RPW Exclusive: Rob Maxon’s Getting A Shot To Run Big Block Mods In ’24 Thanks To The Dwyer Family

Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – POWNAL, VT – Sometimes, dreams can come to fruition when you least expect them.

Just ask Lebanon Valley Speedway Sportsman campaigner Rob Maxon.

Correction, he should now be announced as Lebanon Valley Speedway DIRTcar Big Block Modified rookie campaigner Rob Maxon.

That’s because a chance conversation with former competitor and fellow Green Mountain state resident Ron Dwyer led to the use of a Big Block engine for the 2024 season by the Maxon Racing team.

This will give Rob, who finished third in Sportsman points at the Valley in 2023 with one victory, the chance to compete in the headline class at the Valley for the first time in his career.

“It all started towards the end of last season (2023),” Maxon said. “I stopped at their dealership (OD’s Auto) to drop some stuff off to Ron and Olden (Dwyer, Ron’s son and current team driver) and of course we all got talking about racing.”

However, the conversation wasn’t just about tires or spring smashing or even the latest pit area gossip.

“Ron made a statement that if someone, like me, had walked in, wanting to try Big Block, they would definitely help out,” he said. “I thought he was just using me as an example, not really being serious but I went home and told Melissa (Rob’s wife) about it and said I’d like to try it.”

Nothing really materialized then, but the wheels were turning. Then came a trip to the Clay Palace, and another chance encounter with Mr. Ron Dwyer.

“I ran into Ron again at Oswego during Super DIRT Week and he mentioned it again,” he said. “That got me really thinking so we reached out to set up a meeting with Ron and Olden. A deal was struck and here we are.”

The deal is that the Dwyer team will supply a Big Block engine to Maxon for the 2024 season to put into the team’s Bicknell chassis. This is the same type of situation the Dwyer’s had with Dylan Gibson and Alex Bell at Lebanon Valley over the last few years.

Maxon is extremely excited for the opportunity to race in the Big Block division this year.

“Ron and Olden have already been great to work with and I can’t wait to see how things go this year,” he said. “Anything I’ve needed or any questions I’ve had, they’ve been right there to help and answer.”

While they’ll both run out of their respective race shops, Maxon believes he’ll work very closely with Olden and his team this season.

“I’m thinking we’ll be really close,” he said. “We’re trying to get our car identical to Olden’s. We’re working on the same shocks, the same setup and what not. Most likely, I want to try and mimic his setup to start and then fine-tune it to my driving style.”

For his part, Olden Dwyer is excited to have Maxon as a “teammate” this season.

“I believe it’s going to be cool,” Dwyer said. “Rob’s a great guy that’s done very well in the Sportsman class. We believe guys like him need to get a chance to run Big Block to prove themselves as drivers. That’s what we’re doing for him so we’ll see how he does.”

Speaking of the Sportsman division, Rob’s not the only driver in the Maxon Racing camp. His son, Anthony, was the 2023 Lebanon Valley Speedway Limited Sportsman champion on the strength of five victories.

One of those nights was extra special to the team as both Anthony and Rob. That’s because on July 15th, both Maxon’s won on the same night.

Now, the younger Maxon will move up to the regular Sportsman class.

Originally, the plan was for the two to compete against each other. Now, dad will get to watch his son from green flag to checkered flag in each event and help get him up to speed in the main Sportsman class a lot faster.

“Last year was amazing for Anthony and I don’t seem too much difference happening in 2024,” Maxon said. “I work with him on setups and stuff in the garage during the week and I’ll still be at the track to help and answer questions he may have.”

Maxon has been impressed with his son’s ability since hopping into a car for the first time towards the end of 2022.

“Anthony’s pretty unique, in my opinion,” he said. “Whatever type of setup I’ve sent him on the track with, he figures out how to make it work to get the job done. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.”

Has the elder Maxon considered what the future holds for his efforts? Does he have expectations for 2024?

“I know this is going to be tough, but I mainly just want to have fun and learn,” he said. “I am hoping to get at least one top 10 finish in a DIRTcar Big Block Modified feature. I really don’t know what to expect but I’m trying to keep it all in perspective. My main goal is to learn as much as possible and just have fun.”

Anyone that knows the crew from the Maxon racing team understands they work hard but like to laugh and have fun.”

“Our team will be pretty much the same as in year’s past,” he said. “From Melissa to my granddaughter, SkyLeigh, Pete Williams, Todd & Wendy Haley, Michael Marcoux Jr. & Sr., Connor Marcoux, Dylan & Kayla Holmes and Jason Park & his daughter, Hope. I can’t forget Anthony and his guys, too. We are all going to be learning this year and, thanks to the Dwyer family, I can’t wait to make this dream become a reality.”

The first event on Maxon’s maiden voyage in a Big Block Modified will be on Saturday, April 27th as Sayers Auto Wrecking & L&M Motors presents the 72nd Lebanon Valley lid-lifter.

Sponsorship for Maxon’s efforts this year will be from Dwyer’s OD’s Auto Sales & Service, Lawson Plumbing & Heating, Campbell Builders, Double D Burgers & More, Northern Berkshire Cleaning, Southside Sales & Service and new for ’24, Eagle Energy from Berlin, NY.