9/3/67 715 DISSINGER, Butch Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. GUEST, Terry Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report STONG, Jay I hope you enjoy it. No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. 18 MURPHY, Johnny All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. KANTORSKY, Pete 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. Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 7 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. 27 BITTING, Del and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on reading fairgrounds memories - alternativeceremony.com Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. 11 1 1 All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. CAMERON, Alex 8/19/72 For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. crowd in the pit area. 6/24/79 1 10 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 715 We settled into our seats under the big roof Neck and neck through the turns, They dont. ABEL, Bobby Do they share their experiences? Glenn Fitzcharles If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. 1 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. Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. 5 Watching Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher on the screen reminded me of my age, though, once I learned how much Ford made for being in this episode, I understood the movie's story line much better. 1 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 9/13/69 Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 20 MATTA, Tony "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! 1 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. This print measures 32" x 26". In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. 8 HARRISON, George When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 41 92 2 I hope you enjoy it. All of it had to be done within five months calendar time (the fair was postponed to late October in order to provide an extra month for construction). The Reading Fairgrounds in Muhlenberg Township 4/9/77 Carl Van Horn Reading Fairgrounds PA Modified Memories Kenny Brightbill Gerald One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 26 PRATT, Eddie The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 14 3 7 Back Randy Lewis 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. My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. RICHARDS, Harvey 5/29/70 1 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. FOREWORD the undercover economist chapter summary. EARNSHAW, Leigh TOBIAS, Ron 19 Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. reading fairgrounds memories. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - statesListing.com interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. SNELLBAKER, Smokey Or you can visit me on Facebook. From time to time I would visit this office. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. LAPE, Dave Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. Thats what a racechaser does. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 3 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube 3 Publisher Racing Sanctioning Corp. of America Publication date January 1, 1978 See all details Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids Dick Tobias With trackchasing trips to 85 countries and counting just getting the chance to experience so many unique cultures, spend time in the homes of my friends and meet so many people is a huge reward for being in this hobby. 2 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 43 The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . 4/26/74 The historical information about the photos and articles on goreadingberks.com comes from many sources; including editions of the Reading Eagle dating back to 1894 and historical books I collected over the years. 1 PLOSKI JR, Stan This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Shares547. 1 One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. 9/21/75 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 6/30/78 6/16/74 DICKSON, Larry When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website atwww.randylewis.orgI hope you will take the time to imagine in your mind what it took to make this trip from SoCal and understand the fun I had doing it. Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. 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. 5/9/65 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. 10/21/62 SEIDEL, Bob Rags Carter For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. Time? More interesting info This was win no. PANTUSO, Vince 4 2 3 9/3/71 3 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions | eBay eat. When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. . 1 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. FREYER, Karl 4/11/70 3 1 Reading fairgrounds from Sept 18th 1966 where Stan Poliski won a 200 lap race Al Quellette 4.7K views 2 years ago 1956-57 California Jalopy Racing. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. also. 1 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania I grew up in the city of Reading , I still have great memories and we also had the Reading Fairgorunds Speedway ! GERHART, Bobby 3 As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA 1 Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Wikipedia SLADE, Ron BLATT, Bobby "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . HALDEMAN, Ed 1 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 13 KESSLER, Randy 2 Whitey Kerschner 3 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 12 6/30/74 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In 1947 a building designed for roller skating was added to the facilities. Your guess is as good as mine! Budd Olsen 92 8/9/68 ROHS, Steve It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . Use it! put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. 3 It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. 41 9 2 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. DALLENBACH, Wally BALOGACH, Paul Also a few other Speedway shots from Big Diamond,Penn National,Bridgeport. Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. Walt Olsen Bob Pickell I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. Its very easy to do. 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. