Lebanon Valley Speedway Explained

Lebanon Valley Speedway is a ½ mile high banked dirt oval raceway in West Lebanon, New York. The complex also includes a quarter-mile dragway and a go-kart track.

History

The Lebanon Valley Speedway was built in 1953 by a Massachusetts group consisting of Edward Radke, Robert Scott and Harold Beitzel on land leased from the Lou Spanier family. In 1954, Spanier gained ownership of the facilities, and in 1963 added the dragstrip to the complex.[1] [2] Spanier served as promoter until 1970 when his nephew, Howard Commander took over the operations.[3] [4]

Events

The Lebanon Valley Speedway hosts auto racing on Saturday nights throughout the summer. There are seven racing divisions — big block modifieds, small block modifieds; sportsman, prostock, limited sportsman; super stocks, and four-cylinder competition. The speedway also holds special events such as Monster trucks, as well as their 'Eve Of Destruction' which includes a school bus race, trailer race and demolition derby. In addition to traditional drag racing, the dragstrip presents "drifting" events on several days during the summer.[5] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Boyd, Lew. Modifieds of the Valley: A History of Racing at Lebanon Valley Speedway. Coastal 181. 2018. 9780998862569.
  2. News: Abernethy. Van. On the Road: Lebanon Valley Dragway. February 22, 2023. Drag Illustrated. Kirksville, MO. May 10, 2024.
  3. News: Boogie. Tom. Commander earns spot in Hall of Fame. May 9, 2014. The Daily Gazette. Schenectady, NY. May 10, 2024.
  4. News: EMPA Reveals Latest Hall Of Fame Inductees . December 18, 2021. Speed Sport. May 10, 2024.
  5. News: Yasinac-Gillespie. Robin. Lebanon Valley not making drastic changes . October 13, 2022. Times Union (Albany). Albany NY. May 10, 2024.
  6. News: Therrien. Jim. Lebanon Valley Speedway prepares for 72nd season of racing and events. April 25, 2024. The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield MA. May 10, 2024.