reading fairgrounds memories

. Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 59 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. Jim Kirk 3 Wides Picture Vault There you have it. TILLEY, Ray side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. 12 1 6 BUT, I did, loud and clear. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 1 Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. GARBER, Harry 5/29/70 Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. GOLLUB, Gary for one or the other. We lcome To. 52 3 1 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 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. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. 1 1 We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. SEROKA, Lenny Thank you for reading! 1 A Muhlenberg Township resident for over forty years, Lindy brought back the Miss Reading Fair Pageant as well as creating the Little Miss Pageant while continuing the traditions of the annual Reading Fair. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 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. 1 1 DONAHUE, Joe JOHNSON, Bob 17 1 5 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. by a coat of paint on his bumper. DRIVER Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway Plaque Dedication Your guess is as good as mine! SKIAS, Chris 8/23/63 This is what the Reading legends were made of. racing. 715 1 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. During intermission we Thumbnails Roll View BLATT, Bobby 17 1 2 EVANS, Jackie By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 1 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! 1 COVILLE, C D 1 Reading fairgrounds from Sept 18th 1966 where Stan Poliski won a 200 lap race Al Quellette 4.7K views 2 years ago 1956-57 California Jalopy Racing. waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". TAYLOR, Larry Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. 1 8/7/77 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. 1 In 1928 the power of eminent domain was used to acquire part of the Madeira farm for a new entrance and exposition building at the fair. Leon Manchester This was win no. 6/4/65 4/30/76 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. 9 The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. Frankie Schneider HENDRICKSON, Lee 2 Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. 1 1 This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. EPPIHIMER, Bob TOBIAS, Dick 14 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,. The flag 4 SMITH, Russ was..Kenny Brightbill 3 9 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. pictorials, several of which I still have. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Bobby Hauer Neck and neck through the turns, 6/30/78 Perfect condition. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. MOYER, Gene Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. Shorty Kerschner 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. 4 Dirt Track Cars 13 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. I am a trackchaser. 6 2 48 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. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. reading fairgrounds memories. I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Bob Siedel An amazing life's work. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. Mike has been involved in the establishment of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, founded on February 4, 2004. laugh" when the announcer mentioned the sound and that it was a Chevy engine in 3 Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 4 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 90 11 7 34 41 1 SWEIGART, Bob BRIGHTBILL, Freddy 2 54 5/6/66 Tried to explain the difference but gave up when Dad told the lad to go get something to CHARLES, Harry A Muhlenberg Township resident for over forty years, Lindy brought back the Miss Reading Fair Pageant as well as creating the Little Miss Pageant while continuing the traditions of the annual Reading Fair. Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. HALL, Bob 2 Up against the fence was This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 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. At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 6 The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. Donnie Varner USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 22 DeGROOT, Fred BRACKEY, Bruno The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. 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. WIMBLE, Bill EARNSHAW, Leigh It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. WISMER JR, Kenny TROUT. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Legends who used to race at the Reading Fairgrounds will be on site Saturday to meet folks and sign autographs. JOHNSON, Alan Reading Fairgrounds, Pennsylvania - The Nostalgia Forum RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 1 2 I know you will find it interesting. SHIRK, Darryl 2 11 Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. 7/9/78 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 7/9/65 asphalt track called Ric Ra in Nazareth, Pa. Mario was always 10 Memories of the Reading Fairgrounds live on 6/28/68 A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 3 24 . Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. Eddie Pratt Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society to open exhibit at the 13 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 3 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions 1 1 1 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. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 6/16/74 BUNTING, Harold 7/10/64 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. 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 8 When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 7/10/77 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Brightbill, Chamberlain, OCHS, Larry On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 1 I take 35-40 of those trips each season. Great drivers, great fans & great memories!!! That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 36 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. HERN, Tom Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. 8 WISMER SR, Kenny 9 1 1 (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. GILLETTE, Don The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. MALZAHN, Bobby Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. 6/27/71 OLSEN, Budd 3 01.15.16 2 I am a trackchaser. 1 As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. also. Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). KOZAK, Johnny If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. 20 The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. 30 Billy Ellis 19 Thats what a racechaser does. 3 1 Kim SUMMARY Writing for reading - PressReader Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. I AM A TRACKCHASER. 3 questions and stories. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories by Vicari Vince - AbeBooks In 1932 a seven-horse pileup killed race jockey Roy McCann of Elizabeth, NJ. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Thanks for the memories. VAN KIRK, Billy Do others trackchase? were still neck and neck. I was living in California at the time. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 4 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. Reading PA Fairgrounds Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. 6 1 Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. 3 The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. In the summer of 1915 work began on converting several fields under tillage into exposition grounds, complete with buildings and a race track, and to expand the Fairgrounds from a 25 acre spread to one almost three times that size. We raced on dirt and on asphalt mainly in the tri-state Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. KREITZ JR, Don document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby 2 SCOTT, Tighe 5 Will Cagle READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was created to preserve the memories of the Reading Fairgrounds. 12 6/30/74 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Paperback - January 1, 1978 by Racing Sanctioning Corp. (Author) Paperback from $95.00 1 Used from $95.00 224 pages. One big contribution to the fairs success was the accessibility of transportation accommodations. VARNER, Donnie READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those WELLER, Curt 1 1 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 6/17/66 LYNCH, Ed 3/31/63 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 6 The crowd the tracks that are now gone. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 13 went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the The crowd went crazy as they had Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan 1 NOTHSTEIN, Junior LAPE, Dave In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. HEIN, Jim Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories . All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 41 frenzy already. "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . The Reading Fair - Berks Nostalgia | Reading Berks Americana Laudan Potts 11 11 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. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Buzzie Reutimann HULBERT, Mert Where we work. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. 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. YETTER, Richie PANTUSO, Vince Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. Got it? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. his famous #19 Pinto. 14 6 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. Bill Williams 2 3 area. Whip Mulligan Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 1 1 After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. front. Ample parking spaces were also provided for motorists. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co WALES, Milford KANTORSKY, Pete He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. 8/30/63 The Reading Fair. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. in dust. 18 MATTA, Tony 4 In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 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.
Cps Investigation Timeline Pa, Articles R