Connor Crane Wins Thriller In DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Great Crate Classic Malta Massive Weekend Event While Tim Hartman Jr Earns CDRA Series Title

09/19/25: Connor Crane and family celebrate his Malta Massive Weekend win in the Great Crate Classic at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. (Jann McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)

(Written By Mike Warren | Additional Information By #Rob Hazer) MALTA, NY – One year after finishing second to his brother during Malta Massive Weekend, Connor Crane was one spot better on Friday night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. The Canaan, CT driver outdueled Richard Murtaugh in the closing laps to score his first career DIRTcar Sportsman Series victory.

(#: Winning the Great Crate Race was also Connor Crane’s first career CDRA points paying win.)

Track regular Dylan Madsen led the field to the green in the 35-lap Feature, driving away from Crane in the race’s opening laps. The Spencertown, NY driver held the advantage throughout the first half of the race, as Crane held off early challenges from Murtaugh for second.

That battle lasted until Lap 13, when Murtaugh’s momentum on the outside lane was too much for Crane, as he powered his No. 33 past Crane for second. That happened as Madsen started catching lap traffic, allowing Murtaugh and Crane to catch Madsen out front.

Murtaugh’s first opportunity to take the lead came on Lap 19, when he nosed ahead of Madsen’s No. 89 on the backstretch. Madsen countered immediately, though, sliding in front of Murtaugh to keep the lead as they exited Turn 4. However, Madsen’s lead was short-lived, as Murtaugh kept his momentum rolling on the top, driving by Madsen on the outside lane to take the lead on Lap 22.

Behind Murtaugh, Crane followed on the inside, taking second away from Madsen. As Murtaugh pulled away, a yellow on Lap 28 for Savannah Laflair slowed the field for the second time, giving Crane another shot at the win.

When the race resumed, Murtaugh continued his pace on the outside, but Crane stayed with the DIRTcar Sportsman Series full-time competitor as they battled for the lead. Crane took his first chance to pass Murtaugh on Lap 30, sliding in front of him in Turn 4. But it wasn’t enough that time, as Murtaugh drove by him again on the bottom.

Crane wouldn’t be stopped, though. As the two drivers exited Turn 4 on Lap 31, Crane threw another slide job at Murtaugh to take the lead as they crossed the start/finish line. Murtaugh returned the favor in Turns 1 and 2, sliding Crane as they drove through the corner, but Crane’s momentum was too much as he pulled ahead of Murtaugh again.

That was all Crane needed as he led the final two laps to win the 35-lap Feature.

(#: Murtaugh crossed the line second, with Emmett Waldron, Gavin Eisele, and Chris Crane Jr. rounding out the top five.)

“I just have to thank Richard for running me clean,” Crane said. “That was awesome. I can’t believe I’m here after last year, when my brother passed me with like 10 to go. I can’t believe I did it.

“This track is awesome. This is the best place to be in the Northeast,” he concluded.

Murtaugh settled for second in only his third appearance at the track. He said even with the lead, his lack of experience played a role in relinquishing the lead at the end of the race.

“I knew he was better on the bottom,” Murtaugh said. “When I went into Turn 1, I looked over and saw him. It’s my third time ever here, so I didn’t really know what to do. I was just kind of ripping the top. Once he got under me, I didn’t think he’d slide me, and once he did, I was like, what do I do now?”

Emmett Waldron crossed the line third, earning back-to-back Series top fives. The Savannah, NY driver said that while he had a good car, he still needed to start up front.

“This car is really good,” Waldron said. “We just need to start more toward the front more. We finally made a redraw in one of these Series races. We’ve been starting 11th and 12th, and it’s so hard to get to the front in these crate cars.”

(#: DIRTcar) Series points leader Shane Pecore finished ninth, extending his lead to nine points over Tristan Ladouceur, who finished 11th.

