Historical Marker Planned For Heidelberg Raceway

Cars used to roar around its racetrack and the traveling circus often erected its massive Big Top in the infield.

But the old Heidelberg Raceway faded into the memory of many residents years ago as the track closed and big box retail stores took over the land straddling Heidelberg and Scott Township.

In recent months, though, Heidelberg officials worked hard to have it designated as a historical site after finding compelling and unique stories. Their efforts paid off as the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved a historical marker that will be installed next year.

Heidelberg Borough Manager Joe Kauer, who grew up in nearby Glendale, said he remembers the site more for its retail stores rather than a racetrack. Now there are big box stores such as , , and .

That’s why, Kauer said, it is so important to acknowledge the history made on that tract of land.

“It’s nice to see something there to commemorate it because my generation and younger people don’t really know it except for a bunch of department stores,” Kauer told Chartiers Valley Patch.

The marker will be placed next to Route 50 between the and , and will look like similar blue signs with yellow lettering. The borough will now turn its attention to fundraising the $2,500 needed for the customized state historical sign.

Kauer said he did research and learned that the track was known for more than just the racing.

Kauer found that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus had its final show under the famous Big Top at the racetrack on July 16, 1956 in which LIFE Magazine reported that “a magical era had passed forever.” The traveling manpower needed to build the massive tent and numerous other shelters had become too burdensome and expensive.

Soon, the circus moved into new arenas that could support their acts, meaning the last true Big Top happened at Heidelberg Raceway.

“Who would’ve thought a major piece of circus history happened right in our backyard,” Kauer said.

Other history includes four NASCAR races run at the track, including the first one in 1949 that legendary driver Lee Petty won. Besides national races, the speedway was a popular spot for local drivers racing on the half-mile asphalt and quarter-mile dirt tracks.

However, the track closed in 1973 and soon became a retail shopping center now called Raceway Plaza.

“This roadside historical marker will be a great testament for the ages to recognize the historical significance the Heidelberg Raceway had upon our borough, region, and let alone our country,” Kauer said.