ago) and myself were part of the faithful who attended any types of Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. KANTORSKY, Pete Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. 3 riding high in the turns of Brightbill. 8/8/69 Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I was living in California at the time. 3 During one of these trips to Ft. Washington I decided to make a stop at the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway to see some modified stock car racing. 4 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. 26 6/4/65 5 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. 9/24/78 7 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 3 Freddy Brightbill Speedway Park. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4/11/70 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. Thats what a racechaser does. CAMERON, Alex It was in this time that they went from running 1 4 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 4/19/63 9/10/76 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 10/6/63 "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . 9/13/69 Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 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. and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. 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. 2 12 7 1 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 1 1 10/22/77 SKIAS, Chris 1 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. ALLEN, Jerre The white flag was 30 52 30 1 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. 54 6 Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. 7/7/78 2 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . 2 We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". By this time, the crowd 1 1 9 FELTY, LeRoy exciting. 11 Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 5 3/23/69 More than 18,000 people in the stands and more than 100 modified stock cars in the pits gathered in the united belief that dirt-track racing just doesnt get any better than this. 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. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. for one or the other. I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. BRAXTON, Bobby Ralph Smith Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 8/26/77 9 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. 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. Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always 1 18 CARTER, Rags 9 4 MAYBERRY, Tom I am a trackchaser. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 5/21/78 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . 8/8/69 12 McANDREW, Tommy Was led onto his career from some other "old time" 6/23/67 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. Bobby Hauer Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 7 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. 17 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 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. 13 Revenue. Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Buzzie now 9/7/75 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. If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 1 3 two made up the front row on the restart. 1 7 3 The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 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. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 2 The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. Absolutely. 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. 10 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 1 More interesting info USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. REUTIMANN, Wayne I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. 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. SHIRE, Charlie Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . qualifying lap times. Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 4 1 CLEAVER, Dennis 17 4/3/71 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. 1 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. In 1932, three shows were held. 8 11 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. Whitey Kerschner 8/21/64 4/13/73 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. 1 1 I hope you enjoy it. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 1 10/1/71 $6,042. 1 Well, one day my dad 1 15 MARBURGER, Dave 35 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 10/8/78 1 JOHNSON, Jack JOHNSON, Alan 2 HERN, Tom 1 Down the backstetch it was still a dead If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. STECKER, Russ 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. 18 1 4 BUSS, Del 12 I AM A TRACKCHASER. 1 1 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? 4 HILDRETH, Elton I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 6 Tommy McAndrews Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 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. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. action from the mid 70's. reading pa obituaries 2021. One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". CARROLL, Jackie From time to time I would visit this office. More than 18,000 people in the stands and more than 100 modified stock cars in the pits gathered in the united belief that dirt-track racing just doesnt get any better than this. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 2 7 I know you will find it interesting. 1 All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. I look forward to seeing more from your website. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway ERB, Mike 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. FRENCH, Ralph Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had SCHNEIDER, Frankie I live in southern California. the undercover economist chapter summary. MULLIGAN, Whip LYNCH, Ed 8/23/63 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit 6/5/64 REIDER, Blackie 9 2 We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and 1 5 1 I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". Pittman. COVILLE, C D 10 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 13 not miss a race. 1 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! 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. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. 9 1 I take 35-40 of those trips each season. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ZIMMERMAN, Dick . ISBN Number: B004U5368O. ELLIS, Billy 4 1 52 Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 5/9/65 3 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 2 8 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did Dizzie Dean 27 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. Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. 1 1 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 26 BAILEY, Charlie The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. 1 What the heck does Classic mean? the front. 1 All of it had to be done within five months calendar time (the fair was postponed to late October in order to provide an extra month for construction). 2 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. 11 DENGLER, Smokey 7/26/68 9 1 1 STONG, Jay BOTTCHER, Bobby I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 6 GRBAC, Mike to hear from people who remember the "old times". That October Sunday in 78 made it official. TROUT. 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 17 2 One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. 3 3 10 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. Neck and neck through the turns, drivers The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 2 1 Billy Ellis Bobby Gerhart 2 5 3 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 1 Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. by a coat of paint on his bumper. any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. 80 Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and 1 11 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 1 We encourage the fans of Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. 18 6/30/74 $0. 16 SADLER, Blaine This was win no. 8 Ill try to include them here. You might have remembrances about this track. This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 5 1 12 COZZE, Frank Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 1 2 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 1 Do they share their experiences? Your guess is as good as mine! of about Reading PA from WIMBLE, Bill Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. VOLZ, Tony ROHS, Steve Racechasing was good enough for me. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 2 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report PRATT, Eddie Gary Gollub 10 6/19/64 11/20/77 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. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA 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. Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. HAVENS, Dick READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES 17 It was the end of an era. AbeBooks.com: Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing: Bound in the original blue and yellow stiff wraps. On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 1 Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on 4 DICKSON, Larry Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. 2 26 20 20 11 4 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 3 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 3 Thank wulliebroon . KNEISEL, Dave It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. GERHART, Bobby 2 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
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