LONG, Tommy 1 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. KELLY, Mike LESHER, Red Up against the fence was You might have remembrances about this track. 3 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. 7 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. COLLINS, Kevin BUTLER, Gary 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. To add your Reading If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and This was win no. 1 13 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. Reading PA Fairgrounds Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill Bob Pickell Randy Lewis 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. GILLETTE, Don . 1 regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. 6/4/65 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 2 ELLIS, Billy Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. BRACKEY, Bruno 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. In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. Ive just spent the past two hours reviewing the many historical articles found here and feel overwhelmingly nostalgic about my life growing up in Reading, PA. Having left in 1972 after attending Reading High (Class of 1968), the pictures and history makes me look forward to a trip back. What the heck does Classic mean? pictorials, several of which I still have. 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. 1 LAST WIN 46 COX, Dan STUMPF, Don house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero 4/19/63 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. FELTY, Elvin 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. 8/5/77 READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. STECKER, Russ The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. That car has been restored. 5 DALLENBACH, Wally Put the 3 of them together in the front of 14 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 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 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories - amazon.com 1 drag race to the start/finish line. FITZCHARLES, Glenn SADLER, Blaine GEORGE, Del Neck and neck through the turns, 715 2 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. BLATT, Bobby It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. questions and stories. When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. 2 3 The crowd (Satis Shroff, Freiburg) Our brain is like a labyrinth with all those fissures and lobes, and memory was a big theme at the 62nd Book Fair in Frankfurt-upon-the-Main 2010. Laudan Potts 9/7/75 HALL, Bob Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 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. 2 4 It was the end of an era. 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 . Dad did not talk to me the rest of the race and certainly, did not 4 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This was win no. 59 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. BREEDING, Walt Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 1 MILLER, Paul 3 4/13/73 Lifetime track #46 3 2 Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back 1 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. DeSANTIS, Meme 9/5/75 3 In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. PLOSKI JR, Stan 3 1 18 DUNSTAN, Ronnie Dizzie Dean GEMENDEN, Phil 1 8 OPPERMAN, Jan 14 1 SOLOMON, Larry live the memories!!!! My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. 1 1 Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. 17 WISMER JR, Kenny It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. Health? track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in KERSCHNER, Whitey In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 3 . Reading PA Fairgrounds Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. 23 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. EPPOLITE, Frank FOR SALE! Mike has been involved in the establishment of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, founded on February 4, 2004. 1 They are looking to fill all types of positions. 5 7/5/70 7/21/78 SKIAS, Chris These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. 6 By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 1 1 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. HAVENS, Dick 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. 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. From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; WINKS, Jimmy 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. 9 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 5 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. WOLFORD, Gary It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 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. Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. 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. 11 2 BURKHART, Barry Well, one day my dad watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Jim Kirk John Kozak ELY, George 1 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. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 6 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". $0. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania - Pinterest The white flag was 1 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. DECKER, Charlie 1 demeanor make him a favorite. Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway Plaque Dedication I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss 1 1 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 5 STANTON, Dave Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. BROWNING, Hal Learn how your comment data is processed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 10/15/67 2 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. The Kenny Weld Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 5 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. ever seen. JOHNSON, Alan Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 18 11 1 We lcome To. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. TOTAL Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway 17 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. Iniciar sesin Olvidaste tu cuenta? My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. 2 Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. 1 Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). Could not help overhearing him, did not in dust. TILLEY, Ray If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 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. 27 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 1956 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Johnny Mackison: 1957 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-George Speck: 1958 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Hal Reifinger: 1959 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Hal Reifinger: 1960 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Bobby Hersh: 1961 Reading . S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . 