6 Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. ABEL, Bobby . I am a trackchaser. Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. Carl Van Horn The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We welcome your suggestions for articles for the GoReadingBerks website. 5 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. Whip Mulligan I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. READING FAIRGROUNDS MODIFIED Memories Yearbook 1980-History of modified stock. 6 where he loved it best. It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. [1]It featured a regular weekly series of modified, sportsman modified, and late modelstock carracing. 8/5/77 I hope you enjoy it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . 1 7/5/70 Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. Mike Meals 6 YOUNG, Bruce 13 Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. Great drivers, great fans & great memories!!! Down the backstetch it was still a dead I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. 46 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 1 9/13/69 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. of about Reading PA from Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 8 See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. I AM A TRACKCHASER. Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the there. Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. There you have it. My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 7 SMITH, Russ BURKHART, Barry 3 MANCHESTER, Leon 10/6/63 Photographers on record,Red Kirsh,Bob Zellers,Carl Hess. 1 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. - $156.06. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. 9/3/76 4/8/72 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. I didnt think so. yrs. MEALS, Mike FORRETTE, Maynard Sorry. 1 I hope you enjoy it. the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support Carter and many, many others have been very supportive of our efforts here in the Vault. 5 4 4 10/3/65 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. A great variety of amusements to appeal to the taste of everyone who came through the gate was provided. It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. 7 FOR SALE! The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. From Staff Reports News-Post Staff; May 13, 2012 May 13, 2012 Updated Mar 11, 2016; 0; Facebook; 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. 3 2 The case for selling high-quality used stuff YOURSELF! 3/12/67 eat. 6 5 6/29/79 MOORE, Harry I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. 3 side, neither one could get the advantage on the other. Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. 2 8 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 1 6 Send post to email address, comma separated for multiple emails. MATTA, Tony 9/4/67 I was able to retire at the age of 52 and never work for money another day in my life. 90 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. 15 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. 1 It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. Thanks for the memories. 6 My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). GARBER, Harry Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years 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. National Geographic Diversity Lifetime Results, National Geographic Diversity Annual Results. TAYLOR, Lee 2 questions and stories. qualifying lap times. I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. PLOSKI JR, Stan Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby 2 Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 chief mechanic on the race car, came to the fence and motioned for me to bring him the gold label distribution bud man. HERN, Tom 7 Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. 9/15/72 In 1978, the last fair was held on the Muhlenberg site because the Fairgrounds was sold to developers of the Fairgrounds Square Mall. 1 any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. Expenses. Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 11/20/77 13 Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The Nineteen Eighty-Four (also published as 1984) is a dystopian social science fiction novel and cautionary tale by English writer George Orwell.It was published on 8 June 1949 by Secker & Warburg as Orwell's ninth and final book completed in his lifetime. 4 BITTING, Del Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). tipton, iowa obituaries. the tracks that are now gone. BROWN, Ralph In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. KNEISEL, Dave MILLER, Paul #175 of 750 "Midway of Memories: The Reading Fairgound. 1 1 18 Russ Delp That October Sunday in 78 made it official. Randy on Facebook 2 WISMER JR, Kenny COLLINS, Kevin KESSLER, Randy Jackie McClaughlin If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Use it! 9 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. Designed and Developed by Jeff Hornacek, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 7/14/78 24 1 PRATT, Eddie In 1932, three shows were held. . 2 Frank Sinatra performed at the Fair in 1950. 5 1 7/22/77 2 14 1 5 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 4/5/64 DELP, Russ I dont mind to much. 1 "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. MIKOSZ, Junior 3 6/19/64 Put the 3 of them together in the front of 1 36 Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, BAKER, Jim 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 I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. Up against the fence was LAWSHE, Art In any given year I will travel well over 200,000 miles, rent more than 50 cars, and stay in more than 150 hotel rooms. 9 3 ADAM, Freddy 3 * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. 4 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. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. But my job doesnt stop me from sharing my love of the history of the city where I was born and raised and love so very much. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. 5/26/68 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. TOTAL 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. 8/7/77 3 BEHRENT, Harry READINGER, Dan 10 3 1 29 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Jackie Evans I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Thanks! SWINEHART, Ray 2 Brightbill running the high line and 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 In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. Billy Ellis 14 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. Hundreds of photos of drivers and their car. Fairgrounds Memories 6 FARLEY, Ed 2 Today, as a trackchaser, I commonly get up at some very early hours. 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. QUALIO, Dick 12 was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! 1956 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Johnny Mackison: 1957 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-George Speck: 1958 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Hal Reifinger: 1959 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Hal Reifinger: 1960 Reading Fairgrounds Jalopy: Final Standings:1-Bobby Hersh: 1961 Reading . 4 The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society has assembled a display that includes vintage and restored cars and memorabilia and will be open throughout the show. 2 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. SOLOMON, Larry It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. 2 While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". MOORE, Mose 1 1 1 in dust. Tom Hager waving and they were still side by side, as the crowd was so loud 10/17/65 2 The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Copyright 2023 Randy Lewis - All Right Reserved. If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. ERB, Mike 1 4 Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. Often a classic TR will not have a video and/or photo album attached. KEPPLEY, Jim My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. 8/19/72 One lap Kenny led, the next Gerald was in 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. Typically these will be stories from tracks I visited five years or ten years or more ago. We settled into our seats under the big roof 7/7/78 3/25/77 you hear them all the way up in Allentown. 10 BRIGHTBILL, Kenny WINKS, Jimmy 3 Tommy Long 1 Thats probably the most inconvenient location in the country for seeing tracks in the U.S. great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race Dad did not talk to me the rest of the race and certainly, did not Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. Thanks for the memories. 10 Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. I live in southern California. 14 I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss 17 To add your Reading Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. 2 OPPERMAN, Jan DESKOVICH, Billy 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. Your guess is as good as mine! 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. 7/10/64 BRENN JR, Ken Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Got Dad more angry when I told him that we call them engines. RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe 6/23/67 5 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 Was led onto his career from some other "old time" 92 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 3 Bob Malzahn Could not help overhearing him, did not 59 Leon Manchester This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. CHARLES, Harry Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. Loaded with pics and bios of the drivers. Whenever I could I would try to time my business visits from all over the country into a racing visit as well. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in