Reading, PA Race Drivers Killed, June 1966

TWO DRIVERS KILLED AT READING TRACK.

WHEELS LOCK IN CRACKUP.

Reading, Pa. (UPI) -- The body of veteran racer, JUD LARSON, one of two drivers killed in a mishap at the Reading Fairgrounds Raceway Saturday night, will be shipped to his Indianapolis home today.
The 43-year-old LARSON and WILLIAM (RED) RIEGEL, 34, of Leesport, Pa., were killed when their cars collided on the second lap of a 30-lap feature race.
Berks County coroner, DR. JOHN FOCHT, said an autopsy would be performed today to determine the exact cause of death.
He said a post-mortem showed RIEGEL died of a fractured skull and spine.
Track officials said the wheels on RIEGEL'S car locked on the first turn, near the grandstand, and sideswiped LARSON'S machine sending both up a short embankment.
The cars bounced back onto the track, ran up the embankment a second time and came back on the track before flipping over, trapping the drivers inside. Officials said both men were wearing harnesses and belts.
LARSON, a native of Texas, has been racing autos since he was 16. He drove every type of car in the past three decades after starting in jalopies and home made race cars.
Both drivers were rushed to Community Hospital here where RIEGEL was dead on arrival. LARSON died in an emergency operating room.
RIEGEL, who was an employe of a Reading trucking firm, is survived by his widow, ELLEN, and two daughters. Services will be held Tuesday at the MERTZ Funeral Home in nearby Laureldale and burial at the Bern Church Cemetery near his home.
Funeral arrangements for LARSON were pending.
LARSON was survived by his widow, RUTH, and three daughters, BEVERLY, 20, PAMELA JOYCE, 7 and DORIS JEAN, 1.

Simpson's Leader Times Kittanning Pennsylvania 1966-06-13
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!