RPW Exclusive: 2026 Pre-Season Questions Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block Modifieds: John Virgilio
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 guys who finished in the top 10 in 2025 from the DIRTcar big block modified division.
For the multi-sportsman champion at Lebanon Valley Speedway, Virgilio is gaining traction in the DIRTcar big block modifieds. Virgilio in 2025 came away with his second-career DIRTcar big block modified win. Along with the win, Virgilio had four top 5’s and eight top 10’s in 2025. Virgilio would finish 10th in the DIRTcar big block modifieds standings.
Here are John Virgilio’s pre-season thoughts as we head into a new season at Lebanon Valley Speedway.
Q: How do you feel the 2025 season was?
John Virgilio: “I thought our 2025 season was good, but not great. We had some good runs toward the middle of the season but I felt like we kind of fell off toward the end.”
Q: What’s new for this upcoming season with your team?
John Virgilio: “This season we purchased a new car, all new components, and are revamping our suspension program to try and be a little more consistent.”
Q: What are your team’s expectations for 2026?
John Virgilio: “My expectations for this season are at least 2 wins and a top 5 in points. We’d love to be in contention for a championship and improve on our weekly average finishes.”
Q: Thoughts on Fonda Speedway and Lebanon Valley working together in 2026?
“I think the STSS races at Lebanon will be cool. Any tour race that comes to Lebanon is always something to look forward to. As of now we don’t have any plans of running Fonda but look forward to the Lebanon races.”
Q:Thoughts on Lyle Devore and what he meant to the racing in the capital region?
John Virgilio: “Losing Lyle was a big hit to the racing community. He was top tier when it came to track prep and promoting races. Hopefully his legacy will continue and Malta will continue to run as strong as it has.”
Q: What part of the 2026 season schedule are you most looking forward to?
John Virgilio: “I always look forward to the Mr. Dirt race. I enjoy the longer races and like running against the tour guys. “
Q: If you had to predict, who’d you think would be the 2026 champion?
John Virgilio: “Well of course Andy Bachetti’s name will always come with that thought. But there’s been some strong seasons by some other competitors in the past few seasons so you never know. I just hope we can be somewhere near there as the season winds down.”
Lebanon Valley Speedway opens the gates for warm-ups April 4th, with opening night for the DIRTcar big block modifieds being April 25th.
