Beginner to Advanced: Wednesday Nights Have Lanes for All

There was a great night of racing on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Lebanon Valley Dragway. Once again the weather service called for rain and storms on Wednesday a week before and people question whether or not we would be running. A reminder to all. Do not go by what they say a week in advance or three days in advance. It’s not always the truth.

Needless to say,  it was a great night for racing in the street classes and testing for any and all vehicles with and without mufflers. Another note, as a review of the classes that race on Wednesday nights might be in order since we have a lot of time left as the Wednesday nights run through the end of September.

Firstly, some changes were made last year to the test sessions on Wednesday nights. Here are some answers to often asked questions. No you do not need mufflers. Yes. You can use slicks or street tires or radial tires. Yes. It is quarter mile. However, you can run the eighth mile if you prefer. Yes. The score boards are on. However, if you want no time shown on the score boards that is available. Yes. Anyone can race the test session. This includes junior dragsters, dragsters, door cars, street cars, sleds, motorcycles or junior street.

As a note, anyone wishing to race but at minimum have full-length pants;  short or long-sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No tank tops. No open-toe or open-heal shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing is not recommended. If, by change, you should forget this general rule, there is a novelty shop in the first floor of the tower that has clothing as well as a speed shop. There are also helmet rentals available should you need a helmet for a 13.99 or quicker vehicle.

The Sportsman class is part of the Summit ET Series for the racer who wishes to compete for prize money. Cars run 11.50 and slower; mufflers mandatory; slicks permitted; non-electronic, foot braking (no electronics/delay box permitted); handicapped start with dial-ins; participants do not have to be a points member to compete.

The Street Trophy class is intended for the amateur street racer who wants to learn about handicap racing with cars running an ET of 11.50 and slower. Trophy to winner and runner-up.

Street Stick is for any racer with a stick shift who wishes to have some equal action in competition. Cars run 11.50 and slower; non-electronic, foot braking only; handicapped start with dial-ins; trophies to the winner and runner-up

Pure Street Motorcycle is for the street bike. Open to all who wish some handicap side by side action from beginners to advanced racers. Trophies to the winner and runner-up; mufflers, slicks are permitted; delay boxed prohibited.

So that brings us to who did what on Wednesday night in the competition classes. In the Sportsman class, Martin Melanson of Meriden, CT took the #1 spot when he defeated Billy Kirpens, Jr of Pittsfield, MA in the final round. Michael Bloch of Colchester, CT finished his night in the semi-finals.

In Street Stick, Ernie Sargent of Chicopee, MA took the top spot when he defeated Mike Reed of Sharon Springs, NY in the final round. Mark LeBlanc of North Smithfield, RI finished his night in the semi-finals.

In Pure Street Motorcycle, Jose Cabrera of Springfield, MA took the win when he defeated Chris Cunningham of Nassau, NY in the finals. Bob Bradley of Fort Edward, NY finished his night in the semi-finals.

In the Street Trophy class, Randy Nyborg of Plainville, CT to the win when he defeated Steve Larsen of Hopewell Junction, NY. Mike O’Mahoney of Danbury, CT and Ed Cooper of Conway, MA finished their night in the semi-finals.

Thank you to those who submit their photos for Wednesday Nights!! I appreciate you all for your assistance.

Why not join us on Wednesday nights? Gates open at 5:00pm. Racing begins at 6:00pm with the street racing classes followed by test and tune. Here’s the trick. If you lose in one of the racing classes, you can stay and jump into the test and tune so you’re night is not over.

Why not give it a shot? Hope to see you soon!