Welcome to the Northeast where the weather can change in a matter of minutes. On Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Lebanon Valley Dragway in West Lebanon, NY, there were showers and a rainbow to the west and sun to the east. During an early oil down there were also light showers in the area of the track and the wind picked up. It was decided by management to shorten the races from the normal quarter mile to an eighth mile due to the number of breakages in the quarter mile and the wind.
It was the last Saturday of regular test and tune drag racing and gamblers races for the 2024 season as well as the final meet of NODRAMA (Northeast Old Drag Racers and Musclecar Association) where they crowned their 2024 champion.
In the no box (non-electronic gamblers), Geno Piccozi of Warwick, RI took the win over Jim Schmidt. Carlos Fortonez and Bob Bowers of Lee, MA finished their day in the semi-finals
In the Box (Electronic) Gamblers, Stephen Ornstein of Mahopac, NY to the win when he defeated Jeff Andrews of Pittsfield, MA in the final. Gino Picozzi of Warwick, RI and Dave McLellan of Plainville, CT finished their day in the semi-finals.
"NODRAMA arrived to Lebanon Valley for the final showdown of the season. The finals are here and they didn't disappoint. The last chance to make a move to and end on a high note for anyone and everyone. A packed house on the board with 42 racers meant another 6 round day. Lots of possible shuffling to stay or break in to the hallowed NODRAMA TOP10.
Here we go!
Meeting in the finals was Rich DiBonaventura already with one win on the season, and the People's Champ "Screamin' Bob Seaman who came into the day on the bump spot of the Top10. Taking the win in the final event of the 2024 season was.... Bob Seaman! If there was ever a story of perseverance and dedication to a new combination, Bob was textbook this season. With the win, Bob moved up a massive 6 spots to his highest finish in his NODRAMA career moving from 10th to 4th.
In other news of course we have to crown a champion. With a rough start, and a costly first two events of catastrophic drive train failures, this man has taken the word consistency to a level never seen in NODRAMA history. A regular in the finals, and final 4 all season, ending with the most round wins ever in a NODRAMA season, and finally getting his first win at event number 5, Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages. I present to you our NODRAMA 2024 Champion: Kevin O'Brien!
That's going to do it for NODRAMA and 2024. Our Championship banquet and 2025 season kick-off meeting date (usually in February) will be announced at the end of this year. Anyone interested in attending or learning more about NODRAMA and joining our caravan can contact Jason Heintz (drjay0@yahoo.com zero after drjay). We look forward to seeing everyone next year. As always, a HUGE thanks to Sue, Wayne, and everyone at Lebanon Valley Dragway for giving us a home to bring our program to. We couldn't have done it or built this the way we have without all of your support. Cheers! - Jason DrJay Heintz"