RPW Column: Andy Bachetti’s Third Career Lebanon Valley Modified Title Is Extra Special

RPW Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – WEST LEBANON, NY – Andy Bachetti is now a three-time Lebanon Valley Speedway Modified track champion, and the 2020 title is probably the sweetest of them all for the Massachusetts driver.

Bachetti’s father, Scott, is battling some health issues right now and was unable to be at the track to see his son take the championship this season. However, he was on Andy’s mind the entire way.

“This sure is a special one for us,” Bachetti said. “My father isn’t here tonight, but sure wish he was…he and my mother because they are big supporters of my racing and this team.”

Another key part of Bachetti’s championship this season is his team. Led by crew chief Steve Beckwith, Andy and the number 4 crew faced multiple obstacles this season on the high banks but were still able to reel off three wins and multiple top fives.

“It’s definitely a tough deal to win these races and stay on top of your game like my guys have all year,” he said. “I can’t say enough about all the people that do so much for me and this team. I just couldn’t do it without this great group of people around me.”

Since last season, Bachetti has made the switch to Bicknell racecars from Teo chassis for his Big Block program at Lebanon Valley and, this season, that along with the move to Penske Shocks, have had his program running on all cylinders.

Incidentally, his first two titles in 2006 and 2009 were with PMC’s.

“It’s just been an awesome year for us,” he said. “Everything to do with this Bicknell Big Block Modified team has been amazing. Billy The Kid Racing Engines, Mike Garrity from Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Penske Racing Shocks and everyone that supports this team. I just couldn’t do it without all of them.”

In addition to etching his name in the record books now as a three-time Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block champion, Bachetti currently sits fourth on the all-time Modified wins list and first in the Small Block division. With multiple big money race wins in the Mr. Dirt Track USA race, Lebanon Valley 200 among others, you’d think he’s accomplished all there is to win at the Valley. However, he’s just thinking about the next race he gets to run.

“Honestly, if they have Mr. DIRT here, I’d like to be in the hunt to win that race,” he said. “I don’t know if the Valley and DIRTcar are going to be able to or not, but right now, winning this championship and to getting to celebrate with everyone who’s been behind this deal is a real special thing for this whole team.”