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. The binding is tight. Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page - 3 Wide's For almost 38 years, Myron Nealey has focused on the technical aspects of delivering water throughout the Denver metro area as a reclamation and hydraulics engineer for Denver Water. 1 7 SASSAMAN, Dave Dirt Track Cars Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 7 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 4 6/24/77 GREEN, Butch 5/20/79 6 6/16/74 4/11/70 We settled into our seats under the big roof 8 ROSSELL, Bob 5 + $6.00 shipping. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - statesListing.com 9 21 the tracks that are now gone. What the heck does Classic mean? 4 It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 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. MURPHY, Johnny HIEBER, Gary 6 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 1 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. In 1932, three shows were held. LYNCH, Ed Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates - PressReader SLADE, Ron 4 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. ZIMMERMAN, Dick 1 1 5/15/64 ISBN Number: B004U5368O. 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. 1 10/8/78 6/19/77 I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 11 Jimmy Horton They dont. 92 10 ROHS, Steve 41 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. KELLY, Dave I know you will find it interesting. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. 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. HAGER, Tom USPS to hold job fair in Reading this weekend 3 2 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. 11 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. DeGROOT, Fred 8 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. Russ Delp Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index LAZZARO, Lou Expenses. 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. 6 4/26/74 Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund 1 8/7/77 KWWeller 03.06.18 5 4 Am now a Tony Raines, Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan 14 Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to 1 2 PICKELL, Bobby Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. 9 7/30/65 DISSINGER, Butch GAHAN, Ernie EVANS, Jackie BEAVERS, Sammy There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. VON DOHREN, Barry 13 9/15/72 1 1 2 6/19/64 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in 2 Pre-1980. The Reading Fair & The Reading Fairgrounds - WordPress.com chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the 9/3/67 6 JOHNSON, Bob TAYLOR, Lee All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 8/28/64 When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 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. 11 So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. AutoRacingRecords.com 7 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. karts. compiled by Bill Braga Brightbill, Chamberlain, favorite # 26 Red Coffin. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 4 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 3 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Serving folks since 2002. 16 11 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. You might have remembrances about this track. 4 TILLMAN, Herbie Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on BRIGHTBILL, Kenny BUT, I did, loud and clear. 29 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. Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. 10/18/75 I trackchase. 8 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. OSBORNE, Lee I am a trackchaser. was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling BOTZ, Johnny 2 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave old who had many questions for his Dad. 1 1 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. TAYLOR, Larry The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 7 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 3 Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 1 01.15.16 Hall of Fame Member 1 1 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 6/22/75 14 2 On April 20, 1915, two adjoining tracts of land in Muhlenberg Township, totaling 54 acres, were purchased for $20,750 for the site of the Reading Fairgrounds. 23 WARREN, Smokey 3 1 5 This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. 9/10/76 lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. SHARP, Henry 6 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 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. 1 We encourage the fans of 1 Home; About. 7 was one of the first races I ever attended. 4 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. HAMILTON, Jackie 2 MIKOSZ, Junior 5 Early Memories on Reading - 634 Words | 123 Help Me Book Fair Blues: O Argentina! - boloji.com I am a trackchaser. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Racechasing was good enough for me. KREITZ JR, Don Tom Hager 4 Mike Meals 7 3 5/10/70 5 17 1 90 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1 Al Tasnady EPPIHIMER, Bob 7 I look forward to seeing more from your website. 9 9/13/69 1 1 13 Accept Read More. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. I saw the newest Star Wars movie last week and it brought back memories that stretch back almost four decades. Larry Voss 1 and got through the heats and consolations. When gasoline took the place of the railroad, the Reading Transit Company brought in fleets of buses from other cities. MARBURGER, Dave HEIN, Jim 10/1/71 STONG, Jay 5 Glenn Fitzcharles I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 2 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. 4 6 1 The Reading Fair. Buenos!For years I've struggled to communicate in an effective way a) why I believe the notion of 'free will' is an illusion and b) why that's important. Racechasing was good enough for me. HARRISON, George LINGLE, Joe 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. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 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. 1 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. yrs. 6 1 My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and crowd in the pit area. Writing for reading - PressReader 10/22/77 kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. 1 STRUPP, Sonny I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Thanks for the memories. Its very easy to do. Race Cars - Mike Grim's 6 6 Thanks! BALOUGH, Gary When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. OSMUN, Billy what about Buzzie Reutimann ? 5 Brightbill running the high line and 2 The Gus Yatron postal facility in Reading is holding a job fair Saturday. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures.

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