I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. SKIAS, Chris The white flag was was..Kenny Brightbill 12 We settled into our seats under the big roof 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. Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates 2023-03-02 - REGGIE ASPIRAS MDaryl Feril was trying to recall a dish his grandmother cooked for himit was the memory of it that inspired his Art Fair piece. Will it work now? It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. The EventVideo Plus 6/16/74 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. KNEISEL, Dave Thanks for the memories. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. HEIN, Jim 9 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. To add your Reading I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). SMITH, Ralph HERN, Tom 3 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 11 1 and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. This profile needs more info. 2 KERSCHNER, Whitey The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. 1 RADFORD, Paul 1 8 2 Walt Olsen 20 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. Here or email us at 3wide@optonline.net and 1 6/22/75 and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on Use it! Gary Gollub 9/21/75 Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it KEMMERER, Jim 15 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. 7 From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 9/13/69 I trackchase. 6 1 Rags Carter 3 3 "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. $6,042. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and 11 If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. 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. READINGER, Dan These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 1 1 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. BEHRENT, Harry The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Eddie Pratt Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the KIRK, Jimmy 6 By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 4/13/73 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. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 7/9/78 I know you will find it interesting. clock. WELLER, Curt 5 3 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. 1 Down the backstetch it was still a dead Randy on Facebook It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. OSMUN, Billy This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. to hear from people who remember the "old times". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. DECKER, Charlie 5/5/63 6 1 Souvenir Program of the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Reading, Pa., And the 150th Anniversary of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department, September 30th to October 6th, 1923. 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. TROUT, Bob Up against the fence was JOHNSON, Jack "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . BEAVERS, Sammy Jim Kirk 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 6 8/21/77 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. SCOTT, Tighe were up you did not get out of the pits. 17 20 3 ADAM, Freddy If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 714 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 1 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 9 McANDREW, Tommy Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. DEAN, Dizzy Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 4/10/71 1 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. STIVES, Don 3/25/77 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. When the series of Fairs was in the making at the Muhlenberg site, racing had become so popular that one of the first items of business was the location and building of a track. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 5 You can print money in the privacy of your own home! 1 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. 4 9 SLADE, Ron That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 7 Have had 2 men email Speedway Park. 2 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. 7/5/70 It will run through Feb. 27. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. OLSEN, Budd 10/3/65 BUT, I did, loud and clear. I remember on those dry summer STANTON, Dave 1 . 1 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 13 You might have remembrances about this track. 4 We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. ELY, George 2 10/22/61 1 10/22/77 WILLIAMS, Bill "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. 90 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. Frank Cozze After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. 2 2 It was the end of an era. Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. 7 1 READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. 1 5/15/64 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 1 Well, one day my dad These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 65 Drivers A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: Bobby Gerhart 10/1/71 6/25/78 Will Cagle waves as they near the finish and at the line it STECKER, Russ in dust. By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. 1 11 Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated REUTIMANN, Wayne 9/17/78 8/5/77 It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late model stock car racing. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 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. The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those Carl Van Horn 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. 2 11/20/77 1 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. 5 In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 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. 2 14 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. Its very easy to do. 5 CAMERON, Alex S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. REIFINGER, Hal Ralph Smith was one of the first races I ever attended. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Revenue. FOREWORD 1 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. 17 DICKSON, Larry 1 Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. BUSS, Del I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. Also besides the GRBAC, Mike 2 On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. BITTING, Del It was the end of an era. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. ROHS, Steve DRIVER Home; About. 8/26/77 1 Long 5/27/77 Larry Voss DIFFENDORF, Don 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 2 MILLER, Paul I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. were all about. Hal Browning The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 27 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. LAZZARO, Lou A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. qualifying lap times. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 3 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. Bob Malzahn Brightbill, Chamberlain, When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Women were This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. 9 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 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. GUINTHER, Ronnie 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. 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. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 1 11 Don Kreitz Where we work. 2 Freddy Brightbill 9/24/78 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,. 2 Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 1 Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. Was led onto his career from some other "old time" On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Dizzie Dean HAGER, Tom Ill try to include them here. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 6 Hope you find what you are looking for and discover things that you were not! the front. VOSS, Larry 1 Donny 1 Fred George 06.11.09 Freddy Adam 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. 1 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 1 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . REICHERT, Joe SHIRK, Darryl Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 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. 715 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 ! 3 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 2 1 5/21/78 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. o. Crear cuenta nueva. 1 Iniciar sesin. - $156.06. 5 Dirt Track Cars 1 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 634 Words. Love 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. No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Dick Quallio 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. 7/22/66 1 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds Thanks! 9/5/75 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 10/1/71 4 1 JOHNSON, Bob 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. 6/24/79 STRUPP, Sonny MARBURGER, Dave 1 Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. It was the end of an era. Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories .