1 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 4 2 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. 3/31/63 5 Thank you for reading! YOUNG, Bruce 9 Reading 3 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. 4 KELLY, Joe Also a few other Speedway shots from Big Diamond,Penn National,Bridgeport. 1 And when it was over, no one was surprised to find Kenny Brightbill in Victory Lane, which had become his second home since he got his first Reading victory in 1970. Ron Tobias When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 1 11 Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the 7 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 10/22/77 BRIGHTBILL, Kenny Iniciar sesin Olvidaste tu cuenta? PAULSON, Ronnie 7/30/65 1 16 If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 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. Leon Manchester They dont. 6 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. Thats what a racechaser does. 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. 1 interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. The crowd went crazy as they had Photographic endsheets. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 9/7/75 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. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 1 6/27/71 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. EPPIHIMER, Bob 8 crowd in the pit area. 4/9/77 where he loved it best. 4/24/64 1 1 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny GUINTHER, Ronnie He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. READINGER, Dan The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 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. 4 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. TOBIAS, Dick If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 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. Your guess is as good as mine! 2019 Ted Fund Donors 1 YETTER, Richie 1 SADLER, Blaine Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. A great book on Stock Car Racing in Reading, PA. . If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. Freddy Adam HARRISON, George GILLETTE, Don 1 Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated STRUPP, Sonny TASNADY, Al QUALIO, Dick Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! Randy Lewis there to help his young son, and naturally, he always drew a huge 5/27/77 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 4 "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. I dont mind to much. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. 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. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. Frank Cozze STONG, Jay Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 10 KNEISEL, Dave 7 21 17 what about Buzzie Reutimann ? "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 7 below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: In 1932 a seven-horse pileup killed race jockey Roy McCann of Elizabeth, NJ. 6 2 You want this if you love Racing ! Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 26 COLLIS, Carl This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. dr patel plastic surgeon oak brook. I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. COLLINS, Kevin Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. VOLZ, Tony DICKSON, Larry I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. From time to time I would visit this office. Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. We lcome To. TAYLOR, Lee I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the Ill try to include them here. I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. . VARNER, Donnie 1 EPPOLITE, Frank The binding is tight. 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. TOBIAS, Ron Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 17 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. and got through the heats and consolations. 6 FREYER, Karl 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. 4 10/22/77 7 BAILEY, Charlie 11 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 46 The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in Source: www.goreadingberks.com Pittman. RFRHS: We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Neck and neck through the turns, 1 ERB, Mike So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. MULLIGAN, Whip I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. 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 Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. 1 The Reading Fair. Carl Van Horn also. The lad The Gus Yatron postal facility in Reading is holding a job fair Saturday. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. DRIVER SASSAMAN, Dave I trackchase. 13 1 26 ROHS, Steve The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was established in 2004 with the mission to preserve and promote the memories and history of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway and those who made it "The Home of Champions." The exhibit will run until mid-June 2019. 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. REAKES, Sammy 3 2 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. WISMER JR, Kenny Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania 3 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. CAGLE, Will 3 WALES, Milford Tommy Long 716 13 3 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. S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 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. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. was really wound up and getting louder. the tracks that are now gone. One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. The flag 54 The 10/22/61 4/19/63 Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 10/15/67 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. 5/26/68 1 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. 8/21/77 1 2 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). GERHART, Bobby 36 LINGLE, Joe The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Was led onto his career from some other "old time" BROWN, Ralph 5 1 7 5 their efforts. 135 5 Donnie Varner The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. DONAHUE, Joe I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Harry Moore For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 1 2 6 20,000 spectators jammed the place to. . Have had 2 men email 1 9 Will it work now? Budd Olsen GREEN, Butch Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! root for Parnelli. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. CARROLL, Jackie 4 10 Hal Browning 16 Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it Thanks! 9/24/78 BROWNING, Hal 8 3 6 KERSCHNER, Whitey BRENN JR, Ken Above found at: READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 224 pp. 17 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. SCOTT, Tighe It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 6 1 9/3/67 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. Dick Tobias OLSEN, Budd Thats all folks! In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 1 HERN, Tom 3 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 4 there. WILLIAMS, Bill 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. History 13 62 That car has been restored. 7/22/77 BURKHART, Barry mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block 5/15/64 In 1947 a building designed for roller skating was added to the facilities. 1 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 1 A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. BRIGHTBILL, Freddy KENNEDY, Beader 2 8/7/77 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. 1 2 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 11 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 3 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. LONG, Tommy 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. 1 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 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. ISBN Number: B004U5368O. BEHRENT, Harry TROUT, Bob AbeBooks.com: Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing: Bound in the original blue and yellow stiff wraps. 10 27 5 PANTUSO, Vince 27 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 4 18 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). 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. It will run through Feb. 27. CHARLES, Harry RAFTER, Bill 4 website, including a video capturing racing 1 Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. 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. 12 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. CARTER, Rags Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 11 2 1 Smith 08.24.20 1 OCHS, Larry Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. Jay Stong 10 Dick Quallio 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. Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. 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. 10 5 It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. POTTS, Lauden 1 It was the end of an era. Accept Read More. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. 22 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. GOLLUB, Gary 8 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 5 FOR SALE! 1 6 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. READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. were up you did not get out of the pits. 3 BALOUGH, Gary 1 From September 20, 1924 to June 29,1979, dirt-track racing fans crowded the 80 acre site of the Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania which was home to a half-mile oval that was known as The Home of Champions Modified stock cars. 5 As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 3 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4/15/77 two made up the front row on the restart. VOSS, Larry 8/23/63 Bob Pickell Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair.
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