Racing along the Lincoln Highway

Pennsylvania has a rich history of automobile racing along the Lincoln Highway. Perhaps our earliest race car hero was Ray Keech. He was born in Coatesville in 1900 and by 1928 he recorded the land speed record of 207 mph in an experimental White-Simplex automobile with 36 cylinder engine made in Philadelphia. He was a world celebrity. Tragically, on June 15, 1929 he died in a crash during an auto race at the notorious Altoona board track and returned to Coatesville for burial and to be forgotten for his early racing achievements.

There are still a number of race tracks along the Lincoln Highway where you can catch a race during your visit to the conference. The Bedford Speedway at the fairgrounds is celebrating their 90th year and is the oldest operating track in the state. The Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown is hosting races the Saturday before and after the conference and a great place to visit. Further west, the Jennerstown Speedway is one of the oldest asphalt fast track ovals in the nation.

If racing museums are more your speed, the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing in York Springs northeast of Gettysburg off US 15 is the place to be. Intercourse in Lancaster County has Barry’s Car Barn. Nearby the American Transportation Experience in Hershey is an antique automobile lovers dream and even has a small Lincoln Highway exhibit with a 1928 concrete marker. Further east at the Boyerstown Museum of Historical Vehicles you’ll fine a fully restored diner and early Sunoco Service Station that stood along the Lincoln Highway in Ardmore. If you’re visiting Philadelphia, check out the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum to experience a world class collection.

If you like seeing vintage race cars on the street, you’ll need to come back to Pennsylvania to see these special events. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Motorsport Festival is in July 2026 and they even shut down the Lincoln Highway to host the Coatesville Invitation Vintage Grand Prix the 3rd weekend of September.

Ladies and gentleman, start your engines and race along the Lincoln Highway to discover more about the history of our race tracks and the vehicles and drivers that are legendary.