Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway is a no-frills dirt oval located just outside Imperial, in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, where the Mon Valley meets the Allegheny Plateau. This region has a long tradition of grassroots motorsports, and the speedway fits right in—unpaved, straightforward, and built for weekly racing action. The track sees a mix of local and regional drivers competing in classes like late models, modifieds, and street stocks, drawing a loyal following from nearby communities like Export, Delmont, and Murrysville. If you're looking for polished stadium-style events, this isn't it. But if you appreciate raw, close-quarters racing on clay, the sight and sound of cars sliding through the turns under the lights is hard to beat. The facility includes basic grandstand seating with a clear view of the entire oval, minimal sightlines blocked by support structures. Concessions are available trackside, offering the standard fare—hot dogs, soda, and snacks—so you won’t need to leave during heats and features. Parking is ample and typically free, with a laid-back, family-friendly crowd that shows up early to claim spots along the front stretch. Because it’s a dirt track, conditions change throughout the night depending on weather and track prep, making for unpredictable racing. It’s a solid choice for locals wanting an affordable night out, motorsports fans tracking regional series, or newcomers curious about short-track racing in Western Pennsylvania. Events usually follow a Saturday night schedule during the warmer months, but check local listings for updates.
Watch: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway
Know Before You Go
- Race nights
- Most short tracks run Friday or Saturday night events from April through October. Always check the season calendar — many venues take rain dates or holiday breaks.
- Ticket pricing
- General admission is typically $15-40 for adults, pit passes $50-100. Children are often free or half-price. Bigger sanctioned events (touring series) cost more.
- What's racing
- Local oval classes commonly include late models, modifieds, sprint cars, hobby stock, and street stock. Bigger ovals also host NASCAR Weekly Series feature races.
- Bring earplugs
- Open-exhaust race cars push 130-145 dB at the fence — well above the threshold for hearing damage. Bring foam plugs or over-ear protection for kids.
- Schedule rhythm
- Race nights follow a consistent flow: hot laps and qualifying, heat races, then feature events. Plan for a 4-5 hour evening from gates open to checkered flag.