Brightbill running the high line and These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. 6 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. 11/20/77 6 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. ROHS, Steve 4/6/73 1 NOTHSTEIN, Junior 7/3/77 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. Click here for more information on: 1 14 eat. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). 6/25/78 Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. 10 No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. TOBIAS, Ronnie There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. I remember on those dry summer When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . 10/1/71 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. 20 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 1 Whats that you ask? laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 2 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. 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. I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on LAWSHE, Art 7 3 When gasoline took the place of the railroad, the Reading Transit Company brought in fleets of buses from other cities. Put the 3 of them together in the front of 11 17 I dont mind to much. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. REICHERT, Joe If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan 2 4/11/70 1 All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. Al Tasnady 30 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 2 2 2 lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. COVILLE, C D WINKS, Jimmy 6 Accept Read More. Donny and I also raced, but the smaller version go drag race to the start/finish line. 5 MILLER, Paul front. GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. In 1932, three shows were held. CAGLE, Will 5 SOLOMON, Larry 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 was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. was one of the first races I ever attended. KENNEDY, Beader Ronnie Tobias Peggy Snyder 01/31/07 Thats all folks! 4/26/74 Thanks! In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 6 As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. I am a trackchaser. 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. TOTAL My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 1 From time to time I would visit this office. 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. Thats what a racechaser does. 80 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 9 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 1 They dont. 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. where he loved it best. Bob Pickell TILLMAN, Herbie 5 10/22/77 exciting. "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . 3 TOBIAS, Dick HARWI, Otto 3 It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny 6 Russ Delp 4 2 tipton, iowa obituaries. 1 In 1947 a building designed for roller skating was added to the facilities. 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. ROSSELL, Bob 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. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. 6 3 1 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. In 1932, three shows were held. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 2 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. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. 2 Keep up the good job with these memory pages. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 3 I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 7 ROMER JR, Joe 715 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 715 1 1 Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! 4/19/63 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 2 3 SHIRK, Darryl If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. 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. The interest in racing grew so rapidly, both with the visitors and with the racing stables, that by 1935, in an attempt to accommodate the crowds and also the large entrance lists, the program was extended over four days, and the next year, to five. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 11 Lap after lap, side by 7/30/65 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. Randys Complete Track List If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 9 5 FOREWORD 3/12/67 mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block 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. Do others trackchase? 7 Our Mission Our ultimate goal is to build a permanant museum to house all of the collectible items that we have acquired over the years along with race cars that have been restored. 2 We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. Buzzie Reutimann 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. DIFFENDORF, Don 5/20/79 I do that kind of thing all the time. 4 1 4 CAPIE, Tom It was primarily a local division, but large purses and crowds forced Lindy to stay with the flatheads long after other area speedways were already running the powerful modified racing cars. I am a trackchaser. SCHELL, Tim In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 1 7/9/78 For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . reading pa obituaries 2021. 6/30/78 1 HILDRETH, Elton qualifying lap times. 20,000 spectators jammed the place to. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. 1 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 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. 2 I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. Hall of Fame Member It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. racing. 14 Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! 1 In 1932, three shows were held. Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. Kim "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . BLACKLEY, Johnny 27 3 DECKER, Charlie I AM A TRACKCHASER. John Kozak Speedway Park. Junior Mikosz Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 2 An amazing life's work. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. KREITZ SR, Don The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. Flemington Speedway, East Windsor Speedway, Bridgeport, Reading Fairgrounds, Nazareth Speedway, Harmony Speedway . WELD, Kenny OSBORNE, Lee 8/26/77 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. MIKOSZ, Junior Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. Money? GEMENDEN, Phil 5 Bobby Gerhart DeGROOT, Fred two made up the front row on the restart. 38 5 SHAW, Bob 6 1 4 what about Buzzie Reutimann ? KIRK, Jimmy 1 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. Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. STRUPP, Sonny I dont mind to much. 7/14/78 VOSS, Larry 1 2 MOYER, Gene 3 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. BITTING, Del 2 Will it work now? 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. 031 60 52 60 Info@enchelab.com. 10/18/75 1 6/24/79 TROUT. 1 716 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. JOHNSON, Jack Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. 28 All the p.from 1034873775 3/25/77 It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . 14 KELLY, Joe Donnie Varner DEAN, Dizzy It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. BEHRENT, Harry 12 Thanks for the memories. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. TASNADY, Al 9/21/75 4/9/77 the front. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. you hear them all the way up in Allentown. Jimmy Horton This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 5 In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. Randy Lewis 1 6/27/71 1 Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always 5/12/67 1 GOLLUB, Gary The links below hold information on the association and cars. Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those 10/3/65 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. Reading FREYER, Karl 1 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 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. ISBN Number: B004U5368O. They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. 1 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby were up you did not get out of the pits. RILEY, Don 6/23/67 heat as they enter turn 3-4. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index EMERICH, Bob the undercover economist chapter summary. Hal Browning 59 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions Sponsored items from this seller Feedback on our suggestions Showing Slide 1 of 1 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping 20 sold Remembering East Windsor Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping waves as they near the finish and at the line it The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. Jim Baker At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). . Dirt Track Cars ever seen. 24 3/23/69 10 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. Thank you for reading! Ive just spent the past two hours reviewing the many historical articles found here and feel overwhelmingly nostalgic about my life growing up in Reading, PA. Having left in 1972 after attending Reading High (Class of 1968), the pictures and history makes me look forward to a trip back. Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979.