Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. 30 1 The EventVideo Plus Open Document. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 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. BLUM, Bill 01.15.16 CAGLE, Will My name is Fred George. 1 7/14/75 6/29/79 I was living in California at the time. Bobby Braxton TOBIAS, Dick When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. LYNCH, Ed Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. 9/4/67 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. 2 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. 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the. 1 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. 3 8/26/77 All the p.from 1034873775 2 18 Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. TV to this day. A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. The white flag was 8 7 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 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. 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 9/9/66 Will it work now? More interesting info It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 4/30/76 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories - amazon.com In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 1 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 11 READINGER, Dan 1 4 STUMPF, Don It was the end of an era. 3 OLSEN, Walt What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 2 (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 3 1 11 GILLETTE, Don Feb. 25It was opening day 1972 at the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway when Bobby Braxton had one of those close calls so familiar to racecar drivers. TAYLOR, Larry 1 6 Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. Your guess is as good as mine! Could not help overhearing him, did not Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 27 1 2 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. CAMERON, Alex Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the 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. Do others trackchase? ERB, Mike 3 3 3 BLACKLEY, Johnny KEMMERER, Jim Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Its very easy to do. Thanks for the memories. Bob Malzahn 39 21 Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. KEPPLEY, Jim HAGER, Tom Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund 3/24/68 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 2 To Vault Index Page 224 pp. Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. It was in this time that they went from running BRAXTON, Bobby CAPIE, Tom Held at Pioneer Pole Buildings on Route 183 in Schuylkill Haven, Reading Fairgrounds Historical Society hosted a three-day event to honor and remember the drivers and cars that ran at the. 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. 3 11 The crowd went crazy as they had 1 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1 3 7 1 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. FITZCHARLES, Glenn 1 his famous #19 Pinto. 5/18/75 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. root for Parnelli. Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! - Fotki Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in 2 Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 2 2 We lcome To. 3 30 15 Eddie Pratt front. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 3/12/67 The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. $14.99. Thats what a racechaser does. SCOTT, Tighe Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions 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. 12 Thats what a racechaser does. STANTON, Dave 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. DERR, Earl Ill try to include them here. I hope you enjoy it. Shares547. $6,042. frenzy already. Tommy won his first race in 1938. 1 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 14 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 14 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories by Vicari Vince - AbeBooks Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 7 MAYBERRY, Tom After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. Racechasing was good enough for me. 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. 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. 1 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The from the rest of the field. Iniciar sesin. How to Set Up a Reading Fair Board The Ultimate Guide WILLIAMSON, Kramer OSMUN, Billy SCHELL, Tim 2 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. Larry Voss Frank Cozze The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. 6 2 I know you will find it interesting. the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support Dad did not talk to me the rest of the race and certainly, did not two made up the front row on the restart. 4 1 Billy Ellis ROHS, Steve CLEAVER, Dennis . Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 18 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds BROWN, Ralph STIVES, Don 8/9/68 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. In 1932, three shows were held. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 23 1 The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 5 Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. JOHNSON, Alan 13 4 Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates - PressReader 3 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index to hear from people who remember the "old times". I dont mind to much. I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 9/7/75 BRIGHTBILL, Kenny Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions was no disappointment. 4/19/63 As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward 1 Lifetime track #46 3 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. What the heck does Classic mean? 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. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 714 2 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Will it work now? the tracks that are now gone. 7 The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. 9/3/71 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. TOTAL It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 1 National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. OSMUN, Dave Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 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. 3/23/74 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. Jackie Evans Jackie McClaughlin 2 1 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. No matter who See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. The Reading Fairgrounds in Muhlenberg Township Whats that you ask? 1 Works Cited. 1 EVANS, Jackie All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 6 #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. 6 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. reading pa obituaries 2021. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway 2 . 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. BALOUGH, Gary 2 Have had 2 men email The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. HENDRICKSON, Lee He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. 6 Creative Event Ideas For Amazing Corporate Events 14 Reading Fairgrounds was in the AARN weekly and the monthly If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: History The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. BUNTING, Harold So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. 16 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 7/22/75 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. 3 5 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 1 1 3 BAILEY, Charlie ELY, George Absolutely. Racing Legends Reunion and Car Show Feb. 19-25 1 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1 1 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 2 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Red Coffin 1 racing. 9 This is what the Reading legends were made of. 37 1 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. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. action from the mid 70's: 17 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 7/22/66 We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an 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. Keep it up! SLADE, Ron In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. SOLOMON, Larry http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back 1 Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. reading fairgrounds memories 1 Brightbill high, Chamberlain low, coming off the 4th turn its now a It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . There you have it. Donny Early Memories on Reading - 634 Words | 123 Help Me 5/26/68 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. . 1 SWINEHART, Ray We settled into our seats under the big roof Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. 1 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. 7 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". FOREWORD Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co COZZE, Frank Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. Put the 3 of them together in the front of 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. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 3 52 DeSANTIS, Meme 6 I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Meme Desantis The links below hold information on the association and cars. Am now a Tony Raines, 1 FOR SALE! LODER, Don Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. 20 Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories . As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia Speedway Park. Rags Carter BREEDING, Walt OPPERMAN, Jan 6 I know you will find it interesting. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - Mike Grim's 10 I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. PLOSKI JR, Stan Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 18 2 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 92 1 MARBURGER, Dave Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 20 Jay Stong 716 Photographic endsheets. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 6/25/78 19 For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 6 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. 4 LAZZARO, Lou Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. WELLER, Curt 3 WILLIAMS, Bill 4 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 7/5/70 reading fairgrounds memories - kasheshchhabbria.com This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. 7 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified 1 Stan Ploski I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always Racechasing was good enough for me. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 4 One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. EARNSHAW, Leigh 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. Midway of Memories the Reading Fairgrounds Print - 5miles Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. 9/13/69 4 the undercover economist chapter summary. Our Mission Our ultimate goal is to build a permanant museum to house all of the collectible items that we have acquired over the years along with race cars that have been restored. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 7/9/78 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. 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. KREITZ JR, Don Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 135 4 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 1 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. 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. Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at [email protected] - welcome all emails and/or 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. 12 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. . 7 BROWNING, Hal PAXTON, Lynn Dave Marburger 2 1 Billy Osmun 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. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. 7/3/77 1 On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. Bobby Hauer Bob Pickell This was win no. 2 22 For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 8 Reading Fairgrounds PA Modified Memories Kenny Brightbill Gerald The lad Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. STONG, Jay LAPE, Dave I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 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. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 10/22/78 My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and FORRETTE, Maynard 1 8 Worlds #1 Trackchaser We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. The Fair included imported amusements of a carnival nature, including rides of various kinds, as well as those especially gifted in or trained for some, extraordinary activity, and animals. 11 LONG, Tommy 3 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. of about Reading PA from It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 6/24/79 1 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. LAWSHE, Art 2 4/6/73 Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". That October Sunday in 78 made it official. SNELLBAKER, Smokey After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 17 to victory. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. RUDY, Jack track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. REIFINGER, Hal heat as they enter turn 3-4. Off-the-clock: Spreading happiness through music | Denver Water live the memories!!!! 4 1 If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit Thank you for reading! 18 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. JOHNSON, Jack 6/28/68 Women were Mike Meals 10 McANDREW, Tommy 4 3/23/69 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. 1 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 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. MANCHESTER, Leon KERSCHNER, Whitey If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Wikipedia 38 2 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.
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