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 14 1 1 2 1 2 Whip Mulligan He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 7 By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 1 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA - Facebook Keep up the good job with these memory pages. 3 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. BURKHART, Barry WIMBLE, Bill 1 7 4 1 TASNADY, Al DRIVER BRIGHTBILL, Kenny 3/23/74 Will it work now? 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. 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. 8/8/71 1 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 2 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway Plaque Dedication 1 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 5 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. 8/26/77 Jay Stong and got through the heats and consolations. Hall of Fame Member 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. 1 34 Ron Tobias The lad I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 3 2 1 4/10/71 9 5 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. YOUNG, Bruce 1 A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 When I finally did get to bed in the east it was commonly 2 or 3 a.m. eastern time, again 11 p.m. or midnight California time. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. - $156.06. Thanks for the memories. VAN KIRK, Billy 1 3 8/28/64 Well, one day my dad Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. JOHNSON, Alan 4 8 The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. 7/9/65 4/6/73 On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. SEROKA, Lenny 19 3 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 5/5/63 GILMORE, Charlie During intermission we Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. Who can forget the Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 7 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 22 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 39 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Today, many of the fans who frequented the Fairgrounds during those heydays, as well as many of the drivers who once competed at the famed half-mile, will gather at the Fairgrounds Square Mall to relive what the memories as the 25th annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show opens. At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1 Vince Conrad Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. 1 5/27/77 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 16 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT Got it? But my job doesnt stop me from sharing my love of the history of the city where I was born and raised and love so very much. WEAVER, Mark The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, whose membership is dedicated to preserving the memories of the Fairgrounds and speedway, was thankful to see the plaque finally in place,. 17 to victory. 4/19/63 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. TROUT, Bob 1 Whats that you ask? 6/5/64 2 1 46 2 I was living in California at the time. 54 Hal Browning All-Time Victory Leaders KATONA, Les 4 They dont. 6/27/71 Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates - PressReader 6/4/65 EPRIGHT, Fritz 1 Bobby Braxton 2 Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. 2 their efforts. 2 In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 9/5/75 10 It was the end of an era. Randy on Facebook I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 2 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. SPENCER, Ed If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 8 3 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 27 was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling 4/15/77 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. 13 2 Tommy McAndrews 4 3/23/69 Racing Legends Reunion and Car Show Feb. 19-25 Sorry. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. You might have remembrances about this track. 14 1 1 Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . 4/5/64 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. 6 Thank you for reading! With trackchasing trips to 85 countries and counting just getting the chance to experience so many unique cultures, spend time in the homes of my friends and meet so many people is a huge reward for being in this hobby. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. 5 1 Johnny Botz 7/26/68 DESKOVICH, Billy 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. Its very easy to do. 10 Revenue. 2 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. SADLER, Blaine Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. 1 feature event started and the crowd was starting to build into a HAUER, Bobby Gary Gollub What the heck does Classic mean? 14 1 JOHNSON, Jack 90 drag race to the start/finish line. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. With all the great 38 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. 9 2 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. 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 5 16 WOLFORD, Gary 2 Lap after lap, side by Frank Cozze KENNEDY, Beader MIKOSZ, Junior 1 Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby REINERT, Noot RADFORD, Paul Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 4/17/70 I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss 1 were all about. 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. who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Off-the-clock: Spreading happiness through music | Denver Water 4/3/71 BAILEY, Charlie Flemington Speedway, East Windsor Speedway, Bridgeport, Reading Fairgrounds, Nazareth Speedway, Harmony Speedway . Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. CHARLES, Harry 5/21/78 6000 Genocide Survivors' Memories in New Edition of Vergine Svazlyan's We had the privilege of Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. Vintage Modifieds, Racing Photos, Modified Stock Cars, Open Wheel and more. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. DETWEILER, Ralph 1 READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. Serving folks since 2002. A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. 1 11 kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. Fairgrounds Memories When I finally did get to bed in the east it was commonly 2 or 3 a.m. eastern time, again 11 p.m. or midnight California time. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Book Fair Blues: O Argentina! - boloji.com KEPPLEY, Jim 1 In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Will Cagle Thats all folks! 3 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. DeGROOT, Fred