2 7 The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 6/24/77 59 4 10/15/67 Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 11 2 9 715 5 1 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. crowd in the pit area. Women were Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan JOHNSON, Alan 2 WILLIAMSON, Kramer When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 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. 10 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. READINGER, Dan 4 Budd Olsen 1 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. 8 1 6/5/64 23 REUTIMANN, Wayne We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. CRONCE, Howie Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 1 2 KWWeller 03.06.18 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. 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. 1 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 43 1 Kim This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! HOLLAND, Eddie 6 14 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. The EventVideo Plus VAN KIRK, Billy Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. HAGER, Tom My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. 6/30/74 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Wikipedia Book Fair Blues: O Argentina! - boloji.com Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. 19 3 4/11/70 DeGROOT, Fred HILDRETH, Elton TOTAL 3 HARRISON, George The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those REIDER, Blackie Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. Could not help overhearing him, did not They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania I grew up in the city of Reading , I still have great memories and we also had the Reading Fairgorunds Speedway ! 1 16 230 Reading Fairgrounds ideas | stock car, old race cars - Pinterest Its very easy to do. 1 4 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 . STANTON, Dave 5 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway BUT, I did, loud and clear. Larry Voss SPENCER, Ed Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. 90 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 4 were here. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. MEALS, Mike Billy Deskovick The Reading Fairgrounds in Muhlenberg Township 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 2 Jim Keppley Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 1 Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! - Fotki If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. Whitey Kerschner Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. + $6.00 shipping. 1 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. 7 2 7/10/77 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. BREEDING, Walt Reading PA Fairgrounds Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 8/7/77 riding high in the turns of Brightbill. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 2 Ron Tobias 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway Plaque Dedication When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . was one of the first races I ever attended. Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. I dont mind to much. "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. 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 1 I got the "last 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. 1 2 13 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). VON DOHREN, Barry 3 I trackchase. TRAUTMAN, Bob Who can forget the COFFIN, Red 6 6 Jim Baker Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. . 6/16/74 17 2 (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 3 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 7/22/75 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 29 Tommy won his first race in 1938. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby 18 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. 52 Further reading: Increase Staff Engagement With a Personalised Event The rising importance of employee experience in the workplace and the role of internal events in facilitating the experience Building team culture in a work from anywhere world Engagement: How to personalise your employee events I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. GAHAN, Ernie Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Donnie Varner Held at Pioneer Pole Buildings on Route 183 in Schuylkill Haven, Reading Fairgrounds Historical Society hosted a three-day event to honor and remember the drivers and cars that ran at the. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. . 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. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 11 The Reading Fair & The Reading Fairgrounds - WordPress.com 6/28/68 1 7/7/78 LAWSHE, Art 1 Fairgrounds Memories 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. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the. 1 . Ill try to include them here. 1 COLLIS, Carl 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. 4 GUEST, Terry I didnt think so. 1 17 to victory. 11 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 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. 1 The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . 4 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. of about Reading PA from 2 Brightbill running the high line and It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. 2 favorite # 26 Red Coffin. At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 9 TV to this day. 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. compiled by Bill Braga The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 7 1 3 Brightbill, Chamberlain, $6,042. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. RADFORD, Paul Throughout the 20s and 30s Reading fans saw the likes of all the top Indianapolis 500 sprint car racing stars compete on their hometown half-mile dirt speedway. Shares547. EPPIHIMER, Bob These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 6/27/71 1 3/24/68 2 4 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. RFRHS: the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. TOBIAS, Ron Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. PAUCH, Billy 1 1 I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 92 yrs. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. My memories of that trip are few. Description This video is compiled of segments from Eastern Seedway Classics, Open Cockpit Classics, Stock Car Classics, Sprint & Champ Car Classics, Dirt Track Memories & 70's Review will take you back the 30's with the big cars, AAA & USAC sprint action of the 50's & 60's, finishing up during . 4 If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. WISMER SR, Kenny 6 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. 37 1 4 Horse racing had become a big attraction beginning with the first Fair in 1854, finally graduating into big time racing, with imported horses, in the days of the North Eleventh Street Fairs. Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years Thank you for reading! 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. lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. 6/30/78 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. HALL, Bob 1 Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. 7/10/64 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 30 Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2 62 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. DUNSTAN, Ronnie LAST WIN 1 Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. There you have it. 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. 1 3 8 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 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. It does not store any personal data. 2 DRIVER We settled into our seats under the big roof 224 pp. 8/20/78 9/9/66 Billy Ellis Tommy Long 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. There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. 135 Do they share their experiences? 1 4 2 Racechasing was good enough for me. Racing Legends Reunion and Car Show Feb. 19-25 BUSS, Del On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. GramaFan, not related but his methodical way of moving thru the pack and his quiet HEIN, Jim 10 Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 19 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Stars Photos 4x6 Glossy Brightbill,Chamb 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Gerald Chamberlain Dick Tobias Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Book 1975-76 Syracuse Fairgrounds Schaefer 100 Super Dirt Week Dirt Modified 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Kenny Brightbill Dick Tobias 13 15 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 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. 14 3 JOHNSON, Bob As we were reminiscing about the It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 1 10/6/63 1ST WIN 13 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. What the heck does Classic mean? ROSSELL, Bob 20 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 14 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 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. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. COLLINS, Kevin . HUBBARD, Johnny On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 7/4/69 1 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. Junior Mikosz To Vault Index Page Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. 2 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. 3/23/69 5/10/70 10/21/62 Freddy Brightbill FOR SALE! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. KELLY, Joe RUDY, Jack 1 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. LINGLE, Joe SWINEHART, Ray An amazing life's work. 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. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. COREY, Pete 1 Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. DeSANTIS, Meme One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 1 watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny GILLETTE, Don 4 10/8/78 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. DECKER, Charlie 6 1 GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. Do they share their experiences? Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions 1 FORRETTE, Maynard 4 2 BURKHART, Barry 7 4/9/77 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. On the green, they took off Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 1 6 I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. BOTZ, Johnny 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. GILMORE, Charlie BAKER, Jim MULLIGAN, Whip 13 AbeBooks.com: Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing: Bound in the original blue and yellow stiff wraps. reading fairgrounds memories. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 2 8/30/63 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. 3 the front. MOORE, Mose 2 Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Absolutely. WALES, Milford As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. Historic marker dedicated to former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Will Cagle Berks County racing fans, drivers keep memories alive at Reading 9 5 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. Kenny Brightbill CAPIE, Tom 2 8/26/77 BUNTING, Harold They dont. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Jackie McClaughlin What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! WARREN, Smokey I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Thats what a racechaser does. FITZCHARLES, Glenn The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Do others trackchase? In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 5 DISSINGER, Butch The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. 3 http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back 1 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Laudan Potts 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. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com 2 reading fairgrounds memoriesare you required to disclose you were fired. 13 main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. It does not store any personal data. 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. 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. 2 8 Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 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. 1 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 1 3 I know you will find it interesting. Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . 7 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. 4/17/70 2 The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country.