1 2 http://www.goreadingberks.com/. Ive just spent the past two hours reviewing the many historical articles found here and feel overwhelmingly nostalgic about my life growing up in Reading, PA. Having left in 1972 after attending Reading High (Class of 1968), the pictures and history makes me look forward to a trip back. eat. Gerald Chamberlain As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia 46 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. $6,042. July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. 1 SHARP, Henry 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 1 . Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. Hal Browning When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 20 In 1932 a seven-horse pileup killed race jockey Roy McCann of Elizabeth, NJ. STEIF, Billy If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. EPRIGHT, Fritz . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. where he loved it best. Meme Desantis Todays adventure was one more of the 2,000 trips that have taken me up, down and around the proverbial long and dusty trackchasing trail. 2 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 80 1 1 3/23/74 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 9 BRAXTON, Bobby This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. GILLETTE, Don Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Group - Facebook Billy Ellis They dont. GRIFFIN, Bernie 3 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. Down the backstetch it was still a dead Membership is only $15 per year or a life-time membership of $200. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years to Homepage, More interesting info 14 Wish I would have had eyes in the back of my head when Joe Pittman, the father and Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. Dirt Track Cars The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. 3 Tommy McAndrews Do they share their experiences? Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 52 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Gary Gollub When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 1 1 1 10 Speedway Park. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. BURKHART, Barry If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 7 there. Thanks! 14 the front. regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or DICKSON, Larry 1 1 Eddie Pratt 3 1 HORTON JR, Jimmy 5/6/66 Freddy Adam WARREN, Smokey 7 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Randy Lewis Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 5 In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. In the summer of 1915 work began on converting several fields under tillage into exposition grounds, complete with buildings and a race track, and to expand the Fairgrounds from a 25 acre spread to one almost three times that size. were still neck and neck. 1 6 1 An amazing life's work. 20,000 spectators jammed the place to. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 14 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave Keep up the good job with these memory pages. 634 Words. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. 6/30/74 DeSANTIS, Meme 2 There were those USAC sprint shows with Andretti and Unser, Foyt and Pamelli and before them, Tommy Hinnershitz, the kid from Oley, taking on all comers on his home turf. 1 Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. Ill try to include them here. reading fairgrounds memories. 13 6 11 I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. Pittman. 11 GILMORE, Charlie Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - Mike Grim's I was living in California at the time. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. racing. 1 3 Bob Siedel Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. DEAN, Dizzy 90 716 Reading is a culture, the moment a youngster is exposed to someone reading in the family they are fine tuned and the concept of books and readings would be in the back of their minds. 1 Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. 2 CAGLE, Will 22 10 5 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. FOREWORD Reading Fairgrounds racing reunion draws fans and drivers Mike Meals Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 2 By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Of all the things I disliked about business the east coast meetings in the east coast time zones was at the top of the list. On April 20, 1915, two adjoining tracts of land in Muhlenberg Township, totaling 54 acres, were purchased for $20,750 for the site of the Reading Fairgrounds. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund MIKOSZ, Junior Frank Cozze GERHART, Bobby JOHNSON, Jack Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report The site was ideal since it was served by two railroads (the Reading and the Pennsylvania), a branch of the Reading Street Railway Companys lines, and two main highways, the Pottsville and the Allentown Pikes. 2 what about Buzzie Reutimann ? 8/20/78 10/22/78 NOTHSTEIN, Junior Click here for more information on: USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. HAGER, Tom Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. gold label distribution bud man. Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. 4 clock. STECKER, Russ 1 In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 5 1 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. 1 1 1 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 12 24 BOTTCHER, Bobby 3 1 1 5 Junior Mikosz Dave Marburger Or you can visit me on Facebook. 10 How to Set Up a Reading Fair Board The Ultimate Guide REUTIMANN, Wayne Lap after lap, side by Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing Its very easy to do. crowd in the pit area. As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my Jim Baker So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 4 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. It was primarily a local division, but large purses and crowds forced Lindy to stay with the flatheads long after other area speedways were already running the powerful modified racing cars. 38 On the green, they took off I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. 11 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. HIEBER, Gary It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. SHEETZ, Tommy When the series of Fairs was in the making at the Muhlenberg site, racing had become so popular that one of the first items of business was the location and building of a track. 48 Racing Legends Reunion and Car Show Feb. 19-25 It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 5/26/68 2 6000 Genocide Survivors' Memories in New Edition of Vergine Svazlyan's 3/23/69 1 SOLOMON, Larry Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. exciting. OSMUN, Billy MEALS, Mike Brightbill, Chamberlain, To Vault Index Page I dont mind to much. 5 As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. This profile needs more info. 11 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing TASNADY, Al The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was established in 2004 with the mission to preserve and promote the memories and history of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway and those who made it "The Home of Champions." The exhibit will run until mid-June 2019. 16 5 Dick Quallio BRIGHTBILL, Freddy Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. I hope you enjoy it. 1 8 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. RILEY, Don The binding is tight. Through turns 1-2 they This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. 