30 Mar

reading fairgrounds memories

8/5/77 When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website atwww.randylewis.orgI hope you will take the time to imagine in your mind what it took to make this trip from SoCal and understand the fun I had doing it. 4/13/73 5 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The EventVideo Plus As a fan of the racetrack I now live in Florida and go to Volusia 10/22/77 QUALIO, Dick It went like this lap after lap after lap. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. 4/24/64 I do that kind of thing all the time. 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,. 2 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. 14 2 3 2 of about Reading PA from. 5/27/77 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. 7 racing at the Reading Fairgrounds. 54 I didnt give any thought to recording the dates when I visited those 71 tracks. Budd Olsen 5 letter words for wordle beginning with s. reading fairgrounds memories. So imagine being at the 27th Muscat International Book Fair - it is a haven for students. 3 Dick Quallio This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! Its simply a Trackchaser Report that comes from my trackchasing archives. The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. Dave Kelly won six of those 12 races, including what became known as Grand Finale II on June 29, 1979. Got it? Thanks! 5 4 Bill Williams 6/27/71 2 Today where the racetrack once stood is theFairgrounds Square Mall, which opened in 1980 and closed in 2018. 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. GRANDSTAND MEMORIES READING FAIRGROUNDS - YouTube 22 11 you hear them all the way up in Allentown. Lindy V. Vicariwas a stock-car racing promoter and operator of the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 until 1979. reading fairgrounds memories It was henceforth proclaimed throughout the ranks, to win at Reading is beating the best, but it was tough. On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 9 I now live in Macungie, PA and I dearly miss Will it work now? 2 Frank Cozze S sonny fetherman 388 followers More information 246 best images about Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania . It became so popular that the Fairgrounds eventually held an entire season of racing, starting in March and only closing in late fall. As the feature went on, both of them were working their way toward Shares547. 1 5/5/63 2 Once you begin researching my trip itineraries from my website, yes you will want to do that, you will be surprised. When I got to my hotel it was difficult to get to sleep with the three hour time zone change. 1 6 6/17/66 LYNCH, Ed 1 8 4 My average trip covers 5,000 miles and more. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. LAZZARO, Lou We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. To Vault Index Page It features the Reading Fairgrounds when it was a race track. He brought in the flatheads to compete every Wednesday night. This is a professional offset lithograph print that was commissioned many years ago and quickly sold out. Perfect condition. 1 2 Official end of the RLR Randy Lewis Racing Trackchaser Report. 1 reading fairgrounds memories 46 I didnt begin writing a complete Trackchaser Report until I had seen about 425 tracks. 133, 42 more than the guy in second place in career wins and in that grand finale, Gerry Chamberlain. (BILL UHRICH - READING EAGLE) The organization was founded. 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. So many local drivers made the competition tough and exciting. 8/19/72 Pre-1980. Below: 1966 photo showing Mario Andretti # 9 dueling with Lone Star JR Johnny Rutherford. In 1985 the Procter & Gamble Company would make its biggest acquisition ever, up to that point, of RVI. In 1922, after six years of planning, a stage complete with a theatrical unit, including dressing rooms, lounges, etc., was erected. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 715 An amazing life's work. below, and then scroll down 3/4's of the page, and you'll be able to start the video: 2 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. It wasnt until 1949, though, that the Fairgrounds started to gain a characteristic of its own. 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 59 Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. 8/26/77 92 Gerald Chamberlain It was from 1949 to 1957 though, that Hinnershsitz put the character into Reading. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society - GuideStar Profile Photo albums were sort of hit or miss during the early years of my trackchasing. 