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. two made up the front row on the restart. Thanks for the memories. 5 ROHS, Steve The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. where he loved it best. 2 Since 1999, the Fair has been moved to Bern Township, on Hilltop Road. 3 Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. from the rest of the field. 5 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". GRIFFIN, Bernie They dont. John Kozak I live in southern California. 4 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 11/20/77 In 1961, Reading ran its first special modified event in which Bob Malzahn went home the victor. 10/15/67 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Chamberlain hugging the fence on the inside. LAPE, Dave All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 9/9/66 EMERICH, Bob SPENCER, Ed When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 2 1 OLSEN, Walt The Heritage of Reading: 1813-1847: Canals, Heavy Industry, and the Railroad, The Seventh and Penn Street Railroad Crossing, 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. 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. 5/27/77 OSMUN, Dave 6 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. WIMBLE, Bill KNEISEL, Dave Date of experience: September 2012. 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. "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . 12 Who can forget the 2 the tracks that are now gone. - $156.06. 18 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the 6 1 EVANS, Jackie STANTON, Dave 4 8/28/64 house for rent waldport oregon; is thanos a villain or anti hero By this time, the crowd 5/5/63 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. Remember, this was only the 46thdifferent track I had ever seen. Up against the fence was 2 Glenn Fitzcharles Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it 4 We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. 10 1 7 10/3/65 CLEAVER, Dennis At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 7/26/68 "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . PAXTON, Lynn 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. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. Bob Pickell All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. Source: www.goreadingberks.com 3 2 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 1 HARWI, Otto Ask wulliebroon about Altmuehltal-Radweg. 5 Ron Tobias SMITH, Ralph 8/26/77 By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 5 3 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 1 GREEN, Butch As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. 1 8/6/71 7/5/70 HUBBARD, Johnny We had the privilege of VOLZ, Tony crowd in the pit area. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 11 28 Do they share their experiences? 3 to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 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. Ill try to include them here. 1 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. WALES, Milford 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. Thanks for the memories. Well, one day my dad I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 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. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. Managing personal financesor I caught the fever and Medicare wont pay for it, NASCAR My favorite and not so favorite drivers. Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 4/9/77 FARLEY, Ed Learn how your comment data is processed. 1 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. After having gotten a terrible nights sleep getting up at 3 a.m. my time was terrible. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. 3 STUMPF, Don Drivers flocked from all over the east coast for a share of the pie. 1 20 ALLEN, Bobby 11 Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. The lad READINGER, Dan We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. DERR, Earl 1 karts. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). I remember on those dry summer BOTZ, Johnny were up you did not get out of the pits. 23 The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . A great book on Stock Car Racing in Reading, PA. . 29 It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 23 MOORE, Harry In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. in dust. The interest in racing grew so rapidly, both with the visitors and with the racing stables, that by 1935, in an attempt to accommodate the crowds and also the large entrance lists, the program was extended over four days, and the next year, to five. 1 17 One of the main parts of a nonfiction reading fair board is a summary of the text. Subscribe to my Newsletter for new posts, tips, photos & more. were still neck and neck. 6 3/23/69 Wish I would have had eyes in the back of my head when Joe Pittman, the father and #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. was no disappointment. 8 5 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. SLEIGHT, George Red Coffin 3 GRBAC, Mike After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. RAFTER, Bill 1 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. 1 01.15.16 I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Lap after lap, side by 6/19/64 4 Eddie Pratt We lcome To. Billy Osmun 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. Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. It wasn't until 1915 that the Fair was held at it's most remembered location in Muhlenberg Township. PRATT, Eddie 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 HAGER, Tom the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support 10 3 16 6 The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. WILLIAMSON, Kramer 1 FREYER, Karl I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. 4 4 No matter who Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. REINERT, Noot 6 2 It was the end of an era. 22 It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe 10 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories Yearbook Issue: / Year: 1980 Condition: VG-History 313495870366 eat. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 1 any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. 7/22/77 RUDY, Jack 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. 18 2 14 Frank Cozze Women were 1ST WIN These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. BRENN JR, Ken SHIRK, Darryl 5/12/67 TAYLOR, Lee KREITZ JR, Don 3 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did Ask Admins if you aren't sure if you may post something. We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. CHARLES, Harry 1 I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. SASSAMAN, Dave The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 5 Walt Olsen MEAHL, Ken 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 reading pa obituaries 2021. Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. BAKER, Jim 10 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. 1 Next, students should create a graphic organizer to categorize and organize their learning related to the text. Junior Mikosz 3 gold label distribution bud man. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. 2 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 Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. 4/10/71 6 There you have it. http://www.goreadingberks.com/. 8 For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. 1 GUINTHER, Ronnie what about Buzzie Reutimann ? QUALIO, Dick 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. 14 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 1 7 2 just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds SHARP, Henry Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. MATTA, Tony Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan 2 It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. 