From its Inception in 2009 at Island Dragway as a one-day affair to get the Dover Drag Strip Gang back together, the event was soon to expand. The now three-day weekend at Lebanon Valley Dragway has become a major nostalgia event in the northeast. Along with that, the challenges of hosting a race, car show and race car displays have relayed on passionate support from the Sponsor Base. Ya See… as a simple ‘get together of old racing buddies, it relayed on volunteers and a track to offer a free off day in their Schedule. All the rest had to be supplied by the event director. So, Dino Lawrence accepted the Task. Dino was the announcer at Dover Drag Strip from 1967 to 1972 and hung on to be the tracks Adman and PR Guy. As it went from one day to two days and now Three days, and more and more features were added, support was necessary. Dino now gets the help from many great companies eager to be a part. Lebanon Valley Dragway accepted the format offered by Island Dragway … and as it grew, so did the sponsor assistance.. Many Sponsors pursued their business in motorsports by getting into drag racing at Dover.. Dino Also stated. “ Not to be left out, is Howard Commander the track owner, Wayne Delmonte , track manager and the entire track crew and staff at Lebanon Valley Dragway .Without their cooperation and vision to our ‘Keeping the Memories Alive’ , we could not put it together”, stated Lawrence. The Crew said .”they can’t wait for the Dover Party, Each Year.” Returning for their 15th year, The Dover Drag Strip Nostalgia Drags and 33rd Dover Reunion will be held Sept. 22,23, 24 At Lebanon Valley Dragway In West Lebanon, N.Y.. It now surpasses most east coast similar events in car count and spectators, including the New England Hot Rod Reunions. Held at Lebanon Valley Dragway, just 25 miles from Albany, the accessible location, draws from all, New England, New York, Penn., & New Jersey. It’s all about celebrating the famous Dragstrip in Wingdale, N.Y. that ran from 1961 to 1976. Sixties & Seventies is the featured theme, showcasing the “Dover Era” . The now three-day Nostalgia weekend will have the 200-mph period correct Funny Cars, featuring the First ”Blond Bombshell Funny Car Shootout” with female drivers .Plus the Return of the Hot Rods From Hell 200 mph extreme Altereds, Blown Gassers from the Supercharged AA/Gassers of America, the East Coast Fuelers, 7 Nostalgia Eliminators and More. The ‘more’ includes a Saturday night “Flashback Party” with The ‘60’s Experience’ tribute band ,live on stage , a Rockin Sunday Rod & Custom show , plus the Sunday ‘Drag Alley’ Nostalgic Race Car Display and the ‘Dover Originals ‘ race car display. Participating groups include NETO- Northeast Timing Organization, & NODRAMA- Northeast Old Drag Racers and Muscle Car Association, and over 350 cars in competition. They’ll also be plenty of Vendors and Product Displays. The three-day format includes a Friday Test & Tune session and race car tech –in, plenty of racing on Saturday ,with Eliminations and exhibition match races on Sunday. New this year will be the addition of Girls only driving in the “Powder Puff Eliminator”.. All 7 eliminators are for 1976 and earlier entries ( the Year Dover Closed) , including the popular 4-Speed Elim. & the Gasser Elim., with entries in all Brackets already coming from 8 states.For Event news and updates Like -share & Follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dover.dragstrip
The Jalopy Journal
