meyer of Indianapolis.
The Historic Track
The speedway isn’t the only thing that catches people’s eyes in Nazareth; the historic track, which is 1.9 miles long, is another major draw. The track was constructed in 1911 and has been the home of some of the greatest names in American open-wheel racing. Some of the famous individuals who raced here include A.J. Foyt, Barney Oldfield, and Wilbur Shaw. One of the best things about the track is that it is open to the public, which means that anyone can go out there and watch the racing live.
The historical significance of the track doesn’t stop there, though. Part of what inspired the great American race was the idea to have a road race through the town. This part of the race is known as the Sullivan Street Memorial Cup and is named after the late Frank “Cannonball’ Sullivan. The cup, which is sponsored by the local paper, The Morning Call, is awarded to the drivers who complete the entire course without hitting anything. The first driver to do this was Barney Oldfield in 1935 and the most recent winner is Brendan Jones of Las Vegas.
Ticket Prices And Seating
Although the speedway isn’t exactly a family-friendly event, it doesn’t mean that the prices are outrageous. Adult tickets range between $10 and $30, while senior and student tickets cost just $5. There are also discounts available for children and military personnel. If you want to sit down and watch the race, you will need to get a ticket in advance and once the gate opens, you will have to find a place to stand (unless you want to sit on the grass, which is usually against the rules).
The Historic Landmarks
Another thing that makes Nazareth unique is its collection of historic landmarks. Many of these landmarks were built in the early 1900s and since then have stood the test of time. These include City Hall, the Carnegie Library, the Reading Machine that Was Once the Office of the Mayor, and the old Carnegie library, which is now the site of a museum dedicated to the bicycle.
Just because these buildings are historic doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth visiting. The site of the old municipal stadium, for example, has been turned into a beautiful, multi-use sports and entertainment complex that features a roller rink and an amphitheater that can host concerts. It’s part of a new development that will include housing and commercial space.
The Local Culture
Finally, we have the local culture. It would be a shame to leave out the fact that Nazareth is home to the Pennsylvania Dutch, who are well-known for their delicious cuisine. If you visit town during the annual Apple Festival, which takes place every year in September, you will have the opportunity to sample their famous apple pies and other baked goods. While you are there, don’t forget to get a mug to drink coffee or cider out of. The local culture here is very interesting; it’s something that hasn’t been repeated since the early 1900s and for that reason, it will be interesting to see how the next decade develops.