CDRA NOTES: With his win at Malta Massive Weekend in the Great Crate Race, Canaan, CT racer Connor Crane jumped up to 6th in final point standings. Despite his points earned, he will be eligible for Newcomer Of The Year again in 2026 per rule. NOTY award winner Nick Brundige of Round Lake, NY was able to utilize home track advantage to take third in points away from young gun Tavien Blowers from Caroga Lake, NY. Final note, Derrick McGrew Jr. broke the three-way tie between himself, Alex Palmer-Sawyer, and Michal Wagner-Fitzgerald by qualifying for the main event and finishing 8th overall in final point standings.

CDRA TITLE WATCH: Tough break for defending champion Taylor Wason from Middlegrove, NY as mechanical failure sidelined him about midway through the race. Glenville, NY hot shoe Tim Hartman Jr. raced from 20th to 10th to secure his first CDRA championship and earned the Big Red One Hard Charger race award in honor of Jason Herrington.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.

CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to the CVRA days. A series designed specifically for Capital District racing. Season two schedule consists of a diverse schedule at storied dirt tracks like the great race place, the fastest quarter mile on dirt, and the valley of speed. Drivers who do travel the Capitaland will earn hardware and some green for their efforts.

For more information on CDRA visit http://www.cdraracing.com on the web. Fans and drivers can also find CDRA on Social Media at http://www.facebook.com/cdraracing. Be sure to save, like, and follothee faw.

Anyone interested in joining CDRA family of marketing partners can contact the series via website, phone, or e-mail.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified A-Main Feature Results (35 Laps): 1. 711X-Connor Crane[2]; 2. 33-Richard Murtaugh[4]; 3. 4-Emmett Waldron[7]; 4. 18E-Gavin Eisele[6]; 5. 711C-Chris Crane Jr[8]; 6. 89-Dylan Madsen[1]; 7. 78JR-Nigel Pendykoski[14]; 8. 33M-Bodie Marks[3]; 9. 0-Shane Pecore[10]; 10. 22-Tim Hartman Jr[20]; 11. 92T-Tristan Ladouceur[21]; 12. 98W-Craig Wholey[5]; 13. 01-Zachary Buff[19]; 14. 112-Dave Baranowski[24]; 15. 916-Nick Brundige[9]; 16. 44-Ryan Barrett[30]; 17. 12-Jon Miller[25]; 18. 27-Michael Ballestero[17]; 19. 16X-Savannah Laflair[27]; 20. 52-Jessica Power[23]; 21. 12P-Connor Prokop[11]; 22. 10-Trevor Houghton[28]; 23. (DNF) 1M-Mark Mortensen[12]; 24. (DNF) 34-Dylan Grogan[15]; 25. (DNF) 26-Derrick McGrew Jr[26]; 26. (DNF) FOX28-Tyler Stevenson[29]; 27. (DNF) 42D-Daniel Grignon[18]; 28. (DNF) 07W-Taylor Wason[22]; 29. (DNF) 43-Tavien Blowers[13]; 30. (DNF) 02C-Cody Ochs[16].