5/27/77 8 who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 2 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 26 10/25/75 7 A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. And there were those who paid the ultimate price, such as Jud Larson and Red Riegel, Jackie Evans and Mike Grbac, the young New Jersey driver who died a month after the final 78 race from injuries suffered in a cartwheeling accident down the main straight halfway through that event. Writing for reading - PressReader ROCHELLE, Paul 6/19/77 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 3 36 main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions 4 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Iniciar sesin. 716 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 2 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. All-Time Victory Leaders They are looking to fill all types of positions. HUBBARD, Johnny I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 2 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. GUEST, Terry document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. ISBN Number: B004U5368O. On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 1 1 3 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 2 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. COVILLE, C D 35 1 For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track I currently live in Virginia where I work for the US Army performing stress analysis, vibration and structural tests on Army Aviation platforms and structures. 3 2 Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Sometimes overshadowed by his highly successful racing promotions, Lindy also rebuilt the Farmers Market, honored the community s farm family and FFA children, attracted top entertainers and conducted a class-A slate fair with a full carnival and agricultural and horticultural midway. 3 4 There was the aroma of french fries and the roar of the modifieds mingling with the dust in the night air and the deep-throated howl from the stands. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA WISMER SR, Kenny action from the mid 70's: MARBURGER, Dave That car has been restored. 1 great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race Automobile racing at the fairgrounds was introduced on September 20, 1924 at the annual Reading Fair, dating back to the middle of the 19th century. I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 3 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 4 McANDREW, Tommy REUTIMANN, Buzzie My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. Dizzie Dean demeanor make him a favorite. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 1 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. TV to this day. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Thats what a racechaser does. "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. Will it work now? 8/5/77 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 52 1 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. 9/10/76 There was the aroma of french fries and the roar of the modifieds mingling with the dust in the night air and the deep-throated howl from the stands. 1 17 went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. DRIVER 41 Reading 1 7/30/65 13 1 Reading Fairgrounds was in the AARN weekly and the monthly 41 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. USPS to hold job fair in Reading this weekend I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 6 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 7 During this span Tommy won 11 of 26 races and soon it was known, in order to win at the Fairgrounds, you had to beat Tommy Hinnershitz. ZIMMERMAN, Dick Was led onto his career from some other "old time" One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. SCHNEIDER, Frankie 1 10/3/65 Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . 1 Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 17 Do others trackchase? TILLEY, Ray If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing Author VICARI, Vince; Ed Illustrator Photo Illustrated Format/Binding Hardcover Book condition Used - Fine Jacket condition No Jacket Edition First Edition Binding Hardcover Publisher Racing Sanctioning Corp. Of America Place of Publication Reading, PA Date Published 1979 Keywords 1 6/4/65 17 ELY, George TROUT. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny 4 All the p.from 1034873775 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. 10 Absolutely. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 10 6/19/64 We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. waves as they near the finish and at the line it 2 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 4 More than 18,000 people in the stands and more than 100 modified stock cars in the pits gathered in the united belief that dirt-track racing just doesnt get any better than this. From time to time I would visit this office. 13 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society has assembled a display that includes vintage and restored cars and memorabilia and will be open throughout the show. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. KOCH, Paul 2 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. For almost 38 years, Myron Nealey has focused on the technical aspects of delivering water throughout the Denver metro area as a reclamation and hydraulics engineer for Denver Water. "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. Perfect condition. 9 Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 1 Then in 1963 the inevitable occurred and Reading switched over to running weekly modified competition paying $500 to win and posting the largest weekly modified purse around. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 4/4/70 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. John Kozak In 1932, three shows were held. 2 26 3 10/8/78 action from the mid 70's. It was the end of an era. 2 1 Let's stay updated! Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: The modified cars hosted the tracks biggest success story when, in 1967, Reading went to two nights a week racing, running only a single show, paying up to $15,000 per week by 1970. Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. 7 1 Jim Keppley This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 2 9 7/14/75 Off-the-clock: Spreading happiness through music | Denver Water 5/18/75 SHIRK, Darryl of about Reading PA from The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 9 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT CAMERON, Alex PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. MALZAHN, Bobby As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 16 29 2 Dirt oval 9 3 Whats that you ask? 2 4 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. CARROLL, Jackie . 3 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Tommy Long TOBIAS, Ronnie Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. PRATT, Eddie 7 1 5 12 TOBIAS, Dick The crowd went crazy as they had EPPOLITE, Frank National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Do they share their experiences? 2 2 3 "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on BROMMER, Aaron 4/6/73 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. BOTZ, Johnny From September 20, 1924 to June 29,1979, dirt-track racing fans crowded the 80 acre site of the Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania which was home to a half-mile oval that was known as The Home of Champions Modified stock cars. was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. MAYBERRY, Tom 8/19/72 Revenue. 10/1/71 The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan During intermission we 2 3 TOBIAS, Ron 9/3/76 2 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. BRENN JR, Ken 8/26/77 Midway of Memories the Reading Fairgrounds Print - 5miles
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