ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Tucked away in a South Side Allentown warehouse, an indoor racing destination is offering locals an adrenaline-fueled escape.
The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix features a quarter-mile road course style track, gas-powered karts, and a growing axe-throwing space.
The facility is designed to get “people’s hearts pounding,” according to owner Mike McCreary. Unlike many indoor tracks that use electric karts, McCreary utilizes gas engines to provide a “true, authentic racing feel”.
“The sound of the engine, the smell of the motor, and the inconsistency of that battery can be a problem,” McCreary said while talking to Discover Lehigh Valley’s Hanna O’Reilly.
The track accommodates a wide range of skill levels and ages:
Junior Karts: Designed for ages 8 to 14 with speeds up to 35 mph.Adult Karts: High-performance vehicles reaching top speeds of 45 mph.
Despite the high speeds, safety remains the facility’s primary focus. Drivers are required to wear helmets, head socks, gloves, and to be buckled in throughout the race.
“Safety is number one,” McCreary noted. “You’re not going to have a fun experience if it’s not a safe experience.”
For those looking for a different kind of thrill, the facility’s axe-throwing room has become a popular attraction for groups. The venue also operates a full bar and kitchen, emphasizing a “boardwalk style” menu.
According to McCreary, the staff prepares its own pizza sauce and signature fries in-house.
The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix has built a reputation for competitive excellence over the years, housing a collection of trophies including a second-place finish at a 24-hour race in Charlotte that featured drivers from across the globe.
“Is that what my future holds if I do this enough?” asked O’Reilly.
“Keep trying hard,” McCreary answered.