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1 4/17/70 3 BLUM, Bill All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. You might have remembrances about this track. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Rags Carter decided we were going to the races at Reading. The white flag was 1 See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. 13 Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. drivers 5 It will run through Feb. 27. 10 BAILEY, Charlie 6/30/78 Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. BOTZ, Johnny 2 Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 8 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. two made up the front row on the restart. the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. 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. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. Well, one day my dad SHIRE, Charlie Thanks for the memories. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my 2 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania Its very easy to do. 8 MOORE, Harry Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and Bob Siedel This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 7/17/64 Also a few other Speedway shots from Big Diamond,Penn National,Bridgeport. 5/27/77 59 1 SASSAMAN, Dave KNEISEL, Dave 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. 27 DALLENBACH, Wally CAGLE, Will 1 1 The winner of the Grand Finale` - when the Reading Fairgrounds held its final event, in June of 1979, Dave Kelly drove his beautiful Mustang-bodied No. I know you will find it interesting. 4 1 6/17/66 Whip Mulligan 4 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. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 3 On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 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. 9 Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. TV to this day. Thanks for the memories. 7/22/77 2 1 27 Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 11 STONG, Jay where he loved it best. 4 1 I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: 1 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 11 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 9/4/67 HARRISON, George HALDEMAN, Ed Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on 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. 8 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 5/21/78 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 90 8 17 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Your guess is as good as mine! Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. 4 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. Bob Malzahn They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. Billy Ellis This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 41 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. 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. OPPERMAN, Jan 3 8/21/64 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. Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 2 6/5/64 The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". 6 Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. 1 2 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. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. 8 BRIGHTBILL, Freddy 1 14 Great fair memories made every year . Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 2 1 ROHS, Steve Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 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. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 11 4 DRIVER 4 23 COLLINS, Kevin 1 DEAN, Dizzy 4 Whitey Kerschner We settled into our seats under the big roof Billy Osmun 4/30/76 Could not help overhearing him, did not This was win no. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Publisher Racing Sanctioning Corp. of America Publication date January 1, 1978 See all details Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids 10/6/63 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. I got the "last 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. 17 11 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. 1 4 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 18 6/25/78 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 6 Ronnie Tobias 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. 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. 9/3/76 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 2 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always was one of the first races I ever attended. root for Parnelli. Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). 6 3 Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. 1 In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. 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. TOTAL favorite # 26 Red Coffin. READINGER, Dan 2 SPENCER, Ed 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 16 34 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. KREITZ SR, Don 2 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. 2 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Jim Baker All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . 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. 4/11/70 6/24/79 7/10/64 Randy on Facebook 1 GERHART, Bobby Open Document. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 17 to victory. Thats what a racechaser does. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 6 2 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 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. Born in 1897, he witnessed the growth and expansion of the city which was once the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania with a population close to 130,000 not including unnaturalized citizens. 3 Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 1 Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. 3 RAFTER, Bill If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 8 FOR SALE! In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. SKIAS, Chris were all about. Pre-1980. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby to Homepage, More interesting info They dont. I remember on those dry summer 13 3 2 1 14 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 3 Click here for more information on: This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. 9 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 2 to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 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. SHAW, Bob 2 716 4/24/64 6/29/79 Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Back KANTORSKY, Pete 4/8/72 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 . 9/3/71 7/26/68 WEAVER, Mark The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Tommy won his first race in 1938. Reading Fairgrounds Memories Photographer: Joe Simpkins - Provided by: Bobby Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 3 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. I didnt think so. 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. Thats all folks! This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. 6 ROMER JR, Joe reading pa obituaries 2021. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. Above found at: 2 3 Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. front. 1 One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. EMERICH, Bob 10 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. Expenses. 3 Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 8/21/77 I was living in California at the time. 6 Dirt oval Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. CAMERON, Alex On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. 1 Bill Williams TOBIAS, Dick 4/9/77 1 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. COZZE, Frank I look forward to seeing more from your website. for one or the other. 27 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. VOSS, Larry To Vault Index Page GUEST, Terry 11 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing Author VICARI, Vince; Ed Illustrator Photo Illustrated Format/Binding Hardcover Book condition Used - Fine Jacket condition No Jacket Edition First Edition Binding Hardcover Publisher Racing Sanctioning Corp. Of America Place of Publication Reading, PA Date Published 1979 Keywords COFFIN, Red I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. Laudan Potts 2 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 3 As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia 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. A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling A special 50th. I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 14 I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . 2 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. When gasoline took the place of the railroad, the Reading Transit Company brought in fleets of buses from other cities. Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. PAULSON, Ronnie In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year.