J-Tees Screen Printing Fast Timer: Richard Murtaugh III (16.553)
Big Red One Hard Charger: Tim Hartman Jr. (20th to 10th)
Newcomer of the Race: Connor Crane (1st)
Lap Leaders: Dylan Madsen (1-21), Richard Murtaugh III (21-31), & Connor Crane (32-35)
Outstanding Performance: Connor Crane (1st)
Who Finished Fifth: Chris Crane Jr.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Last Chance Showdown #1 Results (10 Laps): 1. 92T-Tristan Ladouceur[4]; 2. 52-Jessica Power[1]; 3. 12-Jon Miller[3]; 4. 88-Michael Wagner Fitzgerald[2]; 5. FOX28-Tyler Stevenson[7]; 6. 23-Chad Gregory[6]; 7. 1-Scott Bennett[5]; 8. 44-Ryan Barrett[9]; 9. 16X-Savannah Laflair[10]; 10. 92-Tanner Coon[8]; 11. 18-Jeffrey Washburn[11]; 12. 02B-Michael Baker[13]; 13. 43J-Jayden Wust[15]; 14. 42-Zach Delaney[14]; 15. (DNF) 19-Owen Lewis[16]; 16. (DNS) 4L-Elliott Lussier.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Last Chance Showdown #2 Results (10 Laps): 1. 07W-Taylor Wason[1]; 2. 112-Dave Baranowski[2]; 3. 26-Derrick McGrew Jr[4]; 4. 99S-Alex Smith[3]; 5. 51H-Jordan Hill[7]; 6. 1D-Paul DeRuyter[14]; 7. 00X-Josh Coonradt[10]; 8. 313-Cameren VanZandt[6]; 9. 61-Alex Palmer Sawyer[5]; 10. 10X-Cory Castell[9]; 11. 10-Trevor Houghton[12]; 12. 4H-Bobby Hackel IV[13]; 13. 98-Camron Hotaling[8]; 14. 647-Brian Nelson[11]; 15. (DNS) 51-Matthew Bourey.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Heat Race #1 Results (8 Laps): 1. 33-Richard Murtaugh[1]; 2. 0-Shane Pecore[2]; 3. 12P-Connor Prokop[3]; 4. 02C-Cody Ochs[5]; 5. 52-Jessica Power[4]; 6. 99S-Alex Smith[7]; 7. 23-Chad Gregory[8]; 8. 98-Camron Hotaling[9]; 9. 18-Jeffrey Washburn[6]; 10. 4H-Bobby Hackel IV[10]; 11. 19-Owen Lewis[11].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Heat Race #2 Results (8 Laps): 1. 98W-Craig Wholey[4]; 2. 18E-Gavin Eisele[1]; 3. 1M-Mark Mortensen[3]; 4. 27-Michael Ballestero[6]; 5. 07W-Taylor Wason[5]; 6. 92T-Tristan Ladouceur[2]; 7. 313-Cameren VanZandt[9]; 8. 44-Ryan Barrett[7]; 9. 647-Brian Nelson[10]; 10. 42-Zach Delaney[8].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Heat Race #3 Results (8 Laps): 1. 4-Emmett Waldron[1]; 2. 916-Nick Brundige[2]; 3. 43-Tavien Blowers[3]; 4. 42D-Daniel Grignon[4]; 5. 88-Michael Wagner Fitzgerald[5]; 6. 26-Derrick Mcgrew Jr[7]; 7. FOX28-Tyler Stevenson[9]; 8. 10X-Cory Castell[8]; 9. 4L-Elliott Lussier[6]; 10. 1D-Paul DeRuyter[10].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Heat Race #4 Results (8 Laps): 1. 711X-Connor Crane[1]; 2. 711C-Chris Crane Jr[2]; 3. 78JR-Nigel Pendykoski[3]; 4. 01-Zachary Buff[4]; 5. 112-Dave Baranowski[7]; 6. 1-Scott Bennett[5]; 7. 51H-Jordan Hill[6]; 8. 16X-Savannah Laflair[8]; 9. 10-Trevor Houghton[9]; 10. 43J-Jayden Wust[10].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Heat Race #5 Results (8 Laps): 1. 33M-Bodie Marks[1]; 2. 89-Dylan Madsen[2]; 3. 34-Dylan Grogan[3]; 4. 22-Tim Hartman Jr[4]; 5. 12-Jon Miller[5]; 6. 61-Alex Palmer Sawyer[6]; 7. 92-Tanner Coon[7]; 8. 00X-Josh Coonradt[8]; 9. 02B-Michael Baker[10]; 10. 51-Matthew Bourey[9].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Time Trial Group 1 Results (3 Laps): 1. 33-Richard Murtaugh, 00:16.553[8]; 2. 0-Shane Pecore, 00:16.598[1]; 3. 12P-Connor Prokop, 00:16.707[6]; 4. 52-Jessica Power, 00:16.752[9]; 5. 02C-Cody Ochs, 00:16.815[3]; 6. 18-Jeffrey Washburn, 00:16.817[7]; 7. 99S-Alex Smith, 00:17.101[10]; 8. 23-Chad Gregory, 00:17.193[5]; 9. 98-Camron Hotaling, 00:17.233[4]; 10. 4H-Bobby Hackel IV, 00:17.468[11]; 11. 19-Owen Lewis, 00:17.475[2].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Time Trial Group 2 Results (3 Laps): 1. 18E-Gavin Eisele, 00:16.638[9]; 2. 92T-Tristan Ladouceur, 00:16.646[3]; 3. 1M-Mark Mortensen, 00:16.691[8]; 4. 98W-Craig Wholey, 00:16.702[10]; 5. 07W-Taylor Wason, 00:16.714[6]; 6. 27-Michael Ballestero, 00:16.834[4]; 7. 44-Ryan Barrett, 00:16.863[1]; 8. 42-Zach Delaney, 00:17.335[7]; 9. 313-Cameren VanZandt, 00:17.590[11]; 10. (DQ) 647-Brian Nelson, 00:17.020[2]; 11. (DNS) 34G-James Galarneau.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Time Trial Group 3 Results (3 Laps): 1. 4-Emmett Waldron, 00:16.674[9]; 2. 916-Nick Brundige, 00:16.699[4]; 3. 43-Tavien Blowers, 00:16.752[3]; 4. 42D-Daniel Grignon, 00:16.797[1]; 5. 88-Michael Wagner Fitzgerald, 00:16.841[7]; 6. 4L-Elliott Lussier, 00:16.951[11]; 7. 26-Derrick Mcgrew Jr, 00:17.026[8]; 8. 10X-Cory Castell, 00:17.043[6]; 9. FOX28-Tyler Stevenson, 00:17.089[5]; 10. 1D-Paul DeRuyter, 00:17.102[10]; 11. (DNS) 316-Dave Zelker.

