1 10 Vince Conrad Bobby Blatt 5/15/70 "Memories should have been collected and submitted to the scientific community. mentioned this to his Dad who ignored the question so I told him that it was a small block My memories of that trip are few. ERB, Mike TV to this day. The binding is tight. 3 34 The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. GILLETTE, Don I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 4 GEORGE, Del While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. 2 THE CLASSIC TRACKCHASER REPORT Nevertheless, this CLASSIC Trackchaser Report has finally bubbled to the surface and is now available for everyone to see atwww.randylewis.org. 9 9 Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. The Gus Yatron postal facility in Reading is holding a job fair Saturday. Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. 8/8/69 What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! DALLENBACH, Wally VOSS, Larry Thats what a racechaser does. 1 14 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. 4 Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 4 What the heck does Classic mean? One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. Jim Kirk ROCHELLE, Paul HAUER, Bobby 3 28 3 5/27/77 Your guess is as good as mine! 9/3/71 4 Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years My name is Fred George. Jimmy Horton Source: www.goreadingberks.com 4 were here. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. 1 EARNSHAW, Leigh 3 8 lives in Zephyrhills,Fl and loves to talk about the good old days. MATTA, Tony Absolutely. REIDER, Blackie RUDY, Jack Will it work now? 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. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. SHIRE, Charlie You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. FREYER, Karl Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. We knew the dangers of racing as we were there when Jud Larson and When I opened it, it asked me whether I wanted to transfer software from another source, which I did; I transferred everything . On April 13, 2016, Hull Property Group took over the Fairgrounds Square Mall, with plans to revitalize the mall. We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an Between 1980 and 1994 the Fair was held at the Fairgrounds Square Mall and on the surrounding property. 2 Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1 It was the end of an era. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me [email protected]. The Heritage of Reading: 1813-1847: Canals, Heavy Industry, and the Railroad, 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. $6,042. 12 4 7/17/64 1 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. 1 36 6/25/78 WEAVER, Mark 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. Thanks for filling in so much nostalgia for my upbringing and the roots I am so proud of. BLACKLEY, Johnny Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. 38 9 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. BOTTCHER, Bobby 4 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. Food memories immortalized on canvasand plates 2023-03-02 - REGGIE ASPIRAS MDaryl Feril was trying to recall a dish his grandmother cooked for himit was the memory of it that inspired his Art Fair piece. 8 GRBAC, Mike 17 CARROLL, Jackie Bobby Gerhart area. 4 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. BAKER, Jim I remember on those dry summer 1 It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. I saw the newest Star Wars movie last week and it brought back memories that stretch back almost four decades. Thats all folks! BRENN JR, Ken 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. 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. 1 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. 1 7 1 1 18 I hail from the sleepy little village by the sea, San Clemente, California. Stan Ploski Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . 14 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. The last race of the season was marred by a fiery crash that seriously injured driver Michael Grbac of New Brunswick, N.J. A month after the crash, he died of his injuries. 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. 9/7/75 It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 2 The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 14 I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. Perfect condition. Click on the #31 1 2 We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Who can forget the Thank wulliebroon . This profile needs more info. 21 to Reading provided me with the closest, most exciting race I had 715 In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. Vous tes ici : jacob ramsey siblings; map of california central coast cities; reading fairgrounds memories . 5 5 6 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. 7/10/64 1 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. 27 Also besides the 1 22 3 also. 1 Gerald Chamberlain ABEL, Bobby Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. action from the mid 70's: 4 8/9/68 1 No matter who who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. 13 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 80 20 Donny 48 It was the end of an era. KERSCHNER, Whitey 2 Thanks! 10/21/62 1 TIE (1st) Freddy Adam & Jackie Evans 8/13/1967 1 6 1 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. BUNTING, Harold In 1932, three shows were held. Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. KREITZ JR, Don MIKOSZ, Junior With the mall becoming too crowded, the Fair moved to Kutztown while Fair organizers searched for a new site. Figuring out the logistics of a trip like that is as much fun for me as watching a figure 8 race. 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). Brightbill, Bobby Gerhart, among many others. I AM A TRACKCHASER. FARLEY, Ed Do they share their experiences? DUNSTAN, Ronnie 1 Click on the link below to see the video production from the racing action today. 3 FORRETTE, Maynard Everyone came to share the moment and say goodbye. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. READINGER, Dan 3 These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. 9 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4/5/64 1 1 MULLIGAN, Whip 1 1 18 3 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. and got through the heats and consolations. Copyright 2021 GoReadingBerks | All Rights Reserved |. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. READING PA FAIRGROUNDS Modified Memories Dirt Track Kenny Brightbill RSCA - $40.80. 6 to Homepage, More interesting info 5 I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. was one of the first races I ever attended. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. Below: The Reading Fair, 1937-1940 Eventually with the changing times, the racing transitioned from horse into motor vehicle racing. 3 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 am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index. Jim Baker This print measures 32" x 26". You might have remembrances about this track. YETTER, Richie The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. The track opened September 24, 1924 and ran until June 29, 1979. In 1947 a building designed for roller skating was added to the facilities. 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. Junior Mikosz I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. We had the privilege of 2 KANTORSKY, Pete 1 TROUT, Bob Thanks for reading about my trackchasing, Thanks for the memories. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. It does not store any personal data. Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. I was living in California at the time. I do that kind of thing all the time. FOREWORD just witnessed what dirt track racing and the Reading Fairgrounds 10 7 Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. After that we would relocate to first Connecticut and then Chicago. 10 1 1 Kenny Brightbill WELD, Kenny This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 3/24/68 27 If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 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. 715 5 KELLY, Joe Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 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. 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. It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. 1 4 7/9/78 "Now, all these guys are in their 70's and 80's now, but the ones that can still . It was the end of an era. 10/18/75 Do others trackchase? 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. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. ADAM, Freddy My earliest memories related to reading I can scarcely remember not being able to read. If you have any photos from back in the day, send them to me at. 10 16 Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. BUT, I did, loud and clear. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. Dirt oval Sitting next to me was a young lad, approx. Russ Delp Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. My memories of that trip are few. Billy Osmun Via Tert.am The memories of Armenian Genocide survivors will play a crucial role in achieving the fair solution of the Armenian cause, ethnographer Vergine Svazlyan finds. frenzy already. 23 1 I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. 9 1 9 8/28/64 A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. The racetrack was replaced by the Fairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in . Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. 4 27 to Speedway Memories 10 Reading hosted more USAC sprint car events than any race track in the country. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! 6/5/64 Meme Desantis 5/20/79 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. action from the mid 70's. ALLEN, Jerre pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. 21 One story I do remember well, was the fact that I had to sit in the grandstand. 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. It went like this lap after lap after lap. 2 8 The crowd went crazy as they had ALLEN, Bobby In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. Below: Car # 54 races # 76, Freddy Adam, the Kutztown Comet, who competed in more seasons than any other racer. Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. 1 14 In 1932, three shows were held. I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. 3 4 3 I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society and members Mike Shaub, Ken Johnson, Alan REINERT, Noot 4 I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. EVANS, Jackie These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 1 Dave Kelly 7 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway #2819. Reading Since that time the site has grown to provide information about historical sites, landmarks, museums, parks, hotels and more. 3 Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960.