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. History WELD, Kenny 28 and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on 1 FRENCH, Ralph Meme Desantis If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. REUTIMANN, Buzzie BURKHART, Barry Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 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. Have had 2 men email The last race of the season was marred by a fiery crash that seriously injured driver Michael Grbac of New Brunswick, N.J. A month after the crash, he died of his injuries. two made up the front row on the restart. 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. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. eat. YOUNG, Bruce 4 TILLEY, Ray 9/3/76 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. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 Carl Van Horn There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 5 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. 2 The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. Click here for more information on: waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. It was in this time that they went from running Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. 4/4/70 Find them in Teays Valley, Milton and Cross Lanes for mouth watering smoked prime rib, slow smoked baby back ribs, smoked chicken, Cajun catfish crab stuffed catfish and much, much Great fair memories made every year . I live in southern California. 6/19/77 1 Fred George 06.11.09 Harry Moore Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 8/5/77 The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 13 1 7 5/21/78 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 1 Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. Will Cagle KREITZ SR, Don Gerald Chamberlain 13 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. MEAHL, Ken Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. pictorials, several of which I still have. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. You want this if you love Racing ! I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 1 7 18 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. Health? Dizzie Dean 5 It does not store any personal data. also. 224 pp. Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 8/28/64 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. karts. Ralph Smith We settled into our seats under the big roof Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. 18 exciting. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. 3 6/30/74 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. . 9 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did OLSEN, Budd GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. favorite # 26 Red Coffin. Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 6 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 1 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 2 One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. KERSCHNER, Shorty 2 634 Words. Further reading: Increase Staff Engagement With a Personalised Event The rising importance of employee experience in the workplace and the role of internal events in facilitating the experience Building team culture in a work from anywhere world Engagement: How to personalise your employee events Whats that you ask? TROUT. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. COX, Dan 2 DETWEILER, Ralph Reading Fairgrounds Memories Photographer: Joe Simpkins - Provided by: Bobby Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Hal Browning 1 When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. 4 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 2 90 6 5 7/14/78 3 HARWI, Otto 13 It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . 2 1 Iniciar sesin. DEAN, Dizzy 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. 6/27/71 SMITH, Ralph No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. 10 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 10 Freddy Brightbill All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 5 Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and 10 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 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 4 1 SNELLBAKER, Smokey 4 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 48 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and 2 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 7/14/75 Billy Osmun "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. KIRK, Jimmy Donny SCHOFFSTALL, Dave 2 I look forward to seeing more from your website. This was win no. VOSS, Larry Use it! The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . Bob Pickell 2 Thats what a racechaser does. 4 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. Brightbill running the high line and Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. 4 STANTON, Dave For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. 17 11 In 1932, three shows were held. RUDY, Jack Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Fairgrounds Memories 1 This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. 1 BUT, I did, loud and clear. The Heritage of Reading: 1813-1847: Canals, Heavy Industry, and the Railroad, Mount Laurel Furnace and Temple Iron Company, History of Holy Guardian Angels, Hyde Park, Independence Island along the Schuylkill River, Reading, PA Outlet Capital of the World, History of the former Bachman Pretzel Company, Organized Crimes Infiltration of The Pizza and Cheese Industry in Pennsylvania, Lancaster Avenue Covered Bridge and Bingaman Street Bridge, Beautiful photographs of Reading's Catholic churches with their altar rails and sanctuaries, Very awesome in history. 3 It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. 1 1 62 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit 3 26 KATONA, Les STIVES, Don 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. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. I trackchase. Laudan Potts 19 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Stars Photos 4x6 Glossy Brightbill,Chamb 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Gerald Chamberlain Dick Tobias Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Book 1975-76 Syracuse Fairgrounds Schaefer 100 Super Dirt Week Dirt Modified 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Kenny Brightbill Dick Tobias HOLLAND, Eddie COVILLE, C D 5 17 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. 1 1 1 Dirt oval 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. DELP, Russ compiled by Bill Braga 1 You might have remembrances about this track. WELLER, Curt Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 7 3 It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Whip Mulligan Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 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 1 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! SWEIGART, Bob 1 These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 19 Click on the #31 5/10/70 There was a continuous shuttle service of trains from both Franklin Street and the Outer Station on the Reading railway, which also arranged excursions at reduced rates from places within the area bounded by Sunbury, Easton, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. GILMORE, Charlie We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. Ron Tobias 8/6/71 OSBORNE, Lee WIMBLE, Bill I am a trackchaser. