By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. NOTHSTEIN, Junior 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. A special 50th. 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. SWINEHART, Ray KREITZ JR, Don 715 4/13/73 It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. HIEBER, Gary DUNSTAN, Ronnie This is what the Reading legends were made of. 1 1 3 KATONA, Les Eddie Pratt Dave Kelly 4 3 715 OSMUN, Dave 1 Smith 08.24.20 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 10/18/75 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 90 10 1 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. To Vault Index Page 1 7 2 3 Brightbill running the high line and Thats what a racechaser does. 7 McANDREW, Tommy This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. not miss a race. 12 1 9 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index GRBAC, Mike Our Mission Our ultimate goal is to build a permanant museum to house all of the collectible items that we have acquired over the years along with race cars that have been restored. 23 3 Time? Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 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. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. 19 There you have it. 52 18 MURPHY, Johnny side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. SCHNEIDER, Frankie Jackie McClaughlin Leon Manchester Jim Keppley 1 Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. WILLIAMSON, Kramer 1 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 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. I didnt think so. 2 eat. 6 KANTORSKY, Pete 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials HORTON JR, Jimmy GERHART, Bobby 1 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 1 4 Find them in Teays Valley, Milton and Cross Lanes for mouth watering smoked prime rib, slow smoked baby back ribs, smoked chicken, Cajun catfish crab stuffed catfish and much, much Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. COREY, Pete were still neck and neck. Sorry. This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. 5/26/68 Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 3 52 By this time, the crowd Will it work now? 10/1/71 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 11 1 KESSLER, Randy old who had many questions for his Dad. 1 18 1 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. No matter who 2 It was in this time that they went from running There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. STUMPF, Don 17 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 3 who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. 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. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Tom Hager 17 FRENCH, Ralph We raced on dirt and on asphalt mainly in the tri-state BEAVERS, Sammy 9 1 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. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). REICHERT, Joe 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. 5/9/65 7/30/65 FITZCHARLES, Paul EVANS, Jackie 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 tracks that are now gone. In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. was really wound up and getting louder. 1 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and That October Sunday in 78 made it official. MANCHESTER, Leon 2 Dick Tobias 27 7/26/68 If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 6 PAULSON, Ronnie GRIFFIN, Bernie 8/23/63 6/5/64 Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Who can forget the Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. 1 WELD, Kenny 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). 8/26/77 great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race 5 6 9 3 POTTS, Lauden 1 Donnie Varner 10/21/62 135 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. Thanks! 21 Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. TRAUTMAN, Bob 41 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. McLAUGHLIN, Jackie One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 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. The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 1 Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. During intermission we 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. demeanor make him a favorite. 1 KERSCHNER, Shorty Brightbill high, Chamberlain low, coming off the 4th turn its now a 1 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. was..Kenny Brightbill 1 4 BRAXTON, Bobby 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. 1 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 1 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! 5 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 3 1 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. 3 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 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. Harry Moore BURKHART, Barry 1 Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 2 "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 3 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back 4/6/73 Whitey Kerschner 1 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. 6/27/71 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. HULBERT, Mert 92 8/8/69 VON DOHREN, Barry Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. GARBER, Harry Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. TOTAL 1 7/22/66 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 6 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. 1 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 8/5/77 3/24/68 2 Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 4/17/70 6/19/77 1 "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . 4 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 3 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia 7 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 9/24/78 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. MILLER, Paul 2 COVILLE, C D DRIVER When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. Tommy won his first race in 1938. JOHNSON, Alan In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss I remember on those dry summer 27 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. BEHRENT, Harry Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan Meme Desantis Budd Olsen But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 6 The links below hold information on the association and cars. BALOGACH, Paul 1 5 LAZZARO, Lou 1 The binding is tight. An amazing life's work. 1 Joel Wessner Russ Delp Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 6/24/79 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. SEROKA, Lenny 1 5/21/78 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 8 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 3/31/63 "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. 4/5/64 The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 5 Keep up the good job with these memory pages. and got through the heats and consolations. Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 4/15/77 KELLY, Mike 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. This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. Let's stay updated! Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. SASSAMAN, Dave Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. Above found at: 6 2 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. COZZE, Frank 11 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. 14 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. 7 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 22 3 Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. website, including a video capturing racing 9 I had heard tales of the packed houses Reading got, and this night Thats all folks! 10 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 1 9/4/67 LODER, Don It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 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. Mike Meals 4 STRUPP, Sonny 4 When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. Dick Quallio HALDEMAN, Ed I was living in California at the time. We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. 52 16 Membership is only $15 per year or a life-time membership of $200. 7/14/78 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. ever seen. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. What the heck does Classic mean? Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 6 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to I take 35-40 of those trips each season. STECKER, Russ 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 4 chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the 6/30/74 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 1 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? DESKOVICH, Billy RADFORD, Paul DEAN, Dizzy I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 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. OSMUN, Billy WELLER, Curt 10 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. From time to time I would visit this office. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . 2 and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. I AM A TRACKCHASER. Walt Olsen The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. The 9 LONG, Tommy 1 Do others trackchase? There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 11 OPPERMAN, Jan 2 also. SUMMARY 1 One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. 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. Gerald Chamberlain 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 7/3/77 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. You might have remembrances about this track. Gunzenhausen (German pronunciation: [ntsnhazn] (); Bavarian: Gunzenhausn) is a town in the Weienburg-Gunzenhausen district, in Bavaria, Germany.It is situated on the river Altmhl, 19 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Weienburg in Bayern, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of Nuremberg.Gunzenhausen is a nationally recognized recreation area. 14 01.15.16 exciting. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 7/10/64 LAST WIN riding high in the turns of Brightbill. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 9/17/78 On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. It went like this lap after lap after lap. Was led onto his career from some other "old time" These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 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. Red Coffin 7/9/65 1 waves as they near the finish and at the line it document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Ill try to include them here. Thats what a racechaser does. DICKSON, Larry 14 1 3 I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. Bobby Braxton 10 of about Reading PA from HAVENS, Dick 14 GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. 1 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. . I trackchase. 2 In 1932, three shows were held. Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always 13 14 below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 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. See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. 4 1 10 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Up against the fence was DRIVER 1 REUTIMANN, Wayne HILDRETH, Elton Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 1 Shares547. 3 1 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 14 3 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. 9 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. yrs. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny 4 USAC friends and fellow co-workers there. 1 Billy Osmun WARREN, Smokey 5 CRONCE, Howie 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. gold label distribution bud man. 2 5 4 Could not help overhearing him, did not track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in 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. 3 EPRIGHT, Fritz 1 2 7 Your guess is as good as mine! 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. Iniciar sesin. CAGLE, Will 1 1 Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. two made up the front row on the restart. I am a trackchaser. 1 6/25/78 Donny DONAHUE, Joe In 1928 the power of eminent domain was used to acquire part of the Madeira farm for a new entrance and exposition building at the fair. 6 I currently live in Virginia where I work for the US Army performing stress analysis, vibration and structural tests on Army Aviation platforms and structures. 8/6/71 That car has been restored. 8 4 1 2 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT 10 1 Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.)