The 30th anniversary of the closing of Reading Fairgrounds Speeedway was remembered today at First Energy Stadium, the home of the Reading Phillies. There were quite a few vintage race cars on display, many which raced at the Speedway. Sponsored by the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, there was tons of memorabilia, race films were shown on the stadium's "jumbotron", and old-time racing heroes available for autographs and bench-racing. The weather was perfect with sunny skies, temps in the high 70's, low humidity, and plenty of shade. Here are a few pics for anyone who's interested.....................Woody
I'm fairly sure this is the same car I saw at a meet down there 3-4 years ago. The body was perfect, doors still worked fine, it was never hit in a race. Its race car value must be very high to keep it from being put on the street as a Hot Rod.
you always take super pics...thanks for posting. I went to another show today...looks like I picked the wrong one.
I see you caught me, Woody. Here is one I had to take. 3 of the "KIDS", that were in this 1961 picture that was in the Reading paper last week, showed up to do it over again. I saw this car in Gary Wolford's shop 5 years ago when he found it, and thought it was unrestorable, with the whole right side pretty much rusted away. The job he did restoring the body is miraculous. I think Gary could still strap in, but it was quite an effort to get "Worm" up on the car again. Other than that, the "KIDS" haven't changed at all.
Bob, I tried to buy that car a few years back before it was put back together. Nice car indeed. Pete Trumbauer (sp?) owned it. He also has a sweet 46-48 Ford droptop that has been a custom since the late 40s-early 50s. He actually knew the original owner/builder of the 46 and let him drive it around a small dirt track at speed. It used to tow a midget to the track.
Was that the location of the NHRA vs. Nascar softball game for Darryl Gwynn ? Looks like there's been some renovation since I was there for that great game.
37, The #32 Rambler Rebel really gets around. I'm pretty sure it makes a few laps at the Jalopy Showdown every year...........Woody Jerry, We went to 3 shows on Sunday. It was such a beautiful day, and there were plenty of events going on. We heard your roadster was a hit at the AstroMonkey BBQ on Saturday. You did a great job on it, and I can't wait to see it in person. .....Woody Al, It was nice to see you and speak with you again. We knew you were a photog extaordinaire, but not that you were a famous racing champion. Congrats on your induction on Sunday..........Woody Jack, Your probably right about that game. The stadium was built in '50, and has had several renovations. It's a true gem, and in super shape for it's age............Woody
Jack, You're correct about the location of the NHRA-NASCAR baseball game. I was there with a bunch of NSRA guys on the top row on the first base line.
The Jalopy Journal
