2 RAFTER, Bill 1 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. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 8/9/68 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. YETTER, Richie 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. 3/12/67 Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. the front. From time to time I would visit this office. 5/18/75 8 2 Women were 1 46 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. DICKSON, Larry 4 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. EPPOLITE, Frank 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. 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. 3 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. 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. Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. 6 4 5 BRIGHTBILL, Kenny Above found at: Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - GuideStar Profile We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1 Your guess is as good as mine! 5/6/66 MOORE, Harry READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. reading fairgrounds memories 14 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. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 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. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 5 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 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. Ill try to include them here. I got the "last It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 6 Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the 11 below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: STIVES, Don USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. Junior Mikosz 62 1 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. what about Buzzie Reutimann ? DETWEILER, Ralph We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 4 Tom Hager 11/20/77 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. This was win no. KELLY, Dave On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 1 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 6 It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 13 5/20/79 BLUM, Bill KENNEDY, Beader One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. From time to time I would visit this office. 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. 1 1 37 Long Donnie Varner Was led onto his career from some other "old time" Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. 1 5 8 14 1 When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. Donny Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. website, including a video capturing racing 1 4 10/22/78 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. WILLIAMS, Bill Dave Marburger Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . Reading Fairgrounds Speedway I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. TILLEY, Ray FREYER, Karl Meme Desantis Click here for more information on: The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. LAST WIN Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. QUALIO, Dick Will Cagle Carl Van Horn Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. 8 ROMER JR, Joe Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and 1 VAN HORN, Carl For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. PLOSKI JR, Stan 14 SNELLBAKER, Smokey GRIFFIN, Bernie BITTING, Del 6 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. 3 Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. 1 9 1 In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. were still neck and neck. 4 8 Sorry. 5/9/65 1 52 18 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. AutoRacingRecords.com It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . 4 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 1 4/26/74 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 10/8/78 you were when the 3 mins. Breathtaking cyclic - Review of Altmuehltal-Radweg, Gunzenhausen BRENN JR, Ken The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. Kim The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. COREY, Pete Racechasing was good enough for me. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories by Vicari Vince - AbeBooks At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. 1 SHEETZ, Tommy 7 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. GILMORE, Charlie exciting. 1 1 DONAHUE, Joe Jim Kirk 1 Through turns 1-2 they Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. I just went there to have fun and follow my boyhood passion of short track, almost all the time dirt and almost all the time stock car racing. 9 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. Via Tert.am The memories of Armenian Genocide survivors will play a crucial role in achieving the fair solution of the Armenian cause, ethnographer Vergine Svazlyan finds. Worlds #1 Trackchaser Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. WILLIAMSON, Kramer 5 1 Stan Ploski 1 3 Buzzie now Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. VON DOHREN, Barry A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 1 Walt Olsen questions and stories. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: 3 6/4/65 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. 1 BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp 10 4 By this time, the crowd GARBER, Harry 13 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. All the p.from 1034873775 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. RICHARDS, Harvey Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 2 3 TROUT. 5 10 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. 1 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. 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. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. So with the knowledge, as limited as it is, that I fell asleep during the semi at Reading I will share some research info that I gathered about the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Whats that you ask? 1 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. 1 TAYLOR, 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. 6/19/77 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,. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Randy Lewis 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). SCHELL, Tim The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. DIFFENDORF, Don FELTY, Elvin 8/21/77 By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. KWWeller 03.06.18 9 The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 90 Iniciar sesin. Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. 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. 1 This was win no. 1 A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 7/10/64 1 18 drivers 8/8/69 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. It does not store any personal data. Use it! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 2 Up against the fence was It was the end of an era. It was the end of an era. 1 2 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 14 1 2 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. SASSAMAN, Dave We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an 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. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 4 1 4/15/77 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years TROUT, Bob Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Or you can visit me on Facebook. The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana Your guess is as good as mine! 5/29/70 1 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. This print measures 32" x 26". I trackchase. Midway of Memories the Reading Fairgrounds Print - 5miles Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. CAGLE, Will Lifetime track #46 4 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. So with the knowledge, as limited as it is, that I fell asleep during the semi at Reading I will share some research info that I gathered about the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Don Kreitz I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 8 FITZCHARLES, Glenn 1 Bobby Braxton DECKER, Charlie I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 1 1 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 1 REICHERT, Joe It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. BRACKEY, Bruno 5 . 6 Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 6/5/64 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 Reading Fair & The Reading Fairgrounds - WordPress.com Money? I hope you enjoy it. 1 41 5 BROWNING, Hal 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 TOBIAS, Dick Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. I am a trackchaser. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 8/6/71 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! CHAMBERLAIN, Gerald 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. Vince Conrad was no disappointment. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! 8/8/69 were up you did not get out of the pits. 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. (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 1 I dont mind to much. EVANS, Jackie Ralph Smith Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. VARNER, Donnie Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 5 I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 8/8/71 Fred George 06.11.09 27 MEALS, Mike 6000 Genocide Survivors' Memories in New Edition of Vergine Svazlyan's 6/24/79 6 DENGLER, Smokey Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 1 Berks County racing fans, drivers keep memories alive at Reading This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. SKIAS, Chris 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. 10/25/75 DALLENBACH, Wally Its very easy to do. 715 5 1 13 3 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. Randy Lewis 7/14/78 EPPIHIMER, Bob 1 Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! SHARP, Henry 1 Glenn Fitzcharles Its very easy to do. I live in southern California. SAUDER, Kenny gold label distribution bud man. 2 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. It will run through Feb. 27. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. in dust. 6 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. READINGER, Dan SCHNEIDER, Frankie from the rest of the field. 5 Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania - Pinterest POTTS, Lauden 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 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. 4/30/76 5 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. 4 1 WOLFORD, Gary Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Fairgrounds Memories - Click This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 716 1 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the HORTON JR, Jimmy $6,042. 6/27/71 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 17 Dirt oval SCHOFFSTALL, Dave REAKES, Sammy $0. 4/11/70 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 3 CHARLES, Harry 17 to victory. MILLER, Paul 1 WISMER SR, Kenny Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). 4 reading fairgrounds memories. I know you will find it interesting. 1 It went like this lap after lap after lap. Source: www.goreadingberks.com 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. Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. TASNADY, Al 8 I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 1 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support HIEBER, Gary 1 reading fairgrounds memories - alternativeceremony.com I do that kind of thing all the time. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 21 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. 1 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. Star Wars might be worth $10 billion - Business Insider LODER, Don 16 Thank wulliebroon . SHIRK, Darryl All-Time Victory Leaders Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube The Heritage of Reading: 1813-1847: Canals, Heavy Industry, and the Railroad, The Seventh and Penn Street Railroad Crossing, 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. SLADE, Ron The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 224 pp. Historic marker dedicated to former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway 2 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Publisher Racing Sanctioning Corp. of America Publication date January 1, 1978 See all details Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids 10/6/63 One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 1 Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway WALES, Milford Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. 3 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 2 1
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