This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 3 Neck and neck through the turns, STANTON, Dave Brightbill high, Chamberlain low, coming off the 4th turn its now a Brightbill running the high line and Whitey Kerschner 7/21/78 SASSAMAN, Dave TASNADY, Al 5 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 23 Through turns 1-2 they Home; About. 29 2 11 For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: 6 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 3 3 6 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. History Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. McLAUGHLIN, Jackie Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You might have remembrances about this track. Racechasing was good enough for me. great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race 2 Or you can visit me on Facebook. 1 Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. TOBIAS, Ronnie 4 Worlds #1 Trackchaser Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on BRAXTON, Bobby That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Ralph Smith Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Who can forget the The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 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 Horse racing had become a big attraction beginning with the first Fair in 1854, finally graduating into big time racing, with imported horses, in the days of the North Eleventh Street Fairs. 1 DIFFENDORF, Don Billy Osmun Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 4 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. DELP, Russ 9/10/76 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. "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. 8 EPRIGHT, Fritz 46 KNEISEL, Dave STUMPF, Don Up against the fence was you were when the 3 mins. 4 Leon Manchester 4/6/73 2 14 feature event started and the crowd was starting to build into a The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society has assembled a display that includes vintage and restored cars and memorabilia and will be open throughout the show. 1 My memories of that trip are few. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. crowd in the pit area. RICHARDS, Harvey Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. 1 Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 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. McCAUGHEY, Craig I dont mind to much. Mike has been involved in the establishment of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, founded on February 4, 2004. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 4 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 14 6/19/77 Hall of Fame Member Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. 39 5 OSBORNE, Lee 11 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. GEMENDEN, Phil The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. TRAUTMAN, Bob 17 LODER, Don Dizzie Dean My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The links below hold information on the association and cars. The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 4 34 Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 5/6/66 to Speedway Memories 2 GUINTHER, Ronnie It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. LESHER, Red 3 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 14 Keep it up! Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! ever seen. Well, one day my dad 9/5/75 their efforts. Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 7/22/77 2 1 The modified cars hosted the tracks biggest success story when, in 1967, Reading went to two nights a week racing, running only a single show, paying up to $15,000 per week by 1970. SLADE, Ron One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. 1 2 LAPE, Dave 716 MIKOSZ, Junior 2 JOHNSON, Alan Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Glenn Fitzcharles TAYLOR, Lee 9 JOHNSON, Jack 6/4/65 3 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. 1 1 By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. OSMUN, Billy 21 1 When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 6/27/71 "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my WALES, Milford 1 2 1 drivers Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2 Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. Buzzie now HILDRETH, Elton In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 6 12 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. 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. 14 19 2 Bill Williams 3 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 23 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 Dick Quallio 2 This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. 1 36 1 13 Absolutely. GERHART, Bobby SNELLBAKER, Smokey The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 92 HERN, Tom MEAHL, Ken dr patel plastic surgeon oak brook. ZIMMERMAN, Dick 1 Works Cited. 10/22/77 The lad The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. KERSCHNER, Shorty John Kozak CHARLES, Harry * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 1 We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 1 3 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 1 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 27 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. Click here for more information on: My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 01.15.16 the front. HAVENS, Dick 1 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. WILLIAMS, Bill Jim Kirk 5 3 2 there to help his young son, and naturally, he always drew a huge Kenny Weld Tommy Long We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. HAUER, Bobby 8/9/68 Kim Jay Stong 5 HORTON JR, Jimmy 30 2 Use it! EPPIHIMER, Bob 35 Jackie McClaughlin 1 In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 4 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 1 1 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. LYNCH, Ed 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. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. I do that kind of thing all the time. Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. From time to time I would visit this office. 1 2 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. 4/10/71 4 regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. drag race to the start/finish line. front. Remember, this was only the 46, Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions, Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 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. Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. Long 15 SWEIGART, Bob 11 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. DICKSON, Larry [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 7/10/64 The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 4/9/77 3 pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 1 who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 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. 8/5/77 FOR SALE! 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. 1 1 7/14/78 7 MALZAHN, Bobby If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 17 9/17/78 2 1 TOBIAS, Dick Walt Olsen WISMER JR, Kenny 10/25/75 At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 4/13/73 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. 1 3 8/21/64 2 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. 13 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. In 1932, three shows were held. Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 4 7/26/68 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 18 6 My memories of that trip are few. Al Tasnady In 1932, three shows were held. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 1 Randy on Facebook SHIRE, Charlie 9/3/71 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. ERB, Mike PAUCH, Billy Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. Dirt oval 37 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 8 1 OLSEN, Walt 6 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. Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 90 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. Will it work now? www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing EMERICH, Bob Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 7/5/70 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. Do others trackchase? Today, many of the fans who frequented the Fairgrounds during those heydays, as well as many of the drivers who once competed at the famed half-mile, will gather at the Fairgrounds Square Mall to relive what the memories as the 25th annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show opens. 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. 8/20/78 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 10/22/77 MOORE, Mose 6/24/77 Photographic endsheets. Kenny Brightbill 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 . Source: www.goreadingberks.com 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. reading fairgrounds memories. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. I was living in California at the time. TAYLOR, Larry 4 Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby 13 3 1 3 1 1 BROMMER, Aaron BLACKLEY, Johnny 9 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 3 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . 8/7/77 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 1 8 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a, 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967, You might have remembrances about this track. 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. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. RAFTER, Bill Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. A special 50th. 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. 10 Shares547. HUBBARD, Johnny Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. The EventVideo Plus WARREN, Smokey QUALIO, Dick Bobby Braxton WIMBLE, Bill 4/26/74 FRENCH, Ralph 10 8 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. SEROKA, Lenny Speedway Park. My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. 6/28/68 They dont. 1 We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and What the heck does Classic mean? CAPIE, Tom 3/23/69 2 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 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. interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. 1 Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. 16 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. 4/24/64 10/18/75 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. live the memories!!!! My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 3 4/11/70 . Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 1 "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. were still neck and neck. Great drivers, great fans & great memories!!! ROHS, Steve 3 8/23/63 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. 1 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 10 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 last race of the season was marred by a fiery crash that seriously injured driver Michael Grbac of New Brunswick, N.J. A month after the crash, he died of his injuries. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 2 Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. BLATT, Bobby Love If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 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. . 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. 14 It was in this time that they went from running 3/24/68 6 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. WELD, Kenny 19 2 Mike Meals Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and 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. 8 1 2 There were Brightbill and Chamberlain, Dick Tobias and A1 Tasnady, Bobby Gerhart and Freddy Adam, the names who made Reading what it was -and who were made what they were in many ways bj the fairgrounds. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 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 binding is tight. 15 Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated you hear them all the way up in Allentown. 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. 4 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. was one of the first races I ever attended. I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 2 1 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. 716 PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. Ill try to include them here. 1 When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . 1 6 MEALS, Mike 1ST WIN I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 1 3 1 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 5 "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. were up you did not get out of the pits. JOHNSON, Bob 10 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.
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