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 18 9/4/67 DRIVER EPPOLITE, Frank 2 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". With all the great There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 4 5 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. ZIMMERMAN, Dick 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. Its very easy to do. 2 "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 2 front. As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 2 My memories of that trip are few. 1 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 3 The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 3/25/77 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". ELLIS, Billy 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. This profile needs more info. 4 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 7 McCAUGHEY, Craig Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. 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. SPENCER, Ed MIKOSZ, Junior BRAXTON, Bobby I was living in California at the time. A very difficult to find print. 34 All the p.from 1034873775 Well, one day my dad My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. OSMUN, Billy Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 41 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. 1 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. GOLLUB, Gary Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. Bobby Braxton Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! JOHNSON, Alan 8/7/77 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. Fairgrounds Memories - Click Bobby Hauer Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 1 Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Thank you for reading! 1 STRUPP, Sonny Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 1 1 6 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. ROHS, Steve Dick Quallio Brightbill, Chamberlain, It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 1 I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. LAST WIN 2 This was win no. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) KWWeller 03.06.18 SOLOMON, Larry McLAUGHLIN, Jackie 3 put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. SLADE, Ron 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. 2 waves as they near the finish and at the line it Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 14 house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 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. Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories . 2 USAC friends and fellow co-workers there. 52 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. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 13 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. 2 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 6 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 92 PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the 34 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. in dust. All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 6 1 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 3 The lad Do others trackchase? Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see at, Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 7 10 2 6 13 2 BUTLER, Gary The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 1 website, including a video capturing racing Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it 17 to victory. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 6 I saw the newest Star Wars movie last week and it brought back memories that stretch back almost four decades. The EventVideo Plus Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 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. racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. 7/21/78 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. . 46 1 1 2 8/9/68 4 As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. The DIFFENDORF, Don 2 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 6/29/79 TOBIAS, Dick The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the. Or you can visit me on Facebook. TAYLOR, Lee Perfect condition. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. BUNTING, Harold 8 We raced on dirt and on asphalt mainly in the tri-state ago) and myself were part of the faithful who attended any types of 1 715 7 LINGLE, Joe 1 1 Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. KEPPLEY, Jim Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. STUMPF, Don Date of experience: September 2012. . 16 BEHRENT, Harry I had heard tales of the packed houses Reading got, and this night not miss a race. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. 1 SHEETZ, Tommy Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. 3 16 were up you did not get out of the pits. frenzy already. MOYER, Gene Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. to hear from people who remember the "old times". 2 BAILEY, Charlie 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. DeSANTIS, Meme After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. REINERT, Noot 10 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. FITZCHARLES, Glenn Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 135 14 Dirt Track Cars Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Thats what a racechaser does. 3/31/63 4 not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 3 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. Thumbnails Roll View 2 3 90 Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates 2023-03-02 - REGGIE ASPIRAS MDaryl Feril was trying to recall a dish his grandmother cooked for himit was the memory of it that inspired his Art Fair piece. 18 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. Love 27 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. 1 SHIRK, Darryl 2 10/22/77 DESKOVICH, Billy TRAUTMAN, Bob Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. MILLER, Paul 1 4/8/72 3 TOBIAS, Ronnie HILDRETH, Elton 4 were here. EVANS, Jackie 7/30/65 BEAVERS, Sammy 1 Lap after lap, side by any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. 39 MAYBERRY, Tom 11 CAGLE, Will 5 Neck and neck through the turns, Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 6 17 22 BITTING, Del 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. 3 8 PICKELL, Bobby WISMER JR, Kenny The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 7 When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . FOREWORD 715 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1ST WIN CHAMBERLAIN, Gerald John Kozak 6/4/65 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. 716 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). ALLEN, Bobby 20 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. Racechasing was good enough for me. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. 4 1 716 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. By this time, the crowd Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 4/13/73 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.
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