I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 14 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. 3/23/69 EMERICH, Bob crowd in the pit area. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. GREEN, Butch Serving folks since 2002. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. 4 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. KEMMERER, Jim I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. Via Tert.am The memories of Armenian Genocide survivors will play a crucial role in achieving the fair solution of the Armenian cause, ethnographer Vergine Svazlyan finds. "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Ill try to include them here. 7/10/64 Of all the things I disliked about business the east coast meetings in the east coast time zones was at the top of the list. You might have remembrances about this track. 4 KERSCHNER, Shorty RILEY, Don Brightbill running the high line and "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. Dick Quallio 1 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 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. 3 1 8/8/71 9 Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see at, Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 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. 8 If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. RICHARDS, Harvey It went like this lap after lap after lap. PAULSON, Ronnie Randys Complete Track List 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. WEAVER, Mark Love 7 1 6 3 Open Document. track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in 18 3 1 These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. SLEIGHT, George I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 1 the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support MILLER, Paul 3 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. BUSS, Del 1 Thanks for the memories. LAPE, Dave From time to time I would visit this office. 2 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 1 3 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 20 LAZZARO, Lou Thanks for the memories. 5 Buzzie now 715 GramaFan, not related but his methodical way of moving thru the pack and his quiet 10 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 Bobby Gerhart This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. GOLLUB, Gary Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 2 DRIVER 1 there to help his young son, and naturally, he always drew a huge The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 6 4 5 KATONA, Les 7 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. their efforts. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 3 RFRHS: KELLY, Dave 1 Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. VON DOHREN, Barry My memories of that trip are few. 2 2 The EventVideo Plus We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Tommy McAndrews ROCHELLE, Paul Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. 1 4 OSMUN, Dave Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! FRENCH, Ralph 1 I AM A TRACKCHASER. 4 4 2 you were when the 3 mins. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 17 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! They dont. Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 1 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. 1 During intermission we All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 1 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. 3 Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index 2 Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 3 + $6.00 shipping. HARWI, Otto 6 1 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. McCAUGHEY, Craig If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. Walt Olsen TRAUTMAN, Bob The It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. This was win no. 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. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 5 DERR, Earl 7/22/66 7 6/19/77 yrs. HEIN, Jim Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 5/6/66 1 SHEETZ, Tommy Dave Kelly #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. As we were reminiscing about the 2 Tommy won his first race in 1938. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 23 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 4 The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . 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. 2 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. Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in 4 6/22/75 They built a Horse Race Track and grandstands which were opened to the public in 1916. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. MEAHL, Ken When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a, 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967, You might have remembrances about this track. waves as they near the finish and at the line it 135 SMITH, Russ Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. 1 One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in Bobby Braxton Tommy won his first race in 1938. Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 3 $6,042. Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 3 For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. 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. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 27 3 Please join the RFRHS to help preserve the great memories. 1 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. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 7/22/77 Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 20 ALLEN, Bobby We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and Vintage Modifieds, Racing Photos, Modified Stock Cars, Open Wheel and more. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. POTTS, Lauden Jim Kirk 13 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. 7/9/65 The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 15 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Thank wulliebroon . Who can forget the CAGLE, Will I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 5/12/67 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. Bob Pickell 5 1 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 7/14/78 DONAHUE, Joe 1 SHIRK, Darryl Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 714 Thanks! 10/1/71 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 5 2 4 1 34 10/6/63 . The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 1 43 Budd Olsen USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 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 Gunzenhausen (German pronunciation: [ntsnhazn] (); Bavarian: Gunzenhausn) is a town in the Weienburg-Gunzenhausen district, in Bavaria, Germany.It is situated on the river Altmhl, 19 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Weienburg in Bayern, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of Nuremberg.Gunzenhausen is a nationally recognized recreation area. PICKELL, Bobby Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. 634 Words. 1 3 GUINTHER, Ronnie 9/15/72 exciting. 1 26 8 1 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 10 9/7/75 Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. 1 Do others trackchase? MATTA, Tony The Heritage of Reading: 1813-1847: Canals, Heavy Industry, and the Railroad, 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. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 4/6/73 9/3/71 Will Cagle 2 Will it work now? 1 great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race Dad did not talk to me the rest of the race and certainly, did not I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 1 2 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. 10/25/75 1 3 He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. 1 PAUCH, Billy A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 SOLOMON, Larry 1 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. I do that kind of thing all the time. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 4/4/70 OPPERMAN, Jan 1 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Your guess is as good as mine! GEORGE, Del 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. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 17 9 Racechasing was good enough for me. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. and got through the heats and consolations. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 52 The Reading Fair. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 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. Bob Malzahn RADFORD, Paul Hal Browning Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. MAYBERRY, Tom 10 2 Bobby Hauer Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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 Bill Williams 6 Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. As I came out of the theater, though, I decided that it would be fun to update a . LAST WIN 1 Works Cited. 1 OLSEN, Walt 6 4 Glenn Fitzcharles KREITZ JR, Don Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. . As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward 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 9 6 BRAXTON, Bobby If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 1 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Jimmy Horton TOBIAS, Ron 4 I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 5 Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. 17 to victory. This is what the Reading legends were made of. 1 1 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing 4 were here. Do they share their experiences? action from the mid 70's: 1 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 14 Thanks! STEIF, Billy 1 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. This was win no. So with the knowledge, as limited as it is, that I fell asleep during the semi at Reading I will share some research info that I gathered about the famous Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Frankie Schneider At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 9 GARBER, Harry Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 2 Buenos!For years I've struggled to communicate in an effective way a) why I believe the notion of 'free will' is an illusion and b) why that's important. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! GEMENDEN, Phil 3 5 20 9/17/78 Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. 9/10/76 5 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. PANTUSO, Vince McANDREW, Tommy kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. 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 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 1 10/18/75 11 6 4/26/74 5 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. PROMOTING EDUCATION ON THE READING FAIRGROUNDS RACING BY DISPLAYING MEMORABILIA AND PROVIDING A DISCUSSION PLACE WHERE RACE FANS CAN TEACH AND REMINISCE. Red Coffin 6 One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. 21 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 6/25/78 Ill try to include them here. SKIAS, Chris 3 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 11 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 1 Time? 2 11 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds HALL, Bob TOBIAS, Ronnie Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. 7 Billy Deskovick Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. (Satis Shroff, Freiburg) Our brain is like a labyrinth with all those fissures and lobes, and memory was a big theme at the 62nd Book Fair in Frankfurt-upon-the-Main 2010. Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. STUMPF, Don 1 19 5 1 1 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. - $156.06. The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. Let's stay updated! Lifetime track #46 2 2 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. "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 20 Jackie McClaughlin 6 8/8/69 Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. 2 . Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Fred George 06.11.09 racing. 4/9/77 FREYER, Karl 4/1/79 BREEDING, Walt We encourage the fans of 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 . Jim Baker My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. the tracks that are now gone. the undercover economist chapter summary. 1 Junior Mikosz USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. We raced on dirt and on asphalt mainly in the tri-state gold label distribution bud man. were all about. 1 90 COLLINS, Kevin For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track 10 where he loved it best. DELP, Russ You want this if you love Racing ! 9/5/75 12 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 1 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. 19 Thats what a racechaser does. 1 TILLEY, Ray HIEBER, Gary 3 6 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. LONG, Tommy 7/14/75 21 8/26/77 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.

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