Hall of Fame Member Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. COFFIN, Red July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. Reading Fairgrounds racing reunion draws fans and drivers 4 14 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. TRAUTMAN, Bob Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. You might have remembrances about this track. 3 7 Nov 19, 2022 - Explore Patrick Bendrick's board "reading Fairgrounds" on Pinterest. 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. My memories of that trip are few. PANTUSO, Vince www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing 6 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. It does not store any personal data. GERHART, Bobby RUDY, Jack WELD, Kenny DENGLER, Smokey 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,. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 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. Thanks for the memories. Also besides the REUTIMANN, Buzzie 2 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. 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. 4/6/73 Bob Pickell Keep up the good job with these memory pages. 16 4 were up you did not get out of the pits. 1 I didnt think so. 3/24/68 7 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. 7 1 714 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. Open Document. to Homepage, More interesting info 1 1 2 12 2 KREITZ SR, Don When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". LODER, Don FELTY, Elvin 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. 6/5/64 to Speedway Memories Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 21 1 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. 2 1 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. DeGROOT, Fred SADLER, Blaine The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. During intermission we The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 1 This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. STECKER, Russ Randy on Facebook ever seen. 9 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - Wikipedia dr patel plastic surgeon oak brook. Reading PA Fairgrounds Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Iniciar sesin. 3 3/23/74 1 root for Parnelli. 5 Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. Do they share their experiences? 2 Today, the Reading Fair is held in Bern Township-continuing the Fair's tradition of combining its agricultural heritage with entertainment for county residents. - $156.06. Your guess is as good as mine! Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. 2 Jim Kirk VAN HORN, Carl LINGLE, Joe Read all about Kenny Brightbill, Dick Tobias, Bobby Gerhart. I didnt think so. The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 5 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society 1 Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 1 ROCHELLE, Paul + $6.00 shipping. In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 2 5 715 Dad did not talk to me the rest of the race and certainly, did not SAUDER, Kenny 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials Seeing many of the locals race with the best of USAC was always 2 1 Kim Great fair memories made every year . I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 2 62 MOYER, Gene 6 The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. frenzy already. 15 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway (1924-1979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 1 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. Use it! 2 For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 1 KWWeller 03.06.18 KOCH, Paul OSBORNE, Lee 12 PAXTON, Lynn 6 In 1932, three shows were held. 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. 3 7 9/3/65 4/11/70 who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 13 there. 1 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 1 reading fairgrounds memories were still neck and neck. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 38 11 10/22/77 8 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. Race Cars - Mike Grim's 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. Dizzie Dean CONRAD, Vince Photographic endsheets. 2 Thank wulliebroon . CARROLL, Jackie Kenny Weld National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. SEIDEL, Bob We had the privilege of Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. I had heard tales of the packed houses Reading got, and this night Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. 3 Or you can visit me on Facebook. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward 12 GOLLUB, Gary McLAUGHLIN, Jackie GREEN, Butch $6,042. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. 9 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. BUTLER, Gary At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 17 2 1 4/9/77 1 1 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. STIVES, Don Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. 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. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 2 4 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. WILLIAMS, Bill "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . 5/15/70 2 1 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2 What the heck does Classic mean? It was the end of an era. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. Al Tasnady Jimmy Horton Reading Fairgrounds, Pennsylvania - The Nostalgia Forum 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 Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. MULLIGAN, Whip 1 1 3 Keep it up! Freddy Brightbill Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 1 2016 Reading Fairgrounds Motorsports Show - linkedin.com 7 Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 I got the "last This was win no. 1 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 2 10 When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 1 Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube 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. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. DECKER, Charlie 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. Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. MEALS, Mike One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. Welcome to trackchasing's most popular website. When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 2 you were when the 3 mins. RILEY, Don BEAVERS, Sammy Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Do others trackchase? 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. below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 2 Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. Click here for more information on: I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did I became interested in the history of Reading through the many stories my grandfather used to tell me. 17 to victory. two made up the front row on the restart. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? 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. I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 1 7/4/69 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 3 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 2 Pages. 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. 1 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. BAILEY, Charlie I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 22 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society was established in 2004 with the mission to preserve and promote the memories and history of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway and those who made it "The Home of Champions." The exhibit will run until mid-June 2019. 1 1 634 Words. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! 1 6/4/65 4/8/72 I take 35-40 of those trips each season. 80 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. McANDREW, Tommy 4 More interesting info All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. LYNCH, Ed How to Set Up a Reading Fair Board The Ultimate Guide 18 You might have remembrances about this track. 2 4/1/79 1 5 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. 2 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 6/17/66 Through turns 1-2 they Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 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. 3 4/5/64 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. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. MEAHL, Ken 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. Dave Kelly 4/3/71 10 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 4 The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. pictorials, several of which I still have. 10/3/65 QUALIO, Dick MILLER, Paul REICHERT, Joe WALES, Milford 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. Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. Women were Will it work now? Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 9/24/78 Ronnie Tobias Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 8/8/69 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Will it work now? BOTTCHER, Bobby HAMILTON, Jackie 1 This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". STRUPP, Sonny 9/4/67 After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. 11 http://www.readingfairgroundsracing.com/, Back drivers 6/23/67 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! TOBIAS, Ron BURKHART, Barry 9 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. HARWI, Otto Book Fair Blues: O Argentina! - boloji.com The Reading Fair. Stan Ploski Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 1 FARLEY, Ed I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. 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]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 3 At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). Reading Fairgrounds Memories Photographer: Joe Simpkins - Provided by: Bobby Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. COX, Dan Tom Hager Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - Mike Grim's 1 Reading Fairgrounds PA Modified Memories Kenny Brightbill Gerald Frankie Schneider 4 [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. Below: Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania 7 We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. PICKELL, Bobby BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp FRENCH, Ralph 2 JOHNSON, Alan Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 9/5/75 Jim Baker NOTHSTEIN, Junior SLEIGHT, George from the rest of the field. 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. 1 EMERICH, Bob 6 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 8 7/9/78 Junior Mikosz 1 41 The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . 6 HAUER, Bobby A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. 7 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. SASSAMAN, Dave 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.