716 1 BAILEY, Charlie In 1965, the United States Auto Club (USAC) ran its first night race and also began scheduling five shows a year. CLEAVER, Dennis Thanks again, Peggy Snyder at plsnyder@ptd.net - welcome all emails and/or 14 9 Below: Lindy Vicari, shown below with pageant winners (unable to he identified), operated the Reading Fairgrounds from 1955 to 1979. Gunzenhausen - Wikipedia www.goreadingberks.com website, including a video capturing racing Drivers such as A. J. Foyt, Roger McCluskey, Jim Hurtubise, Jud Larson, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Unser took over after Tommy retired in 1960. 39 9/5/75 1 Women were 4 1 10/25/75 I was a Reading race fan from 1972-1975. in 73 my brother and I did You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While Im homesick and now living in California since 1972, a road trip back will be soon in the cards. 2 PAUCH, Billy Above found at: 10 17 Peoria Old Timers Racing Club (P.O.R.C.) Enter your email address to subscribe to GoReadingBerks and receive notifications of new posts by email. 1 1 8 Editors note: This is a CLASSIC Trackchaser Report. DESKOVICH, Billy The Reading Fair had it's first fair in 1854 at Penn's Commons, in what is now City Park. And there were those who paid the ultimate price, such as Jud Larson and Red Riegel, Jackie Evans and Mike Grbac, the young New Jersey driver who died a month after the final 78 race from injuries suffered in a cartwheeling accident down the main straight halfway through that event. Reading Fairgrounds was in the AARN weekly and the monthly FOR SALE! DICKSON, Larry See more ideas about stock car, old race cars, dirt track cars. 14 7 9/21/75 "I went out of the third turn upside down," he said. TOBIAS, Ron Laudan Potts You might have remembrances about this track. TILLMAN, Herbie Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories - amazon.com Whip Mulligan The summary should include the main idea and important takeaways related to that main idea. 2 I was living in California at the time. I trackchase. 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. 15 10 6 I would continue to work for P&G until my retirement in 2002. I didnt begin producing my YouTube videos until 2009 (YouTube channel: RANLAY). Kenny Weld Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? WALES, Milford 17 Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories | #429603502 When the structure gave way, in 1979, to a multi-million dollar shopping mall, it was only memories that remained. BITTING, Del 1 CARROLL, Jackie STEIF, Billy 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. Its very easy to do. 7 Tommy Long Ten years later they presented their first and only double show with another organization, the RSCA. 6000 Genocide Survivors' Memories in New Edition of Vergine Svazlyan's Ralph Smith area. As we were reminiscing about the Photographer:Joe Simpkins - Provided by:Bobby We encourage the fans of 1 HIEBER, Gary My best guess on the timing would have been 1976-1978. there. Fasten up your seatbelts: Nostalgia Racecar Show and Reunion underway Due to red tape that delayed construction, there would be 12 more races in 1979. Jim Baker In 1932, three shows were held. EVANS, Jackie 4/8/72 1 Indy champions loved to compete at The Home of Champions. McANDREW, Tommy 1 Keep it up! 3 In 1932, three shows were held. 1 14 Im thinking there were a few strings of these lights around the track. Reading Fairgrounds, Pennsylvania - The Nostalgia Forum SHAW, Bob 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The completed Fairgrounds consisted of exhibition buildings, a racetrack with a grandstand and amusement rides. I do that kind of thing all the time. KNEISEL, Dave 5/12/67 karts. Dave Kelly clock. OSMUN, Dave action from the mid 70's: main stands, then got back to our seats for the main event. 1 And there were those who paid the ultimate price, such as Jud Larson and Red Riegel, Jackie Evans and Mike Grbac, the young New Jersey driver who died a month after the final 78 race from injuries suffered in a cartwheeling accident down the main straight halfway through that event. 1 1 By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Golly, did Dad wake up then - told the 1 SPENCER, Ed 3 Wide's Picture Vault is Brought to You With the Support of: ..Remembering Our Area's Auto Racing From the Past. 2 Prior to 1980 I was a racechaser. 2 who did we see - Buzzie Reutimann. KEMMERER, Jim DECKER, Charlie Ver ms de Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Resurrection 2013 en Facebook. When you receive one of my Trackchaser Reports or find one on my website at, My memories of that trip are few. 1 You can print money in the privacy of your own home! Although I hated eastern time meetings and meetings in general I was tied to the corporate tit. 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. 