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Time Trial Group 4 Results (3 Laps): 1. 711X-Connor Crane, 00:16.653[10]; 2. 711C-Chris Crane Jr, 00:16.683[4]; 3. 78JR-Nigel Pendykoski, 00:16.713[1]; 4. 01-Zachary Buff, 00:16.833[2]; 5. 1-Scott Bennett, 00:16.915[7]; 6. 51H-Jordan Hill, 00:16.973[3]; 7. 112-Dave Baranowski, 00:16.977[8]; 8. 16X-Savannah Laflair, 00:17.173[6]; 9. 10-Trevor Houghton, 00:17.312[9]; 10. 43J-Jayden Wust, 00:17.331[5].

09/19/25 JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Presented By Elmo’s Speed Supply | Ideal Excavating | DIRTcar Series Great Crate Classic Sportsman Modified Time Trial Group 5 Results (3 Laps): 1. 33M-Bodie Marks, 00:16.720[4]; 2. 89-Dylan Madsen, 00:16.741[9]; 3. 34-Dylan Grogan, 00:16.779[1]; 4. 22-Tim Hartman Jr, 00:16.793[6]; 5. 12-Jon Miller, 00:16.863[7]; 6. 61-Alex Palmer Sawyer, 00:16.941[5]; 7. 92-Tanner Coon, 00:17.013[2]; 8. 00X-Josh Coonradt, 00:17.060[10]; 9. 51-Matthew Bourey, 00:17.217[8]; 10. 02B-Michael Baker, 00:17.233[3].

Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2025 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply.

Official Associate CDRA Partners For 2025 Include: Fox Racing Shox, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, Herrington Farms LLC, J-Tees Screen Printing, McGaffin Family Photography, and Final Reward Trophies.

