Lebanon Valley Honors Champs by Handing Out Over $103k

By Rodney Rescott

West Lebanon, NY – The ½ mile dirt oval positioned along NYS Route 20 in upstate New York has been celebrating its racing heritage for over 60 years. Howard Commander’s legendary high banks at Lebanon Valley Speedway raised the bar once again for the 2014 season, handing out just over a total of $103,000 in Point Funds to the champions in each of its 7 divisions.

But the lion share of the pot was handed out to the marque division, the Big Block Modifieds. This year’s take for the 2014 High Point Champion, Brett Hearn, his 9th career championship, was in the amount of $9,000!

JR Heffner’s 2nd place finish in the final standing garnered him just under $5,200, while 3rd place finisher Donnie Corellis received just over $4,900. Kyle Sheldon and Kolby Schroder took home $4,680 and $4,600 respectively.

The Small Block Modified 20114 Champion Wayne Jelley secured his share of the fund and took home a check in the amount of $2,835. Chad Jeseo cashed out for $2,220 for finishing 2nd while Brett Haas garnered $2,150 for finishing 3rd in points. Frank Hoard III and Frank Harper rounded out the top 5 finishers, each taking home just over $2,000 each.

Jeff Watson secured the 2014 Budget Sportsman Point Championship and took over $1,345 for his efforts. In the Pro Stock division, the 2014 High Point Champion Robbie Speed took home a check for $2,135. High Point Champ in the Purestock Division Al Relyea cashed out for $500.

Several special awards were handed out during the banquet’s 2 night affair. Among them was the Jeff Yansisac “Mr. Excitement” award handed out to them driver creating the most excitement throughout the respective division. This year’s recipient was Michael Sabia in the Budget Sportsman division.

Saturday night’s edition honored the induction of the newest member of the Lebanon Valley Speedway Hall of Fame, the 1980 Modified Point Champion Donnie Ackner. Ackner holds the title of being currently the only Rookie to win the Championship in the same year. His driving career spanned over 20 years, and now mentors many young, upcoming drivers with his wisdom and guidance.

For a complete list of the final point standings for each division, go to our website at www.LebanonValley.com and click on “Speedway”.

With the 2014 season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to set our sights on the 63rd Season Opener set for Saturday April 25th, 2015. To see the 2015 schedule, visit our website and click on ‘Schedule’.

More fun, More Excitement, More Lebanon Valley!

For more information, the 2015 schedule, and links to what’s on tap for 2015, visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com, and click on “Speedway”, or call the LVAR Offices during regular business hours at (518) 794-9606 or (518) 794-9965.