My memories of that trip are few. 3/23/69 1 Russ Delp The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. TAYLOR, Lee 2 The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". 43 5 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. 1 DELP, Russ 3 FRENCH, Ralph 2 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 7 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. Home; About. Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. Bobby Hauer 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. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. 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. Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. 11 to hear from people who remember the "old times". BROWN, Ralph Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. I live in southern California. 1 When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 1 Walt Olsen 1 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". SMITH, Ralph 135 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 5/15/70 7/22/77 SUMMARY racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit 13 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 2 OSMUN, Dave Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. No matter who 8 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. JOHNSON, Bob 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. Thanks for the memories. 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. CARROLL, Jackie 6/29/79 We encourage the fans of They dont. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. Of all the things I disliked about business the east coast meetings in the east coast time zones was at the top of the list. 9/24/78 GEMENDEN, Phil 17 11 5 Accept Read More. 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. 11 Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 7 "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 7 Perfect condition. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. 6 ABEL, Bobby CAGLE, Will Thats what a racechaser does. STECKER, Russ LINGLE, Joe 3 1 Works Cited. 1 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the ZIMMERMAN, Dick were still neck and neck. 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 Put the 3 of them together in the front of . 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 Love TOBIAS, Ronnie 1 Tom Hager Money? Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions Sponsored items from this seller Feedback on our suggestions Showing Slide 1 of 1 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping 20 sold Remembering East Windsor Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 1 4 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. I hope you enjoy it. Reading Fairgrounds Memories Photographer: Joe Simpkins - Provided by: Bobby Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 1 clock. The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 1 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Neck and neck through the turns, 11 14 21 The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 1 1 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. 11 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 17 WOLFORD, Gary 16 As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . 22 PANTUSO, Vince $0. OLSEN, Walt What the heck does Classic mean? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Jim Keppley two made up the front row on the restart. Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. 1 1 4/9/77 4 Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. 4 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 1 TAYLOR, Larry 9 The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling 8/21/64 3 In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. RICHARDS, Harvey Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 1 8/20/78 "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . 2 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. 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 Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. Thanks for the memories. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 1 DRIVER 6 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. 3 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 48 website, including a video capturing racing Donnie Varner 3 1 2 1 For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 11 Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. BAKER, Jim 7 ADAM, Freddy Long 7/22/66 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 39 Buzzie Reutimann 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. PLOSKI JR, Stan 715 1 * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 17 Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. John Kozak 8 1 2 HEIN, Jim 6 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. ISBN Number: B004U5368O. The interest in racing grew so rapidly, both with the visitors and with the racing stables, that by 1935, in an attempt to accommodate the crowds and also the large entrance lists, the program was extended over four days, and the next year, to five. Do they share their experiences? below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: old who had many questions for his Dad. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 14 4/6/73 On the green, they took off This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 1 1 2 BALOGACH, Paul MARBURGER, Dave 6 1 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. Your guess is as good as mine! In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 10 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the. 2 2 Will it work now? 5 I AM A TRACKCHASER. track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in 1 HULBERT, Mert BLUM, Bill front. 1 1 10 Absolutely. It was the end of an era. 2 Pages. Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. 4 4/13/73 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . Time? Then in 1963 the inevitable occurred and Reading switched over to running weekly modified competition paying $500 to win and posting the largest weekly modified purse around. 1 SHAW, Bob 2 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 10/6/63 90 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The KWWeller 03.06.18 2 favorite # 26 Red Coffin. $6,042. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. KOCH, Paul Bob Pickell 7/21/78 Thank you for reading! I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. MAYBERRY, Tom [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 2 Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 6/27/71 Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 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 . area. COLLINS, Kevin Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Donny and I also raced, but the smaller version go Dizzie Dean 9 2 1 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 . The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. Absolutely. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 3/23/74 Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. I look forward to seeing more from your website. Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 1 1 24 2 3 Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. 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. 1 18 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. 10/18/75 6 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. ERB, Mike This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. HALDEMAN, Ed Thumbnails Roll View OSBORNE, Lee 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. After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 1 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 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. 1 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 the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. 4 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 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. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 1 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. A Muhlenberg Township resident for over forty years, Lindy brought back the Miss Reading Fair Pageant as well as creating the Little Miss Pageant while continuing the traditions of the annual Reading Fair. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA CLEAVER, Dennis Dirt Track Cars You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. heat as they enter turn 3-4. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! 52 3 1 Open Document. 2 5 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. FOR SALE! Date of experience: September 2012. I was living in California at the time. 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. The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, whose membership is dedicated to preserving the memories of the Fairgrounds and speedway, was thankful to see the plaque finally in place,. 3 2 2 It was the end of an era. 1 kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. 5 15 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 the tracks that are now gone. KEMMERER, Jim Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and the front. not miss a race. It was in this time that they went from running After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. The flag Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. RFRHS: In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. GUINTHER, Ronnie I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. Women were 1 I do that kind of thing all the time. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway (1924-1979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 1 4 1 This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 1 DECKER, Charlie On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. 10/22/78 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. WIMBLE, Bill It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny EMERICH, Bob DERR, Earl 8 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. In 1932, three shows were held. RAFTER, Bill Worlds #1 Trackchaser Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. 1 14 7/9/78 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. RUDY, Jack I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). It was the end of an era. 11 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 4 KIRK, Jimmy All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 9/3/71 3 5 Keep it up! 5 Bobby Blatt 6 In the summer of 1915 work began on converting several fields under tillage into exposition grounds, complete with buildings and a race track, and to expand the Fairgrounds from a 25 acre spread to one almost three times that size. pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance.
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