The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! were up you did not get out of the pits. Your guess is as good as mine! CARROLL, Jackie It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 1 2 7/4/69 1 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. I look forward to seeing more from your website. 1 8/21/64 2 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . 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. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing 6/25/78 8 1 1 We encourage the fans of 14 Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at [email protected] - welcome all emails and/or 2 to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 1 17 13 10/25/75 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. I didnt think so. 2 Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 8/6/71 area. 6/23/67 PAUCH, Billy 4/24/64 Accept Read More. OLSEN, Budd Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 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 ! National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. Thats what a racechaser does. 1 Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, 1 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 2 Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 4/17/70 kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. Donnie Varner PAXTON, Lynn Expenses. 1 An amazing life's work. TAYLOR, Lee 1 Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. were still neck and neck. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 1 was one of the first races I ever attended. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 5 Its very easy to do. PLOSKI JR, Stan When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. 23 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 6/5/64 35 In 1932, three shows were held. SNELLBAKER, Smokey USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. frenzy already. 1 FITZCHARLES, Glenn 11/20/77 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. READINGER, Dan ELY, George REIDER, Blackie 6 where he loved it best. 3 They dont. EMERICH, Bob 3 1 4 1 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway (1924-1979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 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. Home; About. 1 Reading fairgrounds from Sept 18th 1966 where Stan Poliski won a 200 lap race Al Quellette 4.7K views 2 years ago 1956-57 California Jalopy Racing. 4 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. Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! 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. 26 29 Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 5 Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. - $156.06. MANCHESTER, Leon 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. 15 2 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. On the green, they took off FELTY, Elvin 1 2 7 7/14/75 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 2 Frankie Schneider 1 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 3/12/67 2 Neck and neck through the turns, Randys Complete Track List On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. The lad They dont. EARNSHAW, Leigh 6 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. Dick Quallio One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. Click on the #31 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race racing. 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 STECKER, Russ 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. 1 In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. HAMILTON, Jackie All the p.from 1034873775 BALOGACH, Paul 2 3 . ago) and myself were part of the faithful who attended any types of Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . KERSCHNER, Whitey I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Brightbill running the high line and 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. 2 BREEDING, Walt 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. Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. Dick Tobias We lcome To. 10 1 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. 3/24/68 27 OSMUN, Billy SCHNEIDER, Frankie All-Time Victory Leaders 10/22/61 1 SHIRE, Charlie 16 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. Bobby Gerhart 2 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. CAPIE, Tom I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. HALL, Bob JOHNSON, Jack 6/29/79 2 2 2 3 031 60 52 60 [email protected]. 17 to victory. 11 2 8/9/68 1 1 1 riding high in the turns of Brightbill. 4 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always 8 ROHS, Steve 1 Rags Carter This was win no. LAZZARO, Lou 4 From time to time I would visit this office. 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. FITZCHARLES, Paul 1 "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. 6 9/7/75 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 3 yrs. 12 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. BROMMER, Aaron Eddie Pratt The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 10/22/77 6/24/77 1 1 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). GREEN, Butch No matter who Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index Back The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. 716 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. dr patel plastic surgeon oak brook. 26 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. Junior Mikosz 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. 8 1 2 There you have it. VOLZ, Tony 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. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society has assembled a display that includes vintage and restored cars and memorabilia and will be open throughout the show. TRAUTMAN, Bob Membership is only $15 per year or a life-time membership of $200. Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. Budd Olsen . A great book on Stock Car Racing in Reading, PA. . 7/14/78 7/21/78 EPPIHIMER, Bob There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 2 With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. My memories of that trip are few. COLLIS, Carl qualifying lap times. 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. Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. TOBIAS, Ronnie 1 7/3/77 there. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 2 If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. 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. STANTON, Dave I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 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. 1 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. 13 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. OCHS, Larry 5 LYNCH, Ed The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 4 1 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). Time? By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. KANTORSKY, Pete Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. Glenn Fitzcharles It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 8 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 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. 8/8/69 11 gold label distribution bud man. Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . 41 EPRIGHT, Fritz By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. 10/1/71 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. was no disappointment. In 1947 a building designed for roller skating was added to the facilities. It went like this lap after lap after lap. action from the mid 70's. Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 5/20/79 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 16 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 3 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. 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. 4 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. 1 8/7/77 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. Tommy McAndrews 6 Whats that you ask? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 1 5 4 I hope you enjoy it. Gary Gollub SMITH, Ralph 28 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. Love 17 drivers Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. 1 14 Laudan Potts Thank wulliebroon . Im not sure of the year, but the big rivalry on 46 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. HEIN, Jim 20 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway The binding is tight. mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 1 SMITH, Russ 9 4/3/71 3 Tommy won his first race in 1938. 7 compiled by Bill Braga 2 main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. 3 The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those 10 1 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan 2 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 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. Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. 1 Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . 11 + $6.00 shipping. WARREN, Smokey STONG, Jay 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. It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. 1 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. 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. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 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. This was win no. COVILLE, C D 1 BRENN JR, Ken I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. 3 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. and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. There you have it. 5 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. 9 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. The Fair included imported amusements of a carnival nature, including rides of various kinds, as well as those especially gifted in or trained for some, extraordinary activity, and animals. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report DERR, Earl Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. 9 5 6 20 1 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". demeanor make him a favorite. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. KREITZ JR, Don That car has been restored. 8/28/64 RAFTER, Bill SUMMARY 5/15/64 5 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. FREYER, Karl the undercover economist chapter summary. Tommy won his first race in 1938. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. PRATT, Eddie Tommy Long Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. BLUM, Bill
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