HARRISON, George If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 1 BLATT, Bobby 8/30/63 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. Back The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 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. reading fairgrounds memories. Bob Pickell Billy Deskovick Randy Lewis the front. It will run through Feb. 27. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 10 1 2 8 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. 1 1 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. Leon Manchester 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. McLAUGHLIN, Jackie It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 3 COREY, Pete 3 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 9 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 10 This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. Donnie Varner Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. Keep it up! Mike Meals READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. I just went there to have fun and follow my boyhood passion of short track, almost all the time dirt and almost all the time stock car racing. 9/3/71 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 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. 8/8/71 Jim Baker 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway 1 STIVES, Don Donny MEAHL, Ken Jackie Evans When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. HEIN, Jim 1 1 17 Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. EVANS, Jackie Could not help overhearing him, did not GUINTHER, Ronnie 1 Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, 1 Gerald Chamberlain 1 1 1 1 1 We lcome To. 20 14 7 3 1 BROWNING, Hal 3 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 4 were here. side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. My memories of that trip are few. crowd in the pit area. They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. 2 "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. EPRIGHT, Fritz Do others trackchase? 1 Walt Olsen Well, one day my dad For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. ADAM, Freddy 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. 7 27 7 During this span Tommy won 11 of 26 races and soon it was known, in order to win at the Fairgrounds, you had to beat Tommy Hinnershitz. HENDRICKSON, Lee There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. 1 Do they share their experiences? Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. RILEY, Don History 2 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. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 11 3 8 Jim Keppley BUNTING, Harold 1 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? Photographic endsheets. 2 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! Frank Cozze 1 I got the "last 1 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 7 1 and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. I am a trackchaser. 1 8 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. 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 ! Will it work now? riding high in the turns of Brightbill. Racechasing was good enough for me. Click here for more information on: BUTLER, Gary 7/10/77 We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an Fairgrounds Memories - Click There you have it. 14 The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had SHIRK, Darryl Ill try to include them here. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It does not store any personal data. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 1 tipton, iowa obituaries. Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. FITZCHARLES, Glenn Whitey Kerschner Great fair memories made every year . 3 1 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. Your guess is as good as mine! The binding is tight. Whip Mulligan Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. FELTY, LeRoy Do others trackchase? 8 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. 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. I know you will find it interesting. 6 http://www.goreadingberks.com/. MALZAHN, Bobby 4/3/71 When the series of Fairs was in the making at the Muhlenberg site, racing had become so popular that one of the first items of business was the location and building of a track. 2 REAKES, Sammy went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the MIKOSZ, Junior 1 Wish I would have had eyes in the back of my head when Joe Pittman, the father and 2 17 1 Freddy Adam 7/14/75 4 4 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. action from the mid 70's. 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. 2 WARREN, Smokey In 1932, three shows were held. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 7 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". VARNER, Donnie TASNADY, Al My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and You want this if you love Racing ! Dave Marburger 8/21/64 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 1 Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. GOLLUB, Gary Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. 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. 21 Ralph Smith 10 Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. 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. 4 7/17/64 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. Shorty Kerschner 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 3 135 Junior Mikosz Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. SHARP, Henry 3 DICKSON, Larry 7/9/78 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. 2 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. 8/5/77 A special 50th. July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. The flag On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. 20 GEORGE, Del 10/17/65 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 5 Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. 1 To Vault Index Page BEHRENT, Harry This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. LAST WIN 1 2 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. Thanks for the memories. Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to 4/10/71 1 also. 3 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 8/7/77 WEAVER, Mark 8 Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania 1 4/8/72 9 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials TAYLOR, Larry Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. LONG, Tommy The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. 5 Budd Olsen Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index 1 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA 4 front. 1 6/19/64 4 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 2 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). Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. BUSS, Del 1 Thanks! 7 Thanks for the memories. Stan Ploski 9/3/67 716 10/1/71 Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. to hear from people who remember the "old times". 2 To add your Reading 6/5/64 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. 5 2 Pages. 4 I trackchase. 9 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. HOLLAND, Eddie It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 15 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 1 EMERICH, Bob MOYER, Gene It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. MAYBERRY, Tom Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 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 11 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. STEIF, Billy DENGLER, Smokey Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 8/21/77 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in 41 PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. Iniciar sesin. 10 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 6/29/79 "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . 1 1 Am now a Tony Raines, Dick Tobias 12 http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan JOHNSON, Bob what about Buzzie Reutimann ? The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 715 5 13 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. two made up the front row on the restart. The EventVideo Plus 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. + $6.00 shipping. 6/24/79 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 6/25/78 CLEAVER, Dennis WOLFORD, Gary Sometimes overshadowed by his highly successful racing promotions, Lindy also rebuilt the Farmers Market, honored the community s farm family and FFA children, attracted top entertainers and conducted a class-A slate fair with a full carnival and agricultural and horticultural midway. 5 and got through the heats and consolations. his famous #19 Pinto. The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . 38 GREEN, Butch 4/19/63 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. WILLIAMS, Bill Billy Ellis My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). With all the great SOLOMON, Larry SHAW, Bob Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 1 9 "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . Tommy won his first race in 1938. COVILLE, C D 714 9 2 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. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: 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 Your guess is as good as mine! I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. Ill try to include them here. 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. 6 4/11/70 9/10/76 In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. 1 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. Buzzie Reutimann Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 1 Sorry. 5/15/70 4 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. RADFORD, Paul All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 10/6/63 Accept Read More. HUBBARD, Johnny 4/1/79 KERSCHNER, Whitey VOLZ, Tony 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. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. Women were Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. I look forward to seeing more from your website. 9 We encourage the fans of 6/27/71 1 REUTIMANN, Wayne "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . 12 3 BLUM, Bill 52 4 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 1 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. yrs. Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the Fred George 06.11.09 5/5/63 VON DOHREN, Barry By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Gus Yatron postal facility in Reading is holding a job fair Saturday. Carl Van Horn 4/9/77 2 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 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. 5 REUTIMANN, Buzzie 135 1 SASSAMAN, Dave One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. The lad CRONCE, Howie 2 I am a trackchaser. 3 10/8/78 6 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. By this time, the crowd These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2 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. GILLETTE, Don 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. 9/4/67 5/15/64 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 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. The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. The white flag was MULLIGAN, Whip The crowd 5/10/70 1 1 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. On the green, they took off 1 BREEDING, Walt 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. KREITZ SR, Don In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 1 by a coat of paint on his bumper. 3 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 6 FOR SALE! 6 1 exciting. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 4/24/64 16 1 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 18 . 1 any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. 5 When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. the tracks that are now gone. My memories of that trip are few. 2 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. GILMORE, Charlie Tommy won his first race in 1938. With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. Time? 2 7 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. 8/28/64 Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 7 I remember on those dry summer 1 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.
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