19 This was win no. DELP, Russ WEAVER, Mark This had nothing to do with the quality of the racing! 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. 5 - $156.06. 2 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. There was the sight of promoter Lindy Vicari in his grader, working the track surface to the optimum of tackiness the good kind. 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. Specialties: The Barnyard BBQ Restaurant, now with three locations, smokes it all. My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). reading pa obituaries 2021. 2019 Ted Fund Donors My name is Randy Lewis (above with Hatem racing federation president Tunisia). Berks County racing fans, drivers keep memories alive at Reading Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co STUMPF, Don The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". WILLIAMS, Bill 29 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. 9/3/67 3 From time to time I would visit this office. Will Cagle Walt Olsen SUMMARY I get the chance to meet people from all over the world. DUNSTAN, Ronnie 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. 2 1 FELTY, LeRoy Thats all folks! 18 Thanks for the memories. Billy Ellis 2 5 1 3/24/68 The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. 17 5/26/68 I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. Reading Modified Top Ten Performance Index Europeans faces of Argentina in the twenties: Einwanderungsland Argentinian writers during a discussion in Frankfurt Book Fair Blues: O ARGENTINA! 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. 1 GEMENDEN, Phil As a racechaser my prime motivation was to go where the best racers and the best racing was happening. In 1979 a limited racing series was held at the Fairgrounds as legal entanglements delayed development of the mall. 11 1 Starting with Tommy Hinnershitz in the sprints, the tradition carried over to the flatheads and then the modifieds. 1 There was a continuous shuttle service of trains from both Franklin Street and the Outer Station on the Reading railway, which also arranged excursions at reduced rates from places within the area bounded by Sunbury, Easton, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. BEAVERS, Sammy 7/26/68 Hope you enjoy my "way back when" little tid-bits. 1 1 The speedway got its nickname long before the stock car champions became stars. questions and stories. was..Kenny Brightbill great modifieds, we loved watching the sprint and midgets race Expenses. 10/15/67 where he loved it best. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions HAVENS, Dick When a caution flag was thrown the yellow lights went on alerting the drivers to slow down. 20 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Articles curated by JSL - Issue #195 - by Jakob Silas Lund ELLIS, Billy 2 July 21, 2017 by Alexa Freyman. 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. 52 1 waves as they near the finish and at the line it They dont. The caution flew with about 10-11 laps to go, and those Where we work. 1 In the summer of 1915 work began on converting several fields under tillage into exposition grounds, complete with buildings and a race track, and to expand the Fairgrounds from a 25 acre spread to one almost three times that size. 37 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. Donny 14 1 racing I saw at Nazareth over the years, this one particular visit Jimmy Horton 13 2 MEALS, Mike 1 Membership is open to all who are interested in keeping the tradition and memory of the races and fair alive for the future. Thats what a racechaser does. Money? Glenn Fitzcharles We raced with Michael Andretti when he was a kid at an 10 Carl Van Horn Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, the Home of Champions HAGER, Tom 7 USAC had run more sprint car races at Reading than any track in the country when it closed in 1979. Have you ever in your life heard of trackchasing? I am indebted to several of these folks for their help and friendship. I take 35-40 of those trips each season. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The Reading Fairgrounds Speedway is one of those long ago vintage tracks affectionately known as the Group of 71. It was in this time that they went from running 4/5/64 I dont mind to much. History By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. With all the great Home; About. A typical business trip to the customer service center would have me flying into Philadelphia the night before our meeting. Will it work now? 3/25/77 Frankie Schneider Flemington Speedway, East Windsor Speedway, Bridgeport, Reading Fairgrounds, Nazareth Speedway, Harmony Speedway . Use it! went down for some of those famous french fries to the right of the 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. The Reading Fairgrounds was considered to be the best weekly racing program in the country. At the Reading Fairgrounds, we seldom missed a week of attending. 