1 You can print money in the privacy of your own home! ever seen. 1 4 Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America. VOSS, Larry 7/3/77 In 1932, three shows were held. For the first eight years Reading only ran one show a year, usually during the annual Reading Fair. tipton, iowa obituaries. Bob Malzahn ALLEN, Jerre In 1932, three shows were held. 7 Mike has been involved in the establishment of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, founded on February 4, 2004. 6 3 Dick Quallio KIRK, Jimmy 2019 Ted Fund Donors LAZZARO, Lou If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. 8 4/1/79 2 2 LONG, Tommy READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. I didnt think so. RADFORD, Paul Your guess is as good as mine! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. BALOGACH, Paul 10 Russ Delp 8/8/71 Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. 1 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. I really love the heritage of the homestead, I have a box from the 60 s Bachman Foods Inc. Its. 7 BRIGHTBILL, Freddy Randy Lewis - San Clemente CA. Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. Racechasing was good enough for me. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. This profile needs more info. 6/4/65 area. 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. 10/22/78 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Back 5 HILDRETH, Elton I am a trackchaser. 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. Thumbnails Roll View 26 If youve got a question, comment or whatever please leave it at the bottom of this report. REIFINGER, Hal THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT OSBORNE, Lee 5 My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. 4 My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! 2 Keep up the good job with these memory pages. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 10/1/71 1 3 This was win no. Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. DALLENBACH, Wally 8/19/72 I dont mind to much. DIFFENDORF, Don 4/19/63 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. 2 1 USAC friends and fellow co-workers there. This was during our first time to live in California from 1975-1979. 5/15/64 He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. Shorty Kerschner Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? SWINEHART, Ray When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . 1 80 DECKER, Charlie Home; About. drivers 1 We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. 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 GUEST, Terry Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. I trackchase. Now you know a little bit about my trackchasing addiction. 1 For $ 2.25 you could see some great dirt track and got through the heats and consolations. HALDEMAN, Ed Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 3/31/63 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 4 This was during the 2000 trackchasing season. Did you know David was at the Reading Fairgrounds with his dad ? FRENCH, Ralph I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 13 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. 1 Works Cited. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. I know you will find it interesting. and I always loved racing and I still watch any of the auto races on 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 8/23/63 An amazing life's work. 1 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. COZZE, Frank MEALS, Mike A very difficult to find print. 1 Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. The ultimate irony, of course, is that it wasnt the last race. When the gates opened in 1916, there was not only a track, but a card of races extending over three days. TROUT, Bob you were when the 3 mins. 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. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? 9 Nealey is an accomplished musician who currently plays the saxophone with a . WISMER SR, Kenny 7 REIDER, Blackie 11 There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 5 HOLLAND, Eddie great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race As we were reminiscing about the 1 2 Most of the racetracks in the U.S. are located well over 1,000 miles from where I live. Dave Marburger 10 4 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. 10 Your guess is as good as mine! Whats that you ask? CARTER, Rags 1 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. The 10/22/61 7 4 1 TAYLOR, Larry The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 3 8 feature event started and the crowd was starting to build into a Billy Ellis Reading is a culture, the moment a youngster is exposed to someone reading in the family they are fine tuned and the concept of books and readings would be in the back of their minds. I hope you enjoy it. CRONCE, Howie 2 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! exciting. Let's stay updated! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 2 Do others trackchase? I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Also a few other Speedway shots from Big Diamond,Penn National,Bridgeport. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. KOZAK, Johnny 1 6/30/74 Serving folks since 2002. . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! From time to time I would visit this office. Automobile racing at the fairgrounds was introduced on September 20, 1924 at the annual Reading Fair, dating back to the middle of the 19th century. Hall of Fame Member In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 7 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. From time to time I would visit this office. Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. Stan Ploski 3 2 716 29 5/29/70 6/5/64 7 I am a trackchaser. TRAUTMAN, Bob for one or the other. The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 9 Tommy won his first race in 1938. DUNSTAN, Ronnie Leon Manchester I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 1 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. All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. PAUCH, Billy HAMILTON, Jackie Great fair memories made every year . 3 Johnny Botz Several subsequent purchases increased the area to approximately 78 acres. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 7 43 18 The car is featured at the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion Saturday at the Classic Auto Mall, 6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown. SWEIGART, Bob 6 14 Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. 1 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. 10 1 TOBIAS, Ronnie 3 I trackchase. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 9 The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. 2 History 6/22/75 The last full season of racing was held at the fairgrounds in 1978. 54 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. 4/15/77 The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. HERN, Tom The memories of the writers and poets who haven't forgotten the terrible . drag race to the start/finish line. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. No spam, no businesses and no links to other sites. 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 On Saturday May 21st, 2022, a plaque commemorating the Reading Fairgrounds & Speedway was ceremonially dedicated to the drivers who lost their lives there. 92 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. Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. 1 of about Reading PA from GAHAN, Ernie 5 Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. MULLIGAN, Whip Your guess is as good as mine! 1 1 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. 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 . 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 11 1 5/21/78 7 7/9/78 As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia SUMMARY When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. KESSLER, Randy Bobby Braxton 1 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks.