reading fairgrounds memories reading fairgrounds memories

It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 1 FOR SALE! Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to 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. 4 Don Kreitz If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. Money? 4/11/70 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. MURPHY, Johnny 5 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. The white flag was 5 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. Absolutely. 1 Bob Pickell MIKOSZ, Junior 10 WALES, Milford SUMMARY Ill try to include them here. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 9 1 30 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. TROUT, Bob 1 1 GUEST, Terry 1 Bob Siedel 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. Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . LONG, Tommy 1 1 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 1 LAWSHE, Art feature event started and the crowd was starting to build into a 2 Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 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. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 1 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. 2 1 Randy on Facebook 1 4/10/71 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. KEMMERER, Jim It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. HOLLAND, Eddie Fairgrounds Memories - Click The crowd went crazy as they had Bobby Gerhart There was a continuous shuttle service of trains from both Franklin Street and the Outer Station on the Reading railway, which also arranged excursions at reduced rates from places within the area bounded by Sunbury, Easton, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. 3 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. 2 9 the front. 34 WIMBLE, Bill + $6.00 shipping. Budd Olsen 1 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 01.15.16 Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 4 Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated 3 90 and got through the heats and consolations. ELLIS, Billy 3 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 8/21/77 The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. eat. A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. BALOUGH, Gary HENDRICKSON, Lee 6 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. I didnt think so. Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. 8 CAGLE, Will Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. 3 yrs. BUT, I did, loud and clear. 1 Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. 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. 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. 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. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. DeGROOT, Fred action from the mid 70's. 92 1 3 SHEETZ, Tommy Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. There you have it. 1 9/4/67 Learn how your comment data is processed. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 16 6 For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. SMITH, Russ BEAVERS, Sammy The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I am a trackchaser. 7 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. 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. below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: 3 OPPERMAN, Jan 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Keep it up! RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. I live in southern California. 2 Pages. To add your Reading #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. 5 BRACKEY, Bruno 11 3 1 REICHERT, Joe 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 3 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 7/10/77 4 Also besides the 4 Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. 2 Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. 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. Thats all folks! 3 6 3 1 11 3 2 6 He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the 1 18 OSBORNE, Lee RICHARDS, Harvey 28 1 6 READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. Lap after lap, side by 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. of about Reading PA from. Health? Meme Desantis 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. 21 KELLY, Dave 4 Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. 3 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 7 See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. 8 you hear them all the way up in Allentown. 1ST WIN 24 4/19/63 1 13 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit 8/7/77 1 7 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 7/7/78 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. 1 6/17/66 4 Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. 65 Drivers 9/24/78 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 7 Brightbill running the high line and KNEISEL, Dave McANDREW, Tommy 1 Up against the fence was 2 pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. I know you will find it interesting. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. I dont mind to much. To Vault Index Page 5/21/78 29 ISBN Number: B004U5368O. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 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. HALDEMAN, Ed the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my 2 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index 4 Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. YETTER, Richie 12 Will it work now? DESKOVICH, Billy Frank Cozze WELD, Kenny 4 Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had DRIVER These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 1 Jackie McClaughlin It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. 1 Eddie Pratt 9 Time? www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). You might have remembrances about this track. 1 7 9/3/67 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 1 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 7/14/75 their efforts. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. 2 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. Russ Delp you were when the 3 mins. 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. Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the 7/5/70 2 The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . 9/5/75 1 1 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. not miss a race. 2 Buzzie now Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . KOZAK, Johnny In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. Date of experience: September 2012. 8 TV to this day. Joel Wessner REIFINGER, Hal Carl Van Horn 2 Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. 3 The site was ideal since it was served by two railroads (the Reading and the Pennsylvania), a branch of the Reading Street Railway Companys lines, and two main highways, the Pottsville and the Allentown Pikes. 3 We raced on dirt and on asphalt mainly in the tri-state was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling Laudan Potts Worlds #1 Trackchaser BRIGHTBILL, Freddy 11/20/77 One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. MOORE, Mose Use it! I hope you enjoy it. 9 TASNADY, Al 2 4/3/71 track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in COLLINS, Kevin Mike has been involved in the establishment of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, founded on February 4, 2004. 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. 27 2 1 As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward 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. 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. TRAUTMAN, Bob I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 1 mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. STECKER, Russ I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 4/24/64 4 Smith 08.24.20 to Speedway Memories 1 I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 1 Kenny Weld 5 Its very easy to do. for one or the other. was really wound up and getting louder. Fred George 06.11.09 Brightbill high, Chamberlain low, coming off the 4th turn its now a A great book on Stock Car Racing in Reading, PA. . Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. favorite # 26 Red Coffin. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. I AM A TRACKCHASER. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 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. Photographic endsheets. GREEN, Butch 4/4/70 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. of about Reading PA from Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 13 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 15 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds 1 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 8/8/71 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. 29 Tommy McAndrews This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Whats that you ask? 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. Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 7/30/65 Randy Lewis 1 14 Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby You want this if you love Racing ! DeSANTIS, Meme 27 Shorty Kerschner 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. 1 From time to time I would visit this office. 8/23/63 HAGER, Tom VAN HORN, Carl 3 8/19/72 MEAHL, Ken 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. 1 1 716 7 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 19 3 8/21/64 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. questions and stories. My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and 1 An amazing life's work. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, whose membership is dedicated to preserving the memories of the Fairgrounds and speedway, was thankful to see the plaque finally in place,. Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. Larry Voss HALL, Bob 3 Dirt oval 16 GILMORE, Charlie Bobby Hauer If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. 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. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 5/12/67 2 BUSS, Del SMITH, Ralph This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. Revenue. HILDRETH, Elton FITZCHARLES, Glenn National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. More interesting info On the green, they took off MANCHESTER, Leon The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. KEPPLEY, Jim KELLY, Mike Tommy won his first race in 1938. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 224 pp. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 52 Here or email us at [email protected] and Whitey Kerschner 1 LYNCH, Ed Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. RUDY, Jack My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 3 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 5 We had the privilege of 3 3 6 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. by a coat of paint on his bumper. COREY, Pete Let's stay updated! 18 2 TILLEY, Ray If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit 1 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. BRIGHTBILL, Kenny 1 DERR, Earl I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. 7/22/75 14 2 SAUDER, Kenny The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. BUNTING, Harold EPPOLITE, Frank This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 5 A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 4/13/73 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. Perfect condition. 14 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. 9 1 1 6/5/64 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. 3 MOORE, Harry Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 3 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 5/26/68 1 8 gold label distribution bud man. 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. 10/17/65 YOUNG, Bruce I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. Vince Conrad Red Coffin JOHNSON, Alan tipton, iowa obituaries. 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. WISMER JR, Kenny 2 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 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. from the rest of the field. In 1932, three shows were held. Pre-1980. 13 14 18 EPPIHIMER, Bob 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 8 4 Tommy Long Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. 2 30 SHAW, Bob 22 1 QUALIO, Dick Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 4/8/72 Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. karts. 1 3 MOYER, Gene Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube. That car has been restored. 7 7/26/68 It does not store any personal data. 10 1 90 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 6 2 34 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. WINKS, Jimmy 13 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. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 2 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 1 1 Pittman. Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. SHIRE, Charlie 3 BITTING, Del 4 5 3 SHIRK, Darryl 16 2 . REUTIMANN, Buzzie was..Kenny Brightbill There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 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. drivers 1 Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 11 Tommy won his first race in 1938.