1 WELLER, Curt BARNYARD BBQ - 12 Photos & 63 Reviews - Yelp Reading had a string of yellow lights that ran overhead from the inside edge of the track to the outside edge of the track. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I think I may have come up with a meaningful analogy--let me try it out here:I bought a new computer last week. 21 Chevy in there - not an Offy like the others ran. 1 This was something about killing two birds with one stone which sounds kind of barbaric to me. 2014 Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society Elected Officials If it is your nonprofit, add geographic service areas to create a map on your profile. EPPIHIMER, Bob root for Parnelli. 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. Well, one day my dad The background was yellowish-orange, and the illustration was a pen and ink drawing of a young man . Reading Fairgrounds and Reading Pennsylvania - Pinterest 1 "The throttle stuck." The modified stock car Braxton was hired to drive flipped onto its roof. 1 1 7/14/78 Bobby Gerhart riding high in the turns of Brightbill. Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society 4 Being a regular at Nazareth Speedway the most exposure I had to the DONAHUE, Joe Whats that you ask? Over the years other performers included Ray Charles and Pat Boone. 3 1 1 3 By this time, the crowd 2 KENNEDY, Beader Movie-1-Chapter-3 Tom Luce 10K views 7. 3 If so, please feel free to share your memories in the comments section below. for one or the other. 4/1/79 In 1955, apromoter named Lindy Vicari took over a tract of land and began weekly racing for the first time at the Reading Fairgrounds. CHARLES, Harry 6 22 My name is Fred George. I was amazed that the east coast folks scheduling these early meetings had ZERO empathy for their west coast visitors. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. You want this if you love Racing ! REUTIMANN, Buzzie 26 11/20/77 11 Kenny Brightbillis the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway all-time wins record holder with 135 track victories. 6 Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions Sponsored items from this seller Feedback on our suggestions Showing Slide 1 of 1 Remembering Reading Fairgrounds Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping 20 sold Remembering East Windsor Speedway DVD - Snyder Video Productions New $24.99 + $5.50 shipping 1 If you want to see the true essence of trackchasing youve come to the right place. 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. 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. from the rest of the field. 4 MARBURGER, Dave Donny and I also raced, but the smaller version go their efforts. 16 Since 1911 the covered grandstand saw many generations pass and echoed the names of many champions. 26 1 Have had 2 men email 11 2 That car has been restored. Randys Complete Track List 1 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. SHARP, Henry You might have remembrances about this track. Thats why I fell asleep during the racing at Reading! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Reading Fairgrounds Speedway COLLIS, Carl 3 "When all four wheels are off the ground and you're upside down, there's not much you can do but . The flag BRAXTON, Bobby 1 We had the privilege of Also a few other Speedway shots from Big Diamond,Penn National,Bridgeport. 13 Tommy McAndrews 3 On Oct. 29, 1978, the last race was held on the half-mile oval. 3 were up you did not get out of the pits. Mainly during the 1970s, my friend, Donny Fisher (passed away years 1 2 The town of Gunzenhausen is nearby and it has numerous shops, cafe's, bars and a semi permanent fun fair. 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. Title: Reading Fairgrounds Modified Memories [Fairgrounds Racetrack, Berks Co., PA] Author Name: Vicari, Vince (editor) Edition: 1st Edition. We usually had 7 a.m. eastern time breakfast meetings. 8/8/69 3 10/21/62 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I developed goreadingberks.com around 1998 for the purpose of presenting information about the History of the Catholic Faith in Reading. 27 1 A lot of these races were won by #1 Tobias, # 76 Chamberlain, # 57 6/19/77 Hall of Fame Member, Thats all folks! pre-war coupes & coaches to the Pintos and other more modern bodies. Do they share their experiences? 4 4 2 It was delightful to see young ones browse through a variety of books. Down the backstetch it was still a dead