Al Tasnady For whatever reason (usually not enough time) this trackchasing adventure didnt get posted to my website when I first made the track visit. 13 Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 2 BUT, I did, loud and clear. and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. 1 One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 By doing all this, Mike is hoping to continue to preserve memories made at the Reading Fairground's Race Track. RUDY, Jack Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. 5/15/70 The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 7/22/75 Red Riegel were killed in the first turn racing sprint cars. 1 Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; reading fairgrounds memories. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! Racechasing was good enough for me. 7 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2 1 JOHNSON, Jack 8/5/77 5 BLACKLEY, Johnny Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Red Coffin 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. The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. 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. 4 1 5 karts. "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. 8/6/71 Jackie McClaughlin I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. GEORGE, Del At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). 3 716 RICHARDS, Harvey 8/20/78 watching the classic battles between Gerald Chamberlain, Kenny 9/5/75 2 62 Fairgrounds Memories - Click GOLLUB, Gary I didnt think so. GRIFFIN, Pee Wee pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. was one of the first races I ever attended. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 20 5 If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me atRanlay@yahoo.com. "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. 1 5 VARNER, Donnie While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. Money? When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 4/8/72 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. 1 1 . 5/5/63 The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 11 The Reading Fair. 1 gold label distribution bud man. 9 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. was really wound up and getting louder. Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. 3 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. 3 3 Shorty Kerschner also. their efforts. Above found at: 18 4 We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. 4 Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 1 3 2 LAWSHE, Art 2 10 The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 3 BEHRENT, Harry If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. KELLY, Dave 3 Click here for more information on: TAYLOR, Lee That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 6 KERSCHNER, Whitey During intermission we SCOTT, Tighe 10 1 Worlds #1 Trackchaser If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 7/10/77 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. 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. 3 Ralph Smith 5/27/77 3 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 1 Through turns 1-2 they I take 35-40 of those trips each season. MAYBERRY, Tom WOLFORD, Gary reading fairgrounds memoriesare you required to disclose you were fired. 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,. 13 Vince Conrad Held at Pioneer Pole Buildings on Route 183 in Schuylkill Haven, Reading Fairgrounds Historical Society hosted a three-day event to honor and remember the drivers and cars that ran at the. Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 1 2 Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 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. GERHART, Bobby Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. VAN KIRK, Billy The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. Back 2 The flag 8/26/77 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. Junior Mikosz Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 1 JOHNSON, Alan 1 Frank Cozze 9/3/76 SADLER, Blaine In 1932, three shows were held. 10/15/67 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 2 1 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 5/15/64 STECKER, Russ 1 It does not store any personal data. 19 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Stars Photos 4x6 Glossy Brightbill,Chamb 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Gerald Chamberlain Dick Tobias Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Book 1975-76 Syracuse Fairgrounds Schaefer 100 Super Dirt Week Dirt Modified 1975 Reading Fairgrounds Program Kenny Brightbill Dick Tobias Jay Stong WILLIAMSON, Kramer Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 3 SLEIGHT, George 1 1 7/9/78 Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. 3/12/67 I know you will find it interesting. 1 There you have it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. HERN, Tom BROWNING, Hal But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Absolutely. 9 1 5 9/9/66 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! 1 1 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. MURPHY, Johnny 7 2 SHIRE, Charlie DALLENBACH, Wally On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 1 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. compiled by Bill Braga The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. ELLIS, Billy KANTORSKY, Pete WINKS, Jimmy The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 23 In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 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 7/9/65 6 HALL, Bob 3 2 1 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. 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. of about Reading PA from. Ill try to include them here. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. 8/8/69 Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. PLOSKI JR, Stan Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. Source: www.goreadingberks.com 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. 1 The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. 1 6 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. SCHNEIDER, Frankie eat. decided we were going to the races at Reading. 7 9/24/78 4/19/63 Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. 10/6/63 Also besides the Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 6/29/79 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. I do that kind of thing all the time. 27 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 3 7/5/70 Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . 16 Jackie Evans favorite # 26 Red Coffin. My name is Fred George. 11 The links below hold information on the association and cars. 10/8/78 14 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. Facebook Twitter Google+ YouTube. The track closed in 1979 shortly after my visit. 1 To add your Reading 1 SCHOFFSTALL, Dave "Mr. Outside" Brightbill, # 5 "Mr. Carb Bobby Gerhart, and my Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 5/18/75 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. 10 11 Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. COX, Dan In 1932, three shows were held. Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or My memories of that trip are few. 26 Will it work now? house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero 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. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 52 5 5 5/6/66 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds 3/24/68 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. in dust. were all about. 9 . 1 4/4/70 Where we work. 3 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 7 Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. I got the "last This was win no. 9 He was one of several drivers killed at the Fairgrounds over the years. I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 4/1/79 4 13 1 Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 2 BRAXTON, Bobby Lifetime track #46 REICHERT, Joe Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 10/21/62 Buzzie Reutimann 2 Dick Quallio McLAUGHLIN, Jackie 1 DEAN, Dizzy DETWEILER, Ralph Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years It was in this time that they went from running DIFFENDORF, Don 1 7 Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 8/19/72 14 Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. FRENCH, Ralph 1 1 To Vault Index Page We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and Frankie Schneider Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA I also remember falling asleep as I watched the racing. Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. 3 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 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. COZZE, Frank 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. 6/23/67 48 VAN HORN, Carl where he loved it best. Billy Osmun BRIGHTBILL, Kenny pictorials, several of which I still have. there to help his young son, and naturally, he always drew a huge A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 2 Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. 1 MOORE, Harry A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 8 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! action from the mid 70's: 10 Flemington Speedway, East Windsor Speedway, Bridgeport, Reading Fairgrounds, Nazareth Speedway, Harmony Speedway . 4/17/70 5 The lad laughed and said to me - "you knew what motor it was". 1 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 4 6 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 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. In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. 2 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Whats that you ask? 2 5 1 2 3/23/69 MULLIGAN, Whip RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. Joel Wessner 52 1 10 - $156.06. He still races the modifieds and gets a win now and then. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 10/22/77 38 4 were here. TOTAL 26 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. "I have worked diligently for 50 years, collecting memories from survivors," she told Wednesday a news conference. In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 7 Again, in the end of the 1962 season, another trial modified event was held. RILEY, Don MATTA, Tony I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. Dirt Track Cars Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.