NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Lebanon Valley Speedway opened in 1953 and expanded to include the dragstrip a decade later. While track manager Wayne DelMonte can’t claim to have been there since day one, he can claim more than 35 years of the track’s history, beginning in the mid-1980s.

It started with the need for speed, first racing in the drag bike category. Then moving on to a variety of other machines up and including both door cars and dragsters. Once his on-track career was winding down, his love for the track and the racing community was still strong, so he decided to go work there.

That would be the start of a 25 (and counting) year relationship that has seen DelMonte do every job at the track, from tech., to safety, to staging and even a long stint as the track starter.

When track owner Howard Commander needed a new dragstrip manager, DelMonte was the right choice with his understanding of all facets of the facility. Over the last 15 years, the track has thrived as DelMonte has streamlined operations, focusing on customer service and overseeing improvements that have been applauded by racers, sponsors, and spectators alike. Understanding that the track must serve all groups in order to be successful.

On race days, there is no doubt that DelMonte is the one running the show, and his people know what he wants and how he wants it done. He is always ready to jump on a tractor and lend a hand (or whatever is needed). When he visits other tracks, events or conferences, he is always watching and listening to how others go about their business. Knowing that no matter how good your team and operating procedures are; there is always room for streamlining or improvement.

Adding to the challenge is the fact that DelMonte lives an hour and a half away and owns and runs a thriving packaging and shipping business. As with any business, it comes down to people and DelMonte has recruited and trained a dedicated staff at the track that can take care of the day-to-day stuff, allowing him to concentrate on his business so when he does arrive at the track for the weekend’s events, it will be ready to go.

As Howard Commander is looking to scale back his involvement with the track, DelMonte is going to step up and take on even more of the responsibility. At a time when he is in a position that retiring and slowing the pace of life would certainly look appealing to many, DelMonte has signed a 10-year contract with Lebanon Valley Auto Racing to secure the future of auto racing at the Valley of Speed.

This is great news for all racers, sponsors and fans in the greater Albany area; the track that you have loved and supported is transitioning into a new phase. Based on the history, with DelMonte at the helm it will continue to thrive and the experience will continue to evolve, whether you are here to battle it out at the drag strip or fight it out in the corners of the world-class dirt oval. Your track is in good hands.