New Show Director Has Big Plans For 30th Annual Reading Race Reunion & Car Show

Reading, PA -  The 30th Annual Berks-Schuylkill Oil Heat Alliance Association Reading Racing Reunion & Car Show, presented by Weichert Realtors Neighborhood One Action Track USA, will have a new face at the helm when the 2015 edition begins on February 22nd at the Fairgrounds Square Mall.

  Brad Reinert, Marketing Director for the JeffreyHogueRealtor.com Action Track USA on the Kutztown Fairgrounds, takes over for Brett Deyo as the show's director/coordinator. Reinert, who grew up in the shadows of the Reading Fairgrounds half-mile clay oval - where the mall now sits and hosts the annual exhibit of local racing machines and speedways - is anxious to continue the grand tradition of the show while injecting it with some new ideas and activities.

  "Growing up, I lived off the fourth turn of the race track, behind Boscov's. My family worked at the track (for promoter Lindy Vicari) for 30 years, and the Reading Fairgrounds was, quite literally, my playground. I want to keep that memory alive, for my family and for all the families who had the experience of growing up at the fairgrounds like I did," said Reinert.

  With the assistance of some of the staff and management team from Action Track USA, Reinert is working hard to assemble a large fleet of race cars, local speedways, and nightly activities for the week-long show that will run from February 22 - 28. While he is still firming up many details, Reinert is able to divulge some of his plans for the week.

  "Sunday the 22nd, which is my birthday by the way, we'll kick off the show with a presentation at 12:15...and it will take place right on the start/finish line of the former speedway, which is directly in front of the Your Bet store (between the movie theaters and the Subway restaurant). We are asking everyone to celebrate my birthday by bringing a canned good (of non-perishable food) as a donation to the Greater Berks Food Bank. The donation will be in honor of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society," stated Reinert.

  Race cars of every shape and size will fill the mall, with the area's dirt and asphalt Modifieds, Late Models, Sprint Cars, Midgets, and SpeedSTR's among the mix, along with racers from the various small car divisions such as Micro-Sprints, Slingshots, Xcel Modifieds, Karts, and Quarter-Midgets.

  Race teams wishing to display their creations can download the show's registration form at www.actiontrackusa.com.  Questions should be directed to Reinert at breinert40@comcast.net or by phone at 610-401-3348. 

  The show will have plenty of interesting and enjoyable activities for both the hardcore and casual motorsports enthusiasts. Reinert has planned some special movie nights at the Cinema; there will be Celebrity Appearances and interviews each night; some very special awards will be presented to local racers throughout the week; there will be a Reading Fairgrounds Trivia game; Gary Silverman racing videos will play each night; Model Car Alley Racing will once again take place; technical round table discussions will focus on the direction of the sport; and there will be a plethora of vendors selling and displaying their race-related merchandise. 

  Local race tracks already on board and set to hand out 2015 schedules at their display include Grandview Speedway, the JeffreyHogueRealtor.com Action Track USA in Kutztown, Linda's Speedway, and Lanco's Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway, with several additional tracks expected to confirm their attendance with the next few weeks.

  Bob Hilbert Sportswear is designing and producing the 2015 Reading Racing Reunion commemorative tee-shirts and sweatshirts that will be sold at the show.

  The nightly schedule is as follows:

Saturday, February 21 at 9 p.m. - race cars, with the exception of Vintage Cars, will move into the mall.

Sunday, February 22 - the show opens with a presentation, at 12:15 p.m., to the Greater Berks Food Bank. All attendees are encouraged to bring a non-

perishable canned food item as a donation. 

Monday, February 23 - Open Wheel Night with interviews of drivers in the Micro-Sprint, Midget, and Sprint Car divisions. Also: a "must see" award presentation to a very accomplished local driver who began his career at the Reading Fairgrounds.

Tuesday, February 24 - Weichert Realtor Neighborhood One Action Track USA Night, featuring interviews with drivers and the track's promotional team.

Wednesday, February 25 - Modified Madness and Late Model/ Street Stock/ Road Runner Night highlighted by driver interviews from each of these divisions.

Thursday, February 26 - Local track and Race Club Night...updates on the upcoming season and area clubs' young, up-and-coming drivers will be in the spotlight. 

Friday, February 27 - NAPA Old Timers Reunion - interviews with the Legends of the Reading Fairgrounds.

Saturday, February 28 - NAPA and Yuasa Batteries present Tire Changing Competition for Modified, Small Car, and Vintage Car divisions. NOTE: Vintage Car tires will be changed with an old style, manual four-way lug wrench. Best of Show Awards will follow the Tire Changing Competition.

Show ends when mall closes at 9 p.m. Cars will be moved out when mall is closed.

  More details regarding the show will be released as they are confirmed. 

  Reinert is seeking additional marketing partners for the show; businesses or individuals who are interested in becoming a part of this 30th annual event should contact Brad Reinert at the email address or phone number listed above.