RPW Exclusive: “Bank” On “Excitement” At Lebanon Valley In ’19; Opening Night To Pay $5,000-To-Win For Modifieds

Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – WEST LEBANON, NY – Every April at the Lebanon Valley Speedway, promoter Howard Commander and his team of officials host the annual ‘lid lifter’ for the new season. In 2019, thanks to increased involvement from a key marketing partner, things are about to get “exciting.” The track has dangled a pretty big carrot in front of the Modified drivers…a $5,000 first-place prize.

Thanks to Berkshire Bank, whose tag line is “Life is exciting…let us help,” has stepped up their support of the Speedway in a major way the next few years, beginning with opening night. The first Big Block Modified feature for the new season will increase from the usual $3,000 to $5,000-to-win.

This is something that Commander has been working on for quite a while and is happy to finally have in place.

“Berkshire Bank has become a major partner at Lebanon Valley starting this season,” Commander said. “I had a meeting with Debby Clark from their Marketing Department along with Mike Ferry who is their Senior Vice President. Together, we were able to come up with several great programs for our racers as well as the speedway, starting with a $5,000-to-win opening night for the Modifieds.”

Tentatively, the 67th annual season opener will take place April 20th at the West Lebanon, NY oval, with the 30-lap Big Block Modified feature as the main event of the evening.

“I can’t thank Berkshire Bank enough for their involvement with the speedway,” he said. “Heather (O’Dell, Track Administrator) has had a relationship with Debby for some time and was able to get the ball rolling. From there, Debby spearheaded everything at the bank. Once things were set in motion, we were able to get a meeting to discuss potential ideas and put this program together.”

Outside of their involvement with for the Modifieds on opening night, the track and Berkshire Bank will be instituting several different programs for racers and fans alike over the next three years.

“2019 is going to be a big year at the Lebanon Valley,” Commander said. “After some health issues I’ve had, I’m going to be more active with things here at the track. We have several other great plans ready to go for many of the other divisions at the speedway as well.”

Stay tuned to Race Pro Weekly for more information about the goings on at the Valley of Speed in 2019 and beyond.