Official Affiliate CDRA Partners For 2025 Include: DIRTcar Racing, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, GM Performance 602 Crate Engines, Mad Skins Race Car Bodies, Cordova Plumbing & Heating, Bart Contracting, Hayes Trucking & Excavating, New Deals Used Cars, Joe Wilkinson & Sons Excavating, County Waste, and Doug Wholey Ideal Excavation.

Official Media | Social Partners For 2025 Include: Area Auto Racing News, Hazilla Brands, My Race Pass, DIRTvision, DTDtv, Race Pro Weekly, Dirt Track Digest, Race New York, Doug’s Dirt Diary.

Official CDRA Race Titles For 2025 Include: Sportsman Modified Spring Showdown (ALB), Montgomery County Brawl (GRMP), Flying Trowel 32 (ALB), Rumble At The Ridge (GRMP), Mr. Crate Track USA (LVS), and Great Crate Classic – Malta Massive Weekend (ALB).

Information shared about partners in Capital District Racing Association is obtained via website, social media, and/or track press. Info included but not limited to winner’s share, formats, laps, sponsors, or schedule dates are subject to change.

For the latest news, results, point standings, and more about the CDRA Series presented by JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply, please visit http://www.cdraracing.com.

Raceday For CDRA Sportsman Modified At Albany-Saratoga And Here’s What To Watch For Tonight

09/19/25: 4-wide for position during the Flying Trowel 32 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway back in July. Tonight CDRA season concludes with the Great Crate Race at the Malta, NY facility. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)

MALTA, NY – The time has finally come for the most anticipated weekend of racing in the Capital District with the running of Malta Massive Weekend at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Tonight, at the great race place JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply crowns the Season Two champion. But there are other stories to be told with this evening’s results.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway plays host to the CDRA racing series for the fifth time tonight, and the second running of what has become known as the ‘Great Crate Classic’ run in conjunction with the DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship series. This will present a stacked field of highly talented competitors between Capitaland hot shoes, and DIRTcar top guns.

Tonight’s running of the Great Crate Classic has many storylines that will unfold starting with the championship battle, which will be decided between Glenville, NY racer Tim Hartman Jr. and defending champion racer Taylor Wason from Middlegrove, NY. They are separated by 28 points heading into the 35-lap, $1,500 to win main event.

Behind the front running pair is a point battle for third in standings between Caroga Lake, NY young gun Tavien Blowers, and Newcomer Of The Year Nick Brundige from Round Lake, NY. Blowers holds a nine-point advantage, but Brundige calls Malta home on Friday nights. Navigating the DIRTcar Sportsman series talent will be challenging for these men, but someone will own the spot.

Zach Buff is safely in fifth in points for this season, so the next interesting storyline to follow is the log jam to round out the top 10 in point standings. Connor Crane currently holds 6th with a 14-point lead over seventh Alex Palmer-Sawyer. APS is tied with Derrick McGrew Jr. and Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald with 269 points. To make it more interesting, Chris Crane Jr. is just 2 points behind them. There could be a wild change from sixth all the way back to tenth in final points.

Last season, Chris Crane Jr. picked up the win in the Great Crate Classic at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during Malta Massive Weekend, which was also part of the DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series. Connor Crane, Cody McPherson, Derrick McGrew Jr., and Emmett Waldron rounded out the top five.

“Tonight is the season two finale. It’s been a great season. We (CDRA) are growing, and drivers have been great in their support. We’re here for the drivers of the Capital District. Whoever wins the title this season, it’s been a good battle. Wason defended his title honorably, and there was no doubt Timmy would be in contention. And how about these young guys like Blowers and Brundige. I’m proud of them for grinding out the six race schedule over the summer months and being in good position to earn recognition for their efforts,” said CDRA competition director Rob Hazer.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: With the season of points paying races concluding at Albany-Saratoga with the Great Crate Classic, focus shifts to the CDRA Honors on Friday December 19, 2025. Awards will recognize top 10 in final point standings, as well as awarding season honors including Champion, Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY), Outstanding Performance (OPTY), and Honorable Mentions. Also, Honors will introduce the Fan Favorite (FOTY) to be determined by voting prior to the December date.

Anyone interested in joining CDRA family of marketing partners can contact the series via website, phone, or e-mail.

2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE
04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown ✔
07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 ✔
08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge ✔
08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl ✔
08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA ✔
09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic

Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2025 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply.

Official Media | Social Partners For 2025 Include: Area Auto Racing News, Hazilla Brands, My Race Pass, DIRTvision, DTDtv, Race Pro Weekly, Dirt Track Digest, Race New York, Doug’s Dirt Diary.

For the latest news, results, point standings, and more about the CDRA Series presented by JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply, please visit http://www.cdraracing.com.

Capital District Track Champion Racer Zach Buff Continues To Be A CDRA Title Contender

09/18/25: Zach Buff (01) is a multi-time winner, champion, and title contender. Here he turns timed hot laps at Glen Ridge during Rumble At The Ridge. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)

FONDA, NY – Buff boys have dominated the Ridge for the past five seasons. Big brother Andrew earned three track titles from 2021-2023 with 21 dubs before moving to the DIRTcar 358 Modified division. Now, little brother Zach is flexing his muscle with 17 wins, and just capped off his second consecutive title run. He also races in arguably the toughest Sportsman field weekly at Malta.

Zach Buff has been driving the Ray Sefrin owned West End Towing & Repair, Buff’s Auto Service, and DIG Racing Products 01 Bicknell for five seasons now. Since the day he started racing, he’s earned a Limited Sportsman championship, and followed that up with a pair of Sportsman Modified titles. But, there’s more to this potent pair.

If you add in the wins Zach has earned at Albany-Saratoga Speedway under the Friday Night Lights, this young man is closer to 30 career wins racing for Sefrin. As always, don’t take our word for it. Buff took time out of his busy schedule to tackle a few hot take questions starting with racing with Ray.

“I’ve been racing with Ray since I started. In 2020 I raced my brother’s car one time. The following season in 2021 I began racing in Limited Sportsman at both Albany-Saratoga and Glen Ridge,” Buff began saying. He finished his thoughts with, “Since then I’m not sure the exact number, but I’m sure we are around 30 wins total as a team”.

When you park it in victory lane, championships will happen. After all, you gain the most points possible. It’s just easier and Zach is thankful to have an opportunity to be championship caliber at both his weekly stomping grounds and on the DIRTcar Sportsman tour.

“Ray gives us great equipment. This year was my second Sportsman Modified championship. I also have one Limited Sportsman championship. I’ve won all three at Glen Ridge,” Buff said.

Zach comes from a talented family of racers. His father, Kevin, was an accomplished IMCA Modified racer before stepping aside for the kiddos to take the wheel. Surely there’s a little pressure to follow in the footsteps of his pops and big bro, but Zach seems content carving out his own path.

“My father got me into racing as soon as he could. Growing up he was obviously a big influence on me and my wanting to race. And I was also a big Kenny Tremont Jr. fan,” Zach said.

For two seasons Zach has been top five in JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series point standings presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply. His only obstacle seems to be the Valley Of Speed. So, what keeps Buff away from the high banks? Let him answer.

He stated, “There’s no particular reason I don’t go to the Valley. Could be scheduling or availability. Nothing against the facility or anyone.”

It’s no doubt if Zach made his way to the valley of speed, he’d be slugging it out with fellow competitors Tim Hartman Jr. and Taylor Wason for a Capital District Racing Association crown. But, respect he has earned either way. He’s a winner, and a champion with one simple goal. Give it his all each and every race.

“I don’t necessarily have any goals set per say, because I like to take it one race at a time. Each race I give it my all and do the best I can,” said Buff proudly.

Gotta admire his efforts, but again that drive and racers ethic stems from proper upbringing in the sport. Poppa Kev has this kid on the right track to continued success and Zach makes sure to mention him first when giving thanks.

Buff said, “I definitely have to start with thanking my dad. The confidence he has in me is proven by the time and effort he puts into racing for me.” He concluded with, “I can’t forget Andrew either. My brother is one of the main reasons we are successful as we are. Finally, last but certainly not least, Ray Sefrin. He gives us great equipment, all the tools we need, and encourages us to have fun while racing.”

Zach also mentioned the support from friends and family drive him to compete at a high level and be a solid racer both on and off the track. Knowing a little about Zach and this brief conversation has proven, he’s a good kid with a good family, and a hall-of-fame car owner. Not hard to understand why they’re at the top of their game. If you want to win a title at The Ridge, history says you have to beat a Buff.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Focus is solely on the only points paying event left for Season Two (2025). The Great Crate Race at Albany-Saratoga Friday September 19th as part of the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Fall Championship Series. Someone will punch their ticket to CDRA title town Friday night.

Anyone interested in joining CDRA family of marketing partners can contact the series via website, phone, or e-mail.

Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2025 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply.

Official Media | Social Partners For 2025 Include: Area Auto Racing News, Hazilla Brands, My Race Pass, DIRTvision, DTDtv, Race Pro Weekly, Dirt Track Digest, Race New York, Doug’s Dirt Diary.

For the latest news, results, point standings, and more about the CDRA Series presented by JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply, please visit http://www.cdraracing.com.

The Five: Tim Hartman Jr. Closing In On His First CDRA Title Holding Off Defending Champ Taylor Wason, Sophomore Sensation Tavien Blowers, and NOTY Contender Nick Brundige

09/15/25: Tim Hartman Jr. (22) races with Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald (88) during the Flying Trowel 32 back in July. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)

FONDA, NY – Two of the most prestigious honors a driver can have bestowed upon them from the Capital District Racing Association are a ticket to title town and Newcomer Of The Year. Champ and the NOTY sounds like the beginning of a good racing book, but this Friday at Albany-Saratoga both will be determined in one of the most competitive fields of the season.

It’s time to hit race fans with the next to last edition of ‘The Five’ for Season Two (2025), as the JAM Performance and Consulting CDRA racing series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply prepares for the Great Crate Race Friday night in Malta, NY at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. The event is also in conjunction with the DIRTcar Sportsman fall championship series.

Tim Hartman Jr: Big Time Little Tim has a small cushion over defending champ Taylor Wason heading into Friday night’s CDRA points championship finale. The Glenville, NY hot shoe has a 28-point leeway and needs only to finish 27th or better to secure the championship. That’s also contingent on the defending champ parking it in victory lane.

Taylor Wason: Speaking of the defending champ, Wason, the ‘Ultimate Underdog’, has defended his Season One (2024) championship valiantly. After claiming the points title without a win, and learning one of the Capital District’s top Sportsman Modified racers was on tour in 2025, he pushed himself to another level overcoming adversity, finding victory lane, and competing for another title.

Tavien Blowers: Last season ‘Taz’ finished 10th in final points after missing the Great Crate Race season finale at Malta. This year he’s stepped up his drive. He almost won the Rumble At The Ridge finishing second respectively, and has taken on the challenge of the great race place. He’ll be on hand Friday to secure his podium points finish if he can hold off the NOTY leader, Nick Brundige.

Nick Brundige: After getting some press for being the sure bet for Season Two (2025) Newcomer Of The Year, one fan commented a reply that read, “Yeah NOTY. Get it!” So, if we’re giving nicknames out, this young man is now known as Nick “NOTY” Brundige. And he’ll already have earned the honor soon as he signs in to compete Friday night no matter his result.

Zach Buff: Out of the top five, Buff is the only enigma. Last season he was a title contender finishing third in points missing only, the Valley race. This season, despite a tough opening points race, he was battling again for a podium points finish until he missed the Valley race. Zach is a legit title contender with the likes of Hartman and Wason, but needs to tame the lady of West Lebanon.