any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 2 I trackchase. 1 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 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. 3 Billy Ellis o. Crear cuenta nueva. 7/22/75 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. John Kozak Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. SLADE, Ron CRONCE, Howie More interesting info 12 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. You can print money in the privacy of your own home! 1 If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 1 BRAXTON, Bobby 4 were here. KELLY, Mike 1 Harry Moore 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials there. 716 SKIAS, Chris 1ST WIN Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds 3 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - statesListing.com Tommy won his first race in 1938. 2 5 26 9 1 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Freddy Adam 2 WISMER SR, Kenny 13 10/21/62 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. 1 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). SHEETZ, Tommy Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Leon Manchester Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 4 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 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. Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 3 3 FARLEY, Ed 30 Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. 2 LINGLE, Joe 3/31/63 It was the end of an era. 3 1 1 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 714 7/22/77 4 1 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories - amazon.com 4/6/73 GILMORE, Charlie 6/30/74 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1 13 The winner of the Grand Finale` - when the Reading Fairgrounds held its final event, in June of 1979, Dave Kelly drove his beautiful Mustang-bodied No. Russ Delp With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. Long Early Memories on Reading - 634 Words | 123 Help Me 1 One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in 11 You want this if you love Racing ! On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 5/15/70 HAGER, Tom 6/30/78 By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. I didnt think so. 1 SUMMARY 1 7 Have had 2 men email Dave Marburger Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 6 At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. FELTY, Elvin #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. 7/26/68 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Back 5/29/70 1 1 SCHNEIDER, Frankie 2 They are looking to fill all types of positions. 1 DUNSTAN, Ronnie The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! STEIF, Billy YOUNG, Bruce In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 3 Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. 12 Breathtaking cyclic - Review of Altmuehltal-Radweg, Gunzenhausen 5 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 ! reading fairgrounds memories. 1 McANDREW, Tommy 10 5 The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 4 Vince Conrad 17 to victory. BALOGACH, Paul 4/4/70 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 7/7/78 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. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 7/4/69 1 BAILEY, Charlie 3/23/74 MEAHL, Ken With all the great RUDY, Jack Dick Tobias We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . was no disappointment. 20 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. Hope you find what you are looking for and discover things that you were not! 1 pictorials, several of which I still have. Writing for reading - PressReader 1 . 3 exciting. 7 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. JOHNSON, Bob 1 was..Kenny Brightbill It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. RADFORD, Paul compiled by Bill Braga Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. HEIN, Jim 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 3/12/67 4/11/70 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. READINGER, Dan 2 RAFTER, Bill EVANS, Jackie 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. I remember on those dry summer MILLER, Paul My name is Fred George. WOLFORD, Gary 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. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 9 7/3/77 The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. what about Buzzie Reutimann ? Bob Siedel 715 18 3 On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. 7/5/70 The Reading Fair. SWINEHART, Ray 7 MURPHY, Johnny 2 you were when the 3 mins. My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. 9/13/69 1 14 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 1 GEMENDEN, Phil 5 7 1 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. 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. RILEY, Don 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. We had the privilege of (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 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. As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia 4 39 S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . 6 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. ELY, George BUSS, Del 8 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 Dizzie Dean Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 1 $14.99. 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 11 LODER, Don DETWEILER, Ralph Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. BROWN, Ralph 5 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. KANTORSKY, Pete 10/18/75 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. DESKOVICH, Billy LYNCH, Ed Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. Buzzie now eat. Dick Quallio Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. CAMERON, Alex I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Above found at: 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. We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 1 18 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 STONG, Jay It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. DEAN, Dizzy 5/21/78 BROMMER, Aaron Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. Great fair memories made every year . GILLETTE, Don Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. 6 asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always 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. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Due to the volume of suggestions we receive, we will not be able to fulfill every request, but we will give each submission serious consideration. 5 6 TOBIAS, Ronnie 6/5/64 4 Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 3 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. for one or the other. 23 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. 4 135 1 Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 17 2 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave 2 TASNADY, Al Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. 1 1 ROMER JR, Joe All the p.from 1034873775 Could not help overhearing him, did not 5 Smith 08.24.20 GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. 1 front. KREITZ JR, Don For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 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. 65 Drivers 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. 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. 1 2 Race Cars - Mike Grim's PAUCH, Billy BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block 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. OCHS, Larry Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. 16 4/5/64 I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. OSMUN, Billy So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. 4/9/77 Photographic endsheets. 5/10/70 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 . Gunzenhausen (German pronunciation: [ntsnhazn] (); Bavarian: Gunzenhausn) is a town in the Weienburg-Gunzenhausen district, in Bavaria, Germany.It is situated on the river Altmhl, 19 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Weienburg in Bayern, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of Nuremberg.Gunzenhausen is a nationally recognized recreation area. Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! SWEIGART, Bob 8/8/71 9/3/71 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 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing Carl Van Horn 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. 3 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit Stan Ploski Gary Gollub These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. racing. Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 1 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. karts. 9 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 1 WILLIAMS, Bill It went like this lap after lap after lap. 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. DELP, Russ 8 WALES, Milford 4 Sorry. 2 Bobby Hauer This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. $6,042. 11/20/77 2 live the memories!!!! who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 3 favorite # 26 Red Coffin. BAKER, Jim In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny 3 and got through the heats and consolations. This was win no. HORTON JR, Jimmy REIFINGER, Hal Wish I would have had eyes in the back of my head when Joe Pittman, the father and The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 8 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ELLIS, Billy POTTS, Lauden 35 KATONA, Les Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; 3 6 Whats that you ask? 5 The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those So with the knowledge, as limited as it is, that I fell asleep during the semi at Reading I will share some research info that I gathered about the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. 5/15/64 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. 1 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! When gasoline took the place of the railroad, the Reading Transit Company brought in fleets of buses from other cities. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 6/22/75 Your guess is as good as mine! That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby Ralph Smith In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. ROSSELL, Bob 4 MEALS, Mike were still neck and neck. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 5 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . 17 area. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. Will it work now? 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. 92 3/24/68 230 Reading Fairgrounds ideas | stock car, old race cars - Pinterest 4 gold label distribution bud man. 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. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 10 1 WILLIAMSON, Kramer The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. Meme Desantis 14 Learn how your comment data is processed. 10/22/77 If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. 6 You might have remembrances about this track. This was win no. 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. HAVENS, Dick 3 to Speedway Memories I got the "last I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 13 10/6/63 Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Randy Lewis 1 DICKSON, Larry 11 2 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. QUALIO, Dick ROCHELLE, Paul * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 7 1 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing 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. Souvenir Program of the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Reading, Pa., And the 150th Anniversary of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department, September 30th to October 6th, 1923. 3/25/77 old who had many questions for his Dad. 1 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 8 9/3/65 Midway of Memories the Reading Fairgrounds Print - 5miles Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Tommy McAndrews 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 was one of the first races I ever attended. OSMUN, Dave 7 OSBORNE, Lee to Homepage, More interesting info PAXTON, Lynn Pre-1980. 3 Or you can visit me on Facebook. Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing.