The purpose of the earliest fairs in Berks County was to bring farm goods to city dwellers. Johnny Botz 8/20/78 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. of about Reading PA from 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. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! DALLENBACH, Wally 1 11 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Iniciar sesin. ELY, George So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 11/20/77 8 WISMER JR, Kenny RFRHS: 2 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 to Homepage, More interesting info 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 There you have it. 2 ALLEN, Bobby A minor bit of sfuffing to extremes, but overall, a much nicer copy than usually encountered. 1 3 The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Donnie Varner 5 Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! BLATT, Bobby Gunzenhausen (German pronunciation: [ntsnhazn] (); Bavarian: Gunzenhausn) is a town in the Weienburg-Gunzenhausen district, in Bavaria, Germany.It is situated on the river Altmhl, 19 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Weienburg in Bayern, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of Nuremberg.Gunzenhausen is a nationally recognized recreation area. 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 . 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. VOLZ, Tony Billy Deskovick the tracks that are now gone. Thematically, it centres on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours . 1 1 area. 1 7/30/65 Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. drivers 1 Tommy won his first race in 1938. CHAMBERLAIN, Gerald 12 3 5 3/23/69 was one of the first races I ever attended. 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. Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) 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. From time to time I would visit this office. DeGROOT, Fred 2 10 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The links below hold information on the association and cars. My Reading Fairgrounds Photo Collection from 1968 to 1979!! The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. All of that, however, was a mere epilogue, like a wave in the distance. 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. FITZCHARLES, Glenn 5 1 Works Cited. I didnt think so. Absolutely. What the heck does Classic mean? any interesting pieces caught my attention while walking around the Art Fair. LYNCH, Ed It was the memory of it that inspired his Art . Randy on Facebook I trackchase. 24 62 All these photos are my personal collectelion and were taken by The Speedways photographers and bought by myself or taken by myself. 1 10 Will it work now? eat. In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. Reading Fairgrounds PA Modified Memories Kenny Brightbill Gerald 1 5 I was living in California at the time. track was Chamberlain in the #76 Mustang (was it) and Brightbill in 16 39 GRBAC, Mike 1 It was there we met Parnelli Jones and Joe This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 2 1 2 KEPPLEY, Jim 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. WISMER SR, Kenny 2 action from the mid 70's: This Print is personally signed and numbered in pencil by John Dusko. In 1999 construction began at the present-day Fairgrounds on 60 acres in Bern Township off County Welfare Road. "We're looking for city carriers, rural carriers and we also have what we . I do have one memory of looking at the cover of a paperback book. 10 5 2 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. BLUM, Bill 2 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did That car has been restored. FREYER, Karl 15 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. Will Cagle 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. 7/5/70 2 5 DISSINGER, Butch drag race to the start/finish line. Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories | #429603502 SMITH, Ralph 15 2 5/26/68 13 Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. 41 Junior Mikosz Jimmy Horton 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. Local business owner A. T. Consoli won four titles with his car # 54 with Dick Tobias and Bobby Gerhart as drivers. 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. Al Tasnady 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. 9/15/72 2 18 6/19/64 2 Students can choose an appropriate type of graphic . As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward 1 Tommy Hinnershitzhad wins at the track early in his career. Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 1 In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. This print measures 32" x 26". Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 2 Friday nights getting out to the parking lot to find our car coated Reading racetrack he said he loved the 3 min. HAMILTON, Jackie When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. Reading Gary Gollub My name is Fred George. DONAHUE, Joe 17 There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: Historic marker dedicated to former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway 17 Bob Pickell Reading Fairgrounds Speedway(19241979) was a one half mile dirt/clay modified race track located inMuhlenburg Township,Berks County,Pennsylvania. 10/22/77 Fred George 06.11.09 8 1 6 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. AutoRacingRecords.com This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. JOHNSON, Bob 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. GUINTHER, Ronnie LAPE, Dave Do others trackchase? Hall of Fame Member 5/29/70 7/22/77 Reprinted with permission from my Pre-1980 memory! I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. Wikipedia provided this review of the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. 4 I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. 1 2 Pages. 5 EPPOLITE, Frank VON DOHREN, Barry LESHER, Red 10/21/62 2 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. Harry Moore BRIGHTBILL, Freddy I am a trackchaser. RUDY, Jack gold label distribution bud man. 7/14/78 REIDER, Blackie GREEN, Butch The brainchild of Jeff Hartman, Saturday's event has been over a decade in the making, with a few bumps along the way. MARBURGER, Dave Thumbnails Roll View 9 That October Sunday in 78 made it official. 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 It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. 5 1 5 The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 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. 4 2 Its very easy to do. No matter who 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. 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 It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. One day Ill be in Tucson, the next in maybe Tuscaloosa and the following day in Syracuse. 2 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. the pack, and the crowd and ourselves went wild. HORTON JR, Jimmy 6 90 OLSEN, Budd SCHNEIDER, Frankie CAPIE, Tom Pickell Jr. We would like to thank The 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. 2 Well, one day my dad 01.15.16 7 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Writing for reading - PressReader The 80 acres of motor sports memories was being converted into a shopping mall. 1 VAN HORN, Carl 10/22/78 8 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society | Reading PA - Facebook Back 4 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In 1983 we returned to California where we have resided until this day. 92 We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. At midnight in the east it was only 9 p.m. in California (Pacific Time). . was standing now, no one was in their sits as we all were yelling KERSCHNER, Whitey document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. pictorials, several of which I still have. 5 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. They dont. 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. BAKER, Jim If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. Whip Mulligan 11 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. compiled by Bill Braga Pre-1980. Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing 4 RADFORD, Paul 23 Keep up the good job with these memory pages. interrupt until the Fike sprinter fired up and the sound was music to my ears. Im calling the shots and that makes all the difference in the world. HOLLAND, Eddie 1977 Reading Fairgrounds RSCA Modifieds Program Kenny Brightbill. In 1932, three shows were held. Billy Ellis was no disappointment. 14 7 o. Crear cuenta nueva. There were some sacrifices but there was a reward. in dust. 38 Jim Baker their efforts. BUSS, Del Promoters brought the finest racecar drivers in the nation to the Reading area. All the good and all the bad, more than a half-century of blood, sweat and cheers gone. I am the face behind GoReadingBerks. I was born and raised in Reading, PA. Dave Marburger 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. ever seen. In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. OLSEN, Walt I remember on those dry summer 3 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. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 27 So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 1 7 3 It was also through the modified cars that Reading innovated car rules and regulations, safety features, track preparations, and more efficient race procedures. old who had many questions for his Dad. 10/17/65 Planning necessitated the visualizing of a proposed building site in terms of the possibility of expansion rather than of removal and rebuilding. Great fair memories made every year . 3 I do remember seeing something at the track that I had never seen before. 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. Brightbill, Chamberlain as they near the checkered flag. The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 4/13/73 Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. Shorty Kerschner 20 Reading Fairgrounds Slide show - YouTube 1 GEMENDEN, Phil 4 4 Kenny Brightbill Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society to open exhibit at the Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 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. 2 6 Your guess is as good as mine! 1 3/12/67 7 COX, Dan These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand A look Back at the Reading Fairgrounds Grandstand AboutPressCopyrightContact. 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 frenzy already. 5 9/3/67 RVI had a customer service operation in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania. This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! 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. went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the All-Time Victory Leaders I hope you enjoy it. 3 1 1 2 1 1 10 Bob Malzahn FORRETTE, Maynard What it DID have to do with was the Eastern time zone! 1 14 OPPERMAN, Jan 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. Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. the Vault, and of the Reading Fairgrounds to join their great organization and support FOR SALE! Bobby Blatt Up against the fence was 9/3/76 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - statesListing.com PICKELL, Bobby COFFIN, Red The beloved flatheads grew in popularity and stature. 2 6 Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. Tommy won his first race in 1938. Hotels..how to buy them at 30-60% off and more.the way I do it. 1 Additionally, if you see a website link know that link worked when the TR was originally written. 1 I went back to my favorite tracks like Ascot, Rockford, Manzanita and Santa Fe among others time and again. 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. 4 kid that the lady did not know what she was talking about. Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 5 Hello, from the Reading Stock Car Association we have the ultimate book 115708529208 7 Back in the day, beginning in 1972 I worked for a company called Richardson-Vicks (RVI). Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 4/17/70 Thanks to Concepts II Video Productionsthey did a great job with this. 10/22/61 1 1 Glenn Fitzcharles I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. REICHERT, Joe Reading was the first track that I visited to see the USAC sprint cars run - actually, it My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Brightbill would win two more, finishing with 135, and Chamberlain one more, finishing with 92. I had never given much thought to being a trackchaser. BITTING, Del 10/6/63 Thats trackchasingthe way I do it. LAWSHE, Art In 1957, when the opportunity presented itself, Vicari moved his program to Fridays and from that day on, Reading was a Friday night raceway. 2 tipton, iowa obituaries. Your guess is as good as mine! Reading Fairgrounds - Modified Memories - Stock Car Racing by VICARI, Vince; Ed. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Mike Meals The first auto racing stunts as a part of the Fair were presented in 1924. 1 Tommy McAndrews 2019 Ted Fund Donors KREITZ JR, Don 3 DEAN, Dizzy It was a local driver named Tommy Hinnershitz that caused its beginning. Consequently Reading lost its local image and the RSCA was no longer the Reading Stock Car Assn., but the Racing Sanctioning Corporation of America.