News from the 27th Annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show
For Immediate Release/Feb. 25, 2012
More Than 30 Driving Greats Thrill Racing Legends Reunion Attendees Friday Night; Bob Greene Named Don Marks Memorial Award Recipient; Tom Herbert Earns Best of Show
READING, PA - More than 30 driving greats from the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway and Grandview (Pa.) Speedway congregated Friday night during the 27th annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show.
A huge crowd filled the Fairgrounds Square Mall as announcer Jeff Ahlum hosted the annual 'Home of Champions' reunion of talent from the Reading Fairgrounds and a special 50th anniversary celebration for the Rogers family's Grandview Speedway. Savage 61 Dodge and Capitol Cash Exchange sponsored the highlight event of the weeklong show at the shopping center on the Muhlenberg Township site of the former Reading Fairgrounds Speedway.
Dave Kelly, who won the final event at Reading in June 1979, led the long list of Reading talent at the show. Kelly traveled north from his home in Florida to attend and spoke of the mixed emotions he felt after winning Reading's final race.
"It was definitely bittersweet," admitted Kelly, who hailed from Macungie, Pa., before relocating to Florida.
On stage, Kelly was officially inducted into the United Racing Company (URC) Hall of Fame by managing member Bob Miller. Show co-organizer Brett Deyo presented Kelly with an event program and tee shirt. Kelly's No. 17 was featured prominently on both.
'The Everett Express' Gerald Chamberlain drove in from his western Pennsylvania home to be part of the event. Other Reading greats taking the stage included Freddy Adam, Bobby Braxton, Van May, Whitey Kerschner, Red Coffin, Earl Derr, Glenn Fitzcharles, Dick Quallio, Tim Higgins, Curt Weller, Russ Lewis, Blaine Sadler, Bob Eppihimer, Bruce Young, Donnie Eskey and Russ Smith.
Grandview's all-time leading NASCAR Whelen All-American Series 358-Modified winner Craig Von Dohren led the Berks County oval's 50th anniversary contingent that included nine-time champion Jeff Strunk, Paul Koch, Ed Aikin, Rudy Gular, Dennis "Chico" Bailey, Tom Herbert, Dave McGough, Bob Higginbotham and current-day stars Kyle Weiss, Chuck Schutz, Jon Kellner Jr. and Jordan Umbenhauer.
Following, the activities at the mall, show awards were presented at the DJ Jammin' Jimmy Payne-S&W Awards BASH Racing Party at the Temple Fire Company. The third annual Don Marks Memorial Contribution to Motorsports Award was presented to Bob Greene of Pioneer Pole Buildings.
Greene is an avid supporter of auto racing at all levels through his PPB business, sponsoring Grandview, URC and BD Motorsports Media in addition to approximately a dozen-and-a-half race teams ranging from Slingshots to Modifieds and Sprint Cars. While his business is well-known in auto racing, Greene keeps a low profile and does not seek out the limelight. His support of the sport is invaluable.
Marks was a longtime photographer for Area Auto Racing News and served as the official track photographer for Grandview Speedway for more than a quarter century. An active Eastern Motorsport Press Association member, Marks passed away suddenly prior to the start of the 2008 season. Annually, the Don Marks award is presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the sport - media member, sponsor, promoter, driver, car owner, etc. Marks' fiancee Lisa Binder joined in the award presentation.
The fan-voted Best of Show award, decided via a fan ballot in the show program book, went to Tom Herbert for his restored "Pink Panther" No. 18 Late Model.
Divisional award winners were decided by voting media members. Taking top honors were Kevin Albert Jr. (Modified), Greg Hoffmaster (Late Model), Carey Becker (Open Wheel), Jordan Dreher (Small Car), Tom Herbert (Restored Car), Tiffany Wambold (Micro-Sprint), the late Art Cronce (Go-Kart) and Morgan Long (Quarter Midget).
Former racer DJ 'Jammin Jimmy' Payne provided the music for dancing following the awards presentation. Racing videos were show by Gary Silverman of GSP Video.
The past, present and future of auto racing is represented at the show, which concludes today. From Quarter Midgets to current-day race cars and restored cars of yesteryear, there is something for everyone. Fans can expect to see Modifieds, ARDC Midgets, Slingshots, XCel Modifieds, Quarter Midgets, restored/vintage vehicles, Micro-Sprints, SCCA cars, Street Stocks and more.
A number of local speedways/sanctioning bodies have set up displays offering information and 2012 schedules including Grandview Speedway/Thunder on the Hill Racing Series, Big Diamond (Pa.) Speedway, Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway, BD Motorsports Media, ARDC, LANCO's Clyde Martin Memorial (Pa.) Speedway and the Montgomery County Quarter Midget Racing Club.
The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society occupies a mammoth display with nearly a dozen restored/vintage stock cars plus memorabilia and more from the famed 'Home of Champions' Reading Fairgrounds Speedway, which hosted its final event in June 1979. The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing also set up a sizeable exhibit.
Hot-off-the-press special edition 27th annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show apparel is on sale featuring the cars of Dave Kelly (Reading's final winner), Toby Tobias and Fred Rahmer (as part of Grandview's 50th anniversary celebration). Show programs are also available. Vendors offering unique racing collectibles from the sport's future and past are spread throughout the mall.
Mike Feltenberger hosts his wildly popular "alley racing" at the show, with participants expected from six states throughout the week.
For more information on the 27th annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show, visit www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, e-mail Deyo99H@aol.com or call 845.728.2781.
27th Annual Racing Legends Reunion & Car Show Schedule of Events
Saturday, February 25 - Family Fun Day3 p.m. - The Next Generation Stars - Meet the driving talent of the future with Quarter Midget, Go-Kart, Junior Slingshot and other youth recognized
Alley Model Racing organized by Mike Feltenberger runs throughout the week!
- Mall Hours: Sunday 11 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. -
No comments:
Post a Comment