RPW Exclusive: 2026 Pre-Season Questions Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block Modifieds: Chris Curtis
Column By: Stephen Durham / RPW – WEST LEBANON, NY – Each spring, there comes a time, where all race-fans, drivers, team owners, and track owners are just about ready for the first green flag of the season. With Lebanon Valley’s annual banquet this coming weekend, what’s a better way then talking with the top 10 guys from the DIRTcar big block modified division.
It was a busy year for Chris Curtis, racing double duty in 2025. Curtis picked up the DIRTcar 358 modified championship, and finished 7th in the DIRTcar big block modifieds. During the season, Curtis picked up a win in July with the big block modified, and had five top 5s and eight top 10s to his credit.
Here are Chris Curtis’ pre-season thoughts as we head into a new season at Lebanon Valley Speedway.
Q: How do you feel the 2025 Season was?
Chris Curtis: “We had some very fast runs and it was Probably the best season I’ve had in my entire racing career. We had very few rough nights which makes the year a little bit better ”
Q: What’s new for this upcoming season with your team?
Chris Curtis: “Got a couple new cars we will be doing about the same for racing as last year so we are just preparing for that. ”
Q: What are your team’s expectations for 2026?
Chris Curtis: “We always set a goal with what we want to do during the season but we are going to try and better our Big block operation and get a little bit more competitive with that.”
Q: Thoughts on Fonda Speedway and Lebanon Valley working together in 2026?
Chris Curtis: “I think it’s a great idea. Fonda has some really good drivers up there to race with. Fonda can definitely make you a better driver. You’re always up on the wheel, it’s a fun place to race at.”
Q: Thoughts on Lyle Devore and what he meant to the racing in the capital region?
Chris Curtis: “Lyle will definitely be missed. He was so dedicated to Albany and anything that had racing involved in it.”
Q: What part of the 2026 season schedule are you most looking forward to?
Chris Curtis: “It would be really nice to pick off a big win like MR.Dirt at your home track that’s what I got my sights set on right now. ”
Q: If you had to predict, who’d you think would be the 2026 champion?
Chris Curtis: “You know there are plenty of good drivers there that can come out on top. It’s a battle week in and week out but we are going to focus on our Big Block program a little more this year and hopefully we will be coming out on top.”
Lebanon Valley Speedway opens the gates for warm-ups April 4th, with opening night for the DIRTcar big block modifieds being April 25th.
