RPW Exclusive: 2026 Pre-Season Questions Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block Modifieds: Kyle Armstrong

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 strong for Kyle Armstrong in 2025. Armstrong had a very consistent season, coming away with six top 5s and ten top 10s in 14 features in 2025 with the DIRTcar big block modifieds. Armstrong finished the season 6th in the championship standings, only 12 points away from 5th place. Armstrong is looking forward to another year on the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway.

Here are Kyle Armstrong’s pre-season thoughts as we head into a new season at Lebanon Valley Speedway.

Q: How do you feel the 2025 Season was?

Kyle Armstrong: “The 2025 season was a good year for us. We had a lot of consistency and we were always moving forward. We had a few bad weeks with part failures near the end of the season that hurt us in the points but overall a good year.”

Q: What’s new for this upcoming season with your team?

Kyle Armstrong:  “Not much is changing for the 2026 season we have a new Bicknell chassis we have put together. We are also trying to address some of the part failures we have had. We will have the same marketing partners and crew and we are looking forward to having some fun together and hopefully a great 2026 season!” 

Q: What are your team’s expectations for 2026?

Kyle Armstrong: “Every year we want to better ourselves from years past. This year we need to keep the consistency that we have had going. Getting back to victory lane and moving up in the points is our goal.”

Q: Thoughts on Fonda Speedway and Lebanon Valley working together in 2026?

Kyle Armstrong: “I think Lebanon and Fonda working together is good for the sport and can gain more interest for both of the tracks. We are still curious on how some of the rules for the races at each track are going to work out as they both have different packages.”

Q: Thoughts on Lyle Devore and what he meant to the racing in the capital region?

Kyle Armstrong: “Lyle Devore was a great promoter, great at track prep and just overall a great person. I think he meant a lot to the racing community well past the capital district. I think the way he ran Albany Saratoga is what every track or promoter should strive to be. He was fair, honest, and tough when he needed to be. I didn’t get to race Albany as much as I wanted to, but every time he would thank us for coming. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Q: What part of the 2026 season schedule are you most looking forward to?

Kyle Armstrong: “I’m not sure I have a part of the schedule that I’m most looking forward to. I’m just excited and ready to get back on track.” 

Q: If you had to predict, who’d you think would be the 2026 champion? 

Kyle Armstrong: “Right now Lebanon has a strong field of cars. And we all have our sights on Andy, he has been the car to beat. I think there’s potentially 5-6 cars that could potentially be there at the end.” 

Lebanon Valley Speedway opens the gates for warm-ups April 4th, with opening night for the DIRTcar big block modifieds being April 25th.