Lebanon Valley Speedway Season Revving Up

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WEST LEBANON, N.Y. -- Sixty-three years of dirt track racing in Upstate New York is something that most national tracks can only hope for.
 
But Lebanon Valley Speedway, the legendary half-mile, high-banked, dirt oval run by Hall of Fame Promoter Howard Commander is set to start another historic year at what racers know as "The Valley of Speed."
 
After another successful 2014 campaign that saw more than $100,000 in point funds go to the division Champions, it is time once again to dig out your favorite team's T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats as the gates to Lebanon Valley are set to open again in a few short weeks.
 
The 2015 schedule of events was released a short while ago, some of its highlights are expected to huge once again this year.
 
Optimistically, two warm-up nights are set for Saturday April 11 and April 18, before the 63rd Season Opener set for April 25 presented by L&M Motors and Sayer’s Auto Wrecking. Though all weekly divisions will be on tap, the marquee Big Block Modifieds will be for "Appearance Points" only since there is a DIRTcar Series Race scheduled on the same date.
 
May 2 will be the lid lifter for the Small Block Modified division, while on May 16 features the fourth annual, $2,000 to win Andrew Sherman Sportsman Cup.
 
May 30 is set for the Big Block Modified Eastern States Qualifier, while on June 6 is the third annual J.C. Flach Modified Memorial Event.
 
Midstate Vintage Modifieds return on June 13, and June 20 sees the return of the ESS Super Sprint Series and the 10th Annual Bubba Tanner 23 Lap Pro Stock Classic.
 
The first mid-week spectacular is set for Tuesday June 30 for the “Eve of Destruction”, a night full of carnage, stunts, School Bus race, Tailor race, and much more.
 
A special 4th of July Celebration will be at the Valley of Speed this year with all fireworks in the sky as well as on the track.
 
Starting Sunday July 12, it’s the annual return of Monster Jam USHRA Summer Nationals for four nights of extreme Monster Jam Action through Wednesday July 15.
 
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series storms the high banks on Sunday, July 26, with a $1,500 to win Small Block Modified feature.
 
Then, on a special night this year, the $17,500 to Win 100 Lap Mr. DIRT Track U.S.A. Super DIRTCar Series Event along with the “King of Dirt” Sportsman Shootout on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
 
The schedule wraps up the points series for Big Block Modifieds and Pro Stocks on Saturday, Sept. 5. Then on Saturday, Sept. 12, the final night of racing and points for Small Block Mods, Sportsman, Purestock, Streetstock and 4 Cylinders.
 
See the entire 2015 Season Schedule by visiting at www.lebanonvalley.com, and click on the “Speedway."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New York Man Found Guilty in Pittsfield Murder

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, March 13, in Berkshire Superior Court, Lance Burke was found guilty by a jury of his peers for the 2018 murder of David Green Jr. 
 
Burke, 46 of New York, was found guilty on three charges related to the crime, murder in the first degree (Murder), illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm.  
 
Green was murdered in 2018 while sitting in his vehicle on Willow Street. Burke was identified as the suspect based on witness testimony, cross-state investigations, and video and mobile phone tracking surveillance. 
 
District Attorney Shugrue stated while he is satisfied that justice was served on behalf of David Green Jr., the verdict does not lessen the tragedy of his death. 
 
"Mr. Green's family has been waiting a longtime for this day. While we are pleased with the conclusion the jury reached, nothing will ever heal the wounds of losing a loved one in such a violent way," he said. "I send my deepest condolences to Mr. Green's family, friends, and community as they continue to work through this senseless murder. I hope today brings them some sense of peace. A theme of my tenure continues to be accountability for those who bring violence into our community. This death of Mr. Green was brought about by a Defendant who drove into Pittsfield and committed murder. Those who bring illegal firearms, attempt to establish drug trafficking networks, and bring violence to our neighborhoods will be held accountable to the greatest extent of the law."
 
"Trying this case was extremely difficult. The Pittsfield Police Department worked diligently and with great precession to use all the technology available to them to connect Lance Burke to the crime. It is because of their dedicated work, and the team of prosecutors and advocates on this case, that the jury was able to reach this verdict. Our Office never shies away from difficult prosecutions, and I am extremely fortunate to work with law enforcement that has the same determination to see that justice served." 
 
Witness testimony was given during the trial. District Attorney Shugrue commended the witnesses for their actions and commented on concerning behavior that occurred during the trial.
 
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