RPW Exclusive: 2026 Pre-Season Questions Lebanon Valley Speedway Big Block Modifieds: Kyle Sheldon
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 steady season for Kyle Sheldon, running double duty between the DIRTcar big block modified and DIRTcar 358 modified divisions on a weekly basis. Sheldon, a seasoned veteran, picked up his 7th career DIRTcar big block win in July. Sheldon’s 2025 big block modified stats with the one win, were four top 5’s and nine top 10’s overall on the year. Sheldon finished the season 9th in the championship standings.
Here are Kyle Sheldon’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 Sheldon: “We hoped for more, but the season wasn’t terrible. We came out of the box fast. A couple of heart breaks along the way – lost an opening night win due to brake issues. Lost another win leading and suffered a flat tire. Our small block program was consistent, but we never found victory lane.”
Q: What’s new for this upcoming season with your team?
Kyle Sheldon: “We have been working hard over the winter to update our arsenal. Two new big block cars and some fresh Billy The Kid Power. We have a few tricks up our sleeves.
Q: What are your team’s expectations for 2026?
Kyle Sheldon: “The expectation is to put together fast cars and contend for wins every week. Hoping to stay consistent weekly is the goal. “
Q: Thoughts on Fonda Speedway and Lebanon Valley working together in 2026?
Kyle Sheldon: “I think it’s a good thing as long as the rules are similar. Having to run different tires, fuel, and engines makes it harder on the wallet.”
Q: Thoughts on Lyle Devore and what he meant to the racing in the capital region
Kyle Sheldon: “Lyle will be greatly missed. He has done so much for so many years. He turned Albany Saratoga into a huge success by just being him. We were fortunate to race with him for as long as we did.”
Q: What part of the 2026 season schedule are you most looking forward to?
Kyle Sheldon: “No particular part of the season, just getting out there and racing. “
Q: If you had to predict, who’d you think would be the 2026 champion?
Kyle Sheldon: “Me! One thing I am very excited about is my dad getting inducted into the LV Hall of Fame. It will be a great way to kick off this season.”
Lebanon Valley Speedway opens the gates for warm-ups April 4th, with opening night for the DIRTcar big block modifieds being April 25th.
