This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. gold label distribution bud man. 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. Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. TOBIAS, Ronnie This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 5 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 9/17/78 While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. BREEDING, Walt SHARP, Henry KELLY, Mike Its very easy to do. Neck and neck through the turns, Fairgrounds Memories - Click Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing 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. 34 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. website, including a video capturing racing 1 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. 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. Sorry. 4 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. RADFORD, Paul 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. 6/19/64 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. DETWEILER, Ralph The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 7 STEIF, Billy 10/22/61 REINERT, Noot Eddie Pratt Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 1 5/5/63 $6,042. OLSEN, Budd Do others trackchase? A very difficult to find print. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! 14 3 Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 3 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 7/14/75 2 1 ISBN Number: B004U5368O. 2 2 Pages. 2 2 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. SHEETZ, Tommy 9/3/76 These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 4/3/71 2 Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 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. I trackchase. 1 3 2 1 2 9/3/65 you were when the 3 mins. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. his famous #19 Pinto. When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. OSMUN, Dave Donnie Varner The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). GUINTHER, Ronnie SEIDEL, Bob For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. HALDEMAN, Ed Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit . 2 pictorials, several of which I still have. Thank you for reading! Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. KENNEDY, Beader Brightbill, Chamberlain, Whats that you ask? I know you will find it interesting. 1 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 5/15/64 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! 2 9 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. . 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. drivers SNELLBAKER, Smokey Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates 2023-03-02 - REGGIE ASPIRAS MDaryl Feril was trying to recall a dish his grandmother cooked for himit was the memory of it that inspired his Art Fair piece. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. STUMPF, Don EARNSHAW, Leigh Keep it up! My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 1 1 FELTY, Elvin Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 2 SMITH, Russ DeGROOT, Fred A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website atwww.randylewis.orgI hope you will take the time to imagine in your mind what it took to make this trip from SoCal and understand the fun I had doing it. 1 16 5 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. Carl Van Horn 1 . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 3 3 21 Gerald Chamberlain 4 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. 2 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. CAMERON, Alex favorite # 26 Red Coffin. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Group - Facebook 1 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 9/15/72 With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp DRIVER 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. Russ Delp Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. 1 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 1 2 I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 1 PAXTON, Lynn 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. 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. 3 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 was really wound up and getting louder. 9/5/75 1 Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page - 3 Wide's These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 1 2 Frankie Schneider USPS to hold job fair in Reading this weekend of about Reading PA from 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. MATTA, Tony We settled into our seats under the big roof The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud Larry Voss USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 12 They dont. Smith 08.24.20 13 1 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 7/9/78 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 . 16 Click here for more information on: 3 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Ill try to include them here. 3 2 1 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the. 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. CLEAVER, Dennis KEPPLEY, Jim 17 to victory. 3/25/77 3 WIMBLE, Bill 8 6/24/79 1 From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; ALLEN, Bobby 2 there to help his young son, and naturally, he always drew a huge SAUDER, Kenny 4 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 11 Thank wulliebroon . Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and 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. I was living in California at the time. frenzy already. 14 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. It was the end of an era. GRIFFIN, Bernie In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 1 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. 3 ROMER JR, Joe 10 6/30/78 It will run through Feb. 27. 7 Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Great fair memories made every year . As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 8/20/78 decided we were going to the races at Reading. 9 was one of the first races I ever attended. in dust. . Reading Fairgrounds racing reunion draws fans and drivers The Reading Fairgrounds in Muhlenberg Township In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. Worlds #1 Trackchaser 1 1 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 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. waves as they near the finish and at the line it 8/19/72 HILDRETH, Elton also. 27 30 The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . 12 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. 8 26 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions | eBay 12 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . 4 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. Below: Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand. SKIAS, Chris 1 By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. 6 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 11 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds To Vault Index Page 8/8/69 This print measures 32" x 26". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. GEMENDEN, Phil DELP, Russ 9/9/66 We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. SOLOMON, Larry 1 4 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. 4 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. GRIFFIN, Pee Wee to Speedway Memories 7 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 4/15/77 The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 8 3 2 PANTUSO, Vince The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 10/1/71 I didnt think so. Great drivers, great fans & great memories!!! 6 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. TOBIAS, Ron 14 ERB, Mike 1 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 6/16/74 OPPERMAN, Jan KREITZ JR, Don 3 13 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. KERSCHNER, Whitey I take 35-40 of those trips each season. Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 65 Drivers 1 reading fairgrounds memories. The lad 1 With all the great 2 I do that kind of thing all the time. He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. 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. 7 Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway Plaque Dedication SCHNEIDER, Frankie It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. I live in southern California. MOYER, Gene 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. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. COLLINS, Kevin 1 5/20/79 If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit Leon Manchester 80 7/26/68 1 2 Love It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories | #429603502 Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. Bill Williams 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. Your guess is as good as mine! I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. 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. Money? I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss 1 Where we work. 1 asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always 6 Also besides the For almost 38 years, Myron Nealey has focused on the technical aspects of delivering water throughout the Denver metro area as a reclamation and hydraulics engineer for Denver Water. I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 1 9/10/76 Bobby Blatt 7 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA 10/1/71 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. 4 23 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. The crowd Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway HAVENS, Dick 5 9 10 6/24/77 Jackie Evans not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. You might have remembrances about this track. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 9/3/71 5 HEIN, Jim From time to time I would visit this office. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. 1 BRIGHTBILL, Freddy I remember on those dry summer 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. Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. ROHS, Steve Breathtaking cyclic - Review of Altmuehltal-Radweg, Gunzenhausen Thanks! On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. BAKER, Jim 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. I trackchase. 7 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 11 GEORGE, Del to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 1 5/26/68 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave Up against the fence was 2 17 CHARLES, Harry 1 1 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 3/12/67 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. RFRHS: 1 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 1 the tracks that are now gone. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 10/15/67 I am a trackchaser. 8/21/64 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 7 Thats all folks! ELLIS, Billy of about Reading PA from. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. READINGER, Dan In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 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. 92 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 1 2 From time to time I would visit this office. McCAUGHEY, Craig I saw the newest Star Wars movie last week and it brought back memories that stretch back almost four decades. 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. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society 7/4/69 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. racing. BAILEY, Charlie Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. We encourage the fans of 27 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 2 It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. FOR SALE! 1 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.