133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. 5/26/68 1 REUTIMANN, Buzzie The crowd went crazy as they had LYNCH, Ed If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 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. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. 30 there. If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. decided we were going to the races at Reading. 2 RFRHS: As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . 15 17 to victory. CAMERON, Alex 10 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 3 It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway (1924-1979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. SAUDER, Kenny 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. GUEST, Terry The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 5/29/70 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 1 Description This video is compiled of segments from Eastern Seedway Classics, Open Cockpit Classics, Stock Car Classics, Sprint & Champ Car Classics, Dirt Track Memories & 70's Review will take you back the 30's with the big cars, AAA & USAC sprint action of the 50's & 60's, finishing up during . 2 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. Thanks for the memories. Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. 21 If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. Early Memories on Reading - 634 Words | 123 Help Me They dont. Or you can visit me on Facebook. DERR, Earl 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials 1 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Randy Lewis I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. BUNTING, Harold 41 I didnt think so. 10 put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 46 Will it work now? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. Do others trackchase? Tommy Long and got through the heats and consolations. The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. TOTAL KOCH, Paul It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. pictorials, several of which I still have. Down the backstetch it was still a dead Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 10 10/22/61 9/3/65 1 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 15 It was the end of an era. Am now a Tony Raines, 1 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. was..Kenny Brightbill Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. 2 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. 1 6/24/79 "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. RUDY, Jack Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society to open exhibit at the STONG, Jay 1 WINKS, Jimmy 7/22/77 WELD, Kenny 1 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Jay Stong 2 2019 Ted Fund Donors Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund 8/23/63 5 30 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 1 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 1 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 2 This print measures 32" x 26". 23 BLUM, Bill 90 716 14 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. In order to get to a 7 a.m. breakfast meeting I would need to get up at 6 a.m. eastern time or 3 a.m. California time. In any given year I will travel well over 200,000 miles, rent more than 50 cars, and stay in more than 150 hotel rooms. 5/15/64 2 Also besides the Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 7/22/75 13 You might have remembrances about this track. 1 Great fair memories made every year | Archive | fredericknewspost.com 6 7/10/77 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway 1 7 DEAN, Dizzy 4 KNEISEL, Dave 2 2 9/9/66 714 MALZAHN, Bobby Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. Meme Desantis There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 14 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. A very difficult to find print. OPPERMAN, Jan [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 2 Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. The Reading Fair. 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. WISMER JR, Kenny I had heard tales of the packed houses Reading got, and this night We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. 6 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. The 11/20/77 KEPPLEY, Jim My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. 1 92 BROMMER, Aaron That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. were up you did not get out of the pits. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. REUTIMANN, Wayne 5 10/22/78 KWWeller 03.06.18 We had the privilege of 5 It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! - Fotki Will it work now? 1 6 Expenses. 3 GEMENDEN, Phil Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. o. Crear cuenta nueva. Race Cars - Mike Grim's Date of experience: September 2012. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. DRIVER A great book on Stock Car Racing in Reading, PA. . ABEL, Bobby Nineteen Eighty-Four - Wikipedia Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Speedway Park. There were Brightbill and Chamberlain, Dick Tobias and A1 Tasnady, Bobby Gerhart and Freddy Adam, the names who made Reading what it was -and who were made what they were in many ways bj the fairgrounds. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates - PressReader Jackie McClaughlin 10/21/62 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 1 Works Cited. KERSCHNER, Whitey 2 WILLIAMS, Bill 10 Racing Legends Reunion and Car Show Feb. 19-25 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. 9/24/78 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 1 18 reading pa obituaries 2021. 1 9 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. ALLEN, Bobby During intermission we You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. McANDREW, Tommy 12 Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. 1 waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . 1 KREITZ JR, Don Your guess is as good as mine! SCHOFFSTALL, Dave I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 12 1 YOUNG, Bruce 2 9 And when it was over, no one was surprised to find Kenny Brightbill in Victory Lane, which had become his second home since he got his first Reading victory in 1970. questions and stories. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 3 6 6 Creative Event Ideas For Amazing Corporate Events Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. 4/24/64 what about Buzzie Reutimann ? Tommy McAndrews 1 . There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 2 1 Its very easy to do. Reading Fairgrounds, Pennsylvania - The Nostalgia Forum FOREWORD . BREEDING, Walt With all the great The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 1 Dirt oval 23 DENGLER, Smokey Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 8/8/71 1 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. GERHART, Bobby 1 SOLOMON, Larry During one of these trips to Ft. Washington I decided to make a stop at the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway to see some modified stock car racing. Bill Williams STUMPF, Don It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 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. REIFINGER, Hal 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. 2 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 7 Al Tasnady TROUT. 20 Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. Kenny Weld This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. SPENCER, Ed Your guess is as good as mine! VON DOHREN, Barry I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions | eBay TOBIAS, Dick 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. 3 17 1 We settled into our seats under the big roof COZZE, Frank 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. 1 Randys Complete Track List Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 4 HARWI, Otto 1 3/31/63 5 Well, one day my dad When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 7/21/78 Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! 10/25/75 I remember on those dry summer ELLIS, Billy action from the mid 70's: 1 Thats what a racechaser does. FRENCH, Ralph 2 4 There you have it. Was led onto his career from some other "old time" Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. Born in 1897, he witnessed the growth and expansion of the city which was once the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania with a population close to 130,000 not including unnaturalized citizens. 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. HERN, Tom All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Iniciar sesin. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. A Muhlenberg Township resident for over forty years, Lindy brought back the Miss Reading Fair Pageant as well as creating the Little Miss Pageant while continuing the traditions of the annual Reading Fair. 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. 1 HEIN, Jim 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. 2 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. Book Fair Blues: O Argentina! - boloji.com 2 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 7 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. 2 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - Mike Grim's Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. TROUT, Bob 1 SLEIGHT, George 5/15/70 7/14/75 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. CONRAD, Vince Through turns 1-2 they GUINTHER, Ronnie These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. EPPIHIMER, Bob This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 43 20 of about Reading PA from Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Group - Facebook 1 Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 2 26 of about Reading PA from. EPPOLITE, Frank 4 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . 6/27/71 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. Throughout the 20s and 30s Reading fans saw the likes of all the top Indianapolis 500 sprint car racing stars compete on their hometown half-mile dirt speedway. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy it. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race Joel Wessner KERSCHNER, Shorty We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. ADAM, Freddy [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. KELLY, Dave The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Worlds #1 Trackchaser BALOGACH, Paul Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. 1 They dont. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 41 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. COX, Dan 1 the tracks that are now gone. PRATT, Eddie Hope you find what you are looking for and discover things that you were not! 4 were here. 4/9/77 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). 8 1 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. ALLEN, Jerre 8/8/69 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 1 PAUCH, Billy 2 Pages. Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Serving folks since 2002. 9/3/76 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Bobby Braxton 1 8 6/25/78 There you have it. Stan Ploski Health? BOTTCHER, Bobby 48 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. DONAHUE, Joe 715 1 3 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 1 Keep it up! The crowd HAGER, Tom 1 7 BEAVERS, Sammy root for Parnelli. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 1 5 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. Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 4/19/63 11 McLAUGHLIN, Jackie * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. CHARLES, Harry 2 Tom Hager you hear them all the way up in Allentown. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. Ill try to include them here. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co 2 Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or 1 It was in this time that they went from running 52 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 1 13 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. FREYER, Karl Frank Cozze SWEIGART, Bob 9 Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. Time? Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. 10/6/63 Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories . 2 SASSAMAN, Dave Sorry. 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. 2 Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 3 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 6 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Source: www.goreadingberks.com BROWNING, Hal SNELLBAKER, Smokey As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. The links below hold information on the association and cars. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! Shares547. Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The white flag was 1 heat as they enter turn 3-4. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Red Coffin 230 Reading Fairgrounds ideas | stock car, old race cars - Pinterest Star Wars might be worth $10 billion - Business Insider Accept Read More. DISSINGER, Butch 26 4 3 We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. Lifetime track #46 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. LAPE, Dave WIMBLE, Bill 1 By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. 5 8 1 14 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. MILLER, Paul 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. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. We encourage the fans of 8 Tommy won his first race in 1938. BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp 1 GREEN, Butch compiled by Bill Braga 1 6 When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. 3 OLSEN, Walt I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. riding high in the turns of Brightbill. 18 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 5 I hope you enjoy it. 4 14 5 8/9/68 3 10/22/77 Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! 2 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.
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