I had to re-read your post to get what you were REALLY asking.
To avoid that big-a** hill in town, do the following:
As you get onto rte14, outside of Elmira/Horseheads, you will pass a sign for SOARING EAGLES GOLF COURSE. You will see a white dome on the right. A sports center I think.
A couple of miles up look for JOHNSON-HOLLOW RD on your left. There is a post office at that corner, but no traffic light. Turn left up that road. It is windy-twisty, but a gradual climb (county route 12 I think).
That road runs into route 414. Turn RIGHT on 414.
That will intersect with route 16 (the light at the top of the hill with the go-cart track). Turn left at the light onto route 16, and that takes you to the track.
Check the aerial view in mapquest, and you'll see what I'm talking about. It will save you about 20 minutes of travel time.
Good Luck.
Dave