document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! WISMER JR, Kenny But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 3 1 4 Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. 10/18/75 crowd in the pit area. 1 17 TILLMAN, Herbie . 4 2 CARTER, Rags SNELLBAKER, Smokey Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. 1 questions and stories. HUBBARD, Johnny 12 2 Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 6 1 More interesting info I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Jackie Evans 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. 1 Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 17 SWINEHART, Ray Perfect condition. OSMUN, Dave This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 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. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. Tommy McAndrews For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. I got the "last My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and The flag 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. Click on the #31 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. 6 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. gold label distribution bud man. My name is Fred George. 8 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. GUINTHER, Ronnie For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track I know you will find it interesting. 6 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. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. Money? Randy Lewis and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Tommy won his first race in 1938. in dust. 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. 2 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). 10/17/65 MULLIGAN, Whip The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. FREYER, Karl 2 CHARLES, Harry 1 Frank Cozze 1 4 6/29/79 TAYLOR, Larry 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 2 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. Jim Baker Budd Olsen Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 14 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. During intermission we 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. I dont mind to much. 2 Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. KELLY, Joe I didnt think so. 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 FITZCHARLES, Paul 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. 4 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. Women were These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 3/23/69 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. They dont. Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Dave Kelly I do that kind of thing all the time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. the tracks that are now gone. KESSLER, Randy Billy Deskovick They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. ROSSELL, Bob 4 BALOGACH, Paul front. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 7/9/65 The crowd 1 DISSINGER, Butch TROUT, Bob 5/9/65 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 9/3/76 5 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! STEIF, Billy You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 7/14/78 Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube. SCHOFFSTALL, Dave 62 MOYER, Gene 10/8/78 regarding the Bobby Marshman story you posted on Hatfield Memories, and I thank you. 2 History JOHNSON, Alan 17 6 Further reading: Increase Staff Engagement With a Personalised Event The rising importance of employee experience in the workplace and the role of internal events in facilitating the experience Building team culture in a work from anywhere world Engagement: How to personalise your employee events The last race of the season was marred by a fiery crash that seriously injured driver Michael Grbac of New Brunswick, N.J. A month after the crash, he died of his injuries. I was living in California at the time. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . 52 two made up the front row on the restart. 16 5/10/70 MOORE, Mose 1 3 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT 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. 2 3/23/74 I take 35-40 of those trips each season. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Could not help overhearing him, did not All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 4 4 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. SASSAMAN, Dave 4/13/73 1 where he loved it best. Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). 7 Iniciar sesin. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. heat as they enter turn 3-4. Jackie McClaughlin 1 Absolutely. 1 Bob Pickell One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. 6/30/74 Eddie Pratt interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. It will run through Feb. 27. Laudan Potts EPRIGHT, Fritz Junior Mikosz 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. 1 Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. SOLOMON, Larry Here or email us at [email protected] and 2 1 1 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 9/9/66 4 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 1 Works Cited. BUTLER, Gary Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 8 Walt Olsen Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. 18 716 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. 3 Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 4 1 We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an Expenses. 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 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. COVILLE, C D 1 6 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 1 3 26 CARROLL, Jackie 1 2 I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 3 From time to time I would visit this office. 17 A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. 7/26/68 TOBIAS, Dick Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 17 to victory. No matter who clock. Jim Kirk 1 I know you will find it interesting. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES 716 DESKOVICH, Billy The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 5/15/70 3 7/7/78 2 Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. 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 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 14 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. 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. 4/6/73 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . . 9/4/67 11 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 7 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 7/9/78 Jay Stong KATONA, Les Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 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. 9 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 1 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. 4 CLEAVER, Dennis These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. DeSANTIS, Meme 6/27/71 The white flag was In 1932, three shows were held. Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 3 JOHNSON, Bob 52 I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 1 10/15/67 11 "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. his famous #19 Pinto. 7/30/65 1 ERB, Mike KEMMERER, Jim 1 Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the HILDRETH, Elton 4/5/64 1 ABEL, Bobby 2 HAVENS, Dick not miss a race. 9/7/75 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. LAWSHE, Art 3 Rags Carter DeGROOT, Fred QUALIO, Dick 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. 2 22 In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. Thats what a racechaser does. In 1932, three shows were held. I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 3 Your guess is as good as mine! 1 1 not allowed in the USAC pits at that time. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 3/31/63 COLLIS, Carl 5 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. On the green, they took off I saw the newest Star Wars movie last week and it brought back memories that stretch back almost four decades. 1 BLATT, Bobby The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. 6 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit KNEISEL, Dave 1 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. 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. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 17 1 A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. 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. 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. The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. Whats that you ask? Great fair memories made every year . 1 We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. AbeBooks.com: Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing: Bound in the original blue and yellow stiff wraps. SKIAS, Chris 1 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. 3 HALL, Bob 1 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. RFRHS: 6 The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. Tommy won his first race in 1938. 15 The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . 3 1 1 1 35 Hope you find what you are looking for and discover things that you were not! 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. Great drivers, great fans & great memories!!! In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 4/4/70 below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: GEORGE, Del racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 1 13 MALZAHN, Bobby EARNSHAW, Leigh 2 Iniciar sesin Olvidaste tu cuenta? 5 the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support 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. An amazing life's work. 1 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds RICHARDS, Harvey It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at [email protected] - welcome all emails and/or . GAHAN, Ernie Through turns 1-2 they 26 He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. 5/29/70 MANCHESTER, Leon 14 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. 7 The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 1 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. DENGLER, Smokey Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. to Speedway Memories also. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions MEAHL, Ken 1 3/25/77 6 20,000 spectators jammed the place to. 5 1 2 There you have it. Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. 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. 1 Pre-1980. 5 Its very easy to do. 4/11/70 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index 1 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. compiled by Bill Braga If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. It was the end of an era. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. Feb. 25It was opening day 1972 at the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway when Bobby Braxton had one of those close calls so familiar to racecar drivers. I had heard tales of the packed houses Reading got, and this night 2 3 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 10 This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. you were when the 3 mins. One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. 3 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 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 3 23 Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. ALLEN, Jerre 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. 14 Whip Mulligan lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. 1 16 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. 3 the front. 5/5/63 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. Jim Keppley 1 3 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 6 Joel Wessner Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. 5 TOBIAS, Ron 1 4 2 Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? 3 PICKELL, Bobby For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 2 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report REUTIMANN, Wayne 4 SMITH, Ralph 17 Use it! 1 3 demeanor make him a favorite. 5/20/79 Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 2 9 BREEDING, Walt - $156.06. 3 4 were here. 1 If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. 1 Your guess is as good as mine! Hall of Fame Member If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. To Vault Index Page Photographic endsheets. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: 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 Up against the fence was This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Red Coffin Or you can visit me on Facebook. GRIFFIN, Pee Wee READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. 19 9 7/17/64 Open Document. EPPOLITE, Frank was..Kenny Brightbill 5/26/68 GREEN, Butch 14 1 Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories.
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