reading fairgrounds memories

4/11/70 4/3/71 Find them in Teays Valley, Milton and Cross Lanes for mouth watering smoked prime rib, slow smoked baby back ribs, smoked chicken, Cajun catfish crab stuffed catfish and much, much CHAMBERLAIN, Gerald 2 11 9/3/65 5 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. #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. Smith 08.24.20 MURPHY, Johnny karts. Harry Moore 92 Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 1 9 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. I trackchase. 5/29/70 Will it work now? 30 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 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. 1 CRONCE, Howie Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. The lad TOBIAS, Ronnie 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. Carl Van Horn I dont mind to much. ALLEN, Jerre The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 5 www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing 17 10/22/61 1 In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. Ill try to include them here. LONG, Tommy All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. Will it work now? Revenue. BRAXTON, Bobby 5/26/68 Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Your guess is as good as mine! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Perfect condition. website, including a video capturing racing You want this if you love Racing ! TOBIAS, Dick 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. Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. to Homepage, More interesting info Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. BRIGHTBILL, Kenny 1 GILMORE, Charlie PAULSON, Ronnie NOTHSTEIN, Junior . 13 I was living in California at the time. 1 9/3/67 1 In 1932 a seven-horse pileup killed race jockey Roy McCann of Elizabeth, NJ. 2 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. 4 SHIRK, Darryl When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 6 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. 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. 4/5/64 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. the tracks that are now gone. An amazing life's work. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 1 Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. Donnie Varner It will run through Feb. 27. DIFFENDORF, Don I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. FELTY, Elvin PAUCH, Billy I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. Eddie Pratt The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 8/20/78 BITTING, Del HALDEMAN, Ed He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. Tommy won his first race in 1938. KEPPLEY, Jim 4/26/74 WELD, Kenny Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. Whats that you ask? 7 I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. 6/30/74 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. 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. 7 "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. 4/13/73 Am now a Tony Raines, 2 27 Randy on Facebook 1 BAILEY, Charlie SCHOFFSTALL, Dave 17 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 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. 5/9/65 Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it 7 CAMERON, Alex I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. Bob Siedel 3 RAFTER, Bill drag race to the start/finish line. 17 18 If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. 7 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! Reading Fairgrounds was in the AARN weekly and the monthly Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. DeGROOT, Fred 8 4/8/72 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. heat as they enter turn 3-4. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. feature event started and the crowd was starting to build into a 1 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 1 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. was..Kenny Brightbill It was the end of an era. 46 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. 6 9/17/78 1 Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 9 1 5 4 1 Recent Additions to our Reading Fairgrounds Memories Page. Thanks for the memories. Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report 6 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 3 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1 We lcome To. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. The binding is tight. eat. Through turns 1-2 they My grandson and I went to the World of Outlaws and My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). SWINEHART, Ray 2 716 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. 2 20 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 2 2 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. BUTLER, Gary HAUER, Bobby 3 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Use it! 4 "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. If you love Reading Fairgrounds, visit The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". ever seen. 4/1/79 LAZZARO, Lou BUT, I did, loud and clear. You might have remembrances about this track. The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. If you would like to see where Ive been and experience those adventures heres the link: Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 15 MATTA, Tony Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. 3 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 BLACKLEY, Johnny One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. I hope you enjoy it. READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED VICTORIES 9 Could not help overhearing him, did not The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 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. 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. any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. 2 1 KREITZ JR, Don Dick Quallio 1 8 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. 3 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. It went like this lap after lap after lap. I was living in California at the time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. Larry Voss GUINTHER, Ronnie 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. 1 1 For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 10/21/62 STUMPF, Don I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did 4 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 3 STANTON, Dave VAN KIRK, Billy This group is for sharing memories and photos of the Reading Fairgrounds. 4 Thank you for reading! ROCHELLE, Paul WARREN, Smokey 2 put "Reading Memories" in the Subject Line. 01.15.16 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 1 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 18 5 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. Got it? BALOUGH, Gary The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. compiled by Bill Braga 5 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 26 By this time, the crowd Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 2 o. Crear cuenta nueva. The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 4/19/63 20 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 13 SCOTT, Tighe 8 No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. Frankie Schneider 29 The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those ago) and myself were part of the faithful who attended any types of I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . Mike Meals 1 1 Racechasing was good enough for me. EMERICH, Bob 10/22/78 7/10/64 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1 3 10/1/71 1 It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe 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. 4 1 READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. were still neck and neck. 4 were here. 9/13/69 SKIAS, Chris For much longer than that, he has focused on spreading joy and peace through his music. We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). 27 They dont. | See more about Best cheese, Santander and Restaurant. in dust. 4/15/77 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. READINGER, Dan 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. On April 20, 1915, two adjoining tracts of land in Muhlenberg Township, totaling 54 acres, were purchased for $20,750 for the site of the Reading Fairgrounds. 1 OSBORNE, Lee Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. LAPE, Dave JOHNSON, Alan While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. 1 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. Bill Williams I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 5 Click on the #31 12 All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. The crowd STIVES, Don If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. KERSCHNER, Shorty 5 Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . Shares547. Up against the fence was 7/10/77 10 I am a trackchaser. 1 I didnt think so. 3/23/74 6 It was in this time that they went from running 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. HUBBARD, Johnny 1 2 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 4 2 Time? Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. Also besides the 7 3 you were when the 3 mins. EPRIGHT, Fritz TOBIAS, Ron WINKS, Jimmy 5 GOLLUB, Gary laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in From time to time I would visit this office. DUNSTAN, Ronnie MILLER, Paul 1 11 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 3 Its very easy to do. 4 2019 Ted Fund Donors where he loved it best. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. CONRAD, Vince This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 11 2 1 2 Its very easy to do. 1 Jimmy Horton Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. 2 BROWN, Ralph Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

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