5 Smith 08.24.20 Thank you for reading! The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 6/22/75 SMITH, Russ BOTTCHER, Bobby Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 10 SNELLBAKER, Smokey Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 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. 7 ROMER JR, Joe In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 2 7/4/69 1 Back The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 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. FITZCHARLES, Paul Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 10 1 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. DIFFENDORF, Don Pittman. 9/17/78 When gasoline took the place of the railroad, the Reading Transit Company brought in fleets of buses from other cities. 1 1 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana 1 Back My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 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. area. 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. 1 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. BUSS, Del Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. 19 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years 10/22/78 1 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. 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 frenzy already. 4 2 KEPPLEY, Jim This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! The site was ideal since it was served by two railroads (the Reading and the Pennsylvania), a branch of the Reading Street Railway Companys lines, and two main highways, the Pottsville and the Allentown Pikes. 17 HAVENS, Dick 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. 2 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 9 Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. GEMENDEN, Phil the undercover economist chapter summary. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. HENDRICKSON, Lee 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. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. SHEETZ, Tommy crowd in the pit area. I was living in California at the time. 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. It was the end of an era. WOLFORD, Gary Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. I didnt think so. TOTAL 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. 5 SKIAS, Chris Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society where he loved it best. 5/10/70 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 3 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 6/19/64 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 11 Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund ALLEN, Bobby 1 DENGLER, Smokey Meme Desantis 3 1 Donny Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. RADFORD, Paul 1 1 was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling 2 JOHNSON, Bob REUTIMANN, Wayne Junior Mikosz REUTIMANN, Buzzie The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". 27 1 5/21/78 Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 Bob Malzahn was really wound up and getting louder. Fairgrounds Memories - Click 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. 6/24/79 DETWEILER, Ralph 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. 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. 7/22/75 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. HIEBER, Gary 2 7 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 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions | eBay OCHS, Larry Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 2 ROHS, Steve Absolutely. 41 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. 8/8/69 BAKER, Jim Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on Ronnie Tobias Here or email us at [email protected] and 7/14/75 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 3 No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. GILLETTE, Don 1 great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race 2 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. GEORGE, Del 3 3 The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those 5 STECKER, Russ GAHAN, Ernie In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. 2 John Kozak It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 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. 1 1 3 8/5/77 1 9 Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. Dick Quallio I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. Jim Baker qualifying lap times. I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Also besides the 2 21 Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 1 Donnie Varner 7 12 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. 1 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,. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 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. Jackie Evans Harry Moore BLACKLEY, Johnny Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. TILLEY, Ray 2 3/23/74 Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 1 14 80 demeanor make him a favorite. BRENN JR, Ken My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. EMERICH, Bob Health? Off-the-clock: Spreading happiness through music | Denver Water 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. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 1 WISMER SR, Kenny I know you will find it interesting. On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 1 1 The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Donny and I also raced, but the smaller version go A very difficult to find print. 90 7 1 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 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. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 8/21/64 Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. 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. SASSAMAN, Dave I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. HALDEMAN, Ed 4 34 Hope you find what you are looking for and discover things that you were not! You can print money in the privacy of your own home! That car has been restored. Nineteen Eighty-Four (also published as 1984) is a dystopian social science fiction novel and cautionary tale by English writer George Orwell.It was published on 8 June 1949 by Secker & Warburg as Orwell's ninth and final book completed in his lifetime. I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. the front. 7 GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube 17 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 2 The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. 38 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. 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. Watching Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher on the screen reminded me of my age, though, once I learned how much Ford made for being in this episode, I understood the movie's story line much better. Will it work now? Thats what a racechaser does. Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. 6000 Genocide Survivors' Memories in New Edition of Vergine Svazlyan's We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. SHARP, Henry 16 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 4/9/77 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. Brightbill high, Chamberlain low, coming off the 4th turn its now a All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. LONG, Tommy When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. I live in southern California. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. 18 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. REICHERT, Joe 9 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 6 reading fairgrounds memories - kasheshchhabbria.com 2 In 1932, three shows were held. Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 10 TOBIAS, Ron What the heck does Classic mean? 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 1 1 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. 11 Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. The Gus Yatron postal facility in Reading is holding a job fair Saturday. 10/1/71 racing. Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway You want this if you love Racing ! It will run through Feb. 27. - $156.06. Early Memories on Reading - 634 Words | 123 Help Me COREY, Pete Home; About. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. 1 Great fair memories made every year | Archive | fredericknewspost.com The The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 28 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! 37 1 4 1 waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 6 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 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. TROUT. TOBIAS, Dick $6,042. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 4 4 "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. compiled by Bill Braga Jim Keppley DRIVER But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. waves as they near the finish and at the line it HORTON JR, Jimmy These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 17 dr patel plastic surgeon oak brook. also. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. 3 READINGER, Dan 1 3 2 3 6 6 Kenny Brightbill By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 3 Bobby Gerhart Mike Meals old who had many questions for his Dad. 1 5 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 7/26/68 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 5 6 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. 7 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. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) More interesting info 1 BLUM, Bill 3 6/24/77 5 Eddie Pratt Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - GuideStar Profile We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. KWWeller 03.06.18 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. 2 Up against the fence was Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. 2 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 1 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 4 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 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. Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. reading fairgrounds memories. 5/12/67 As we were reminiscing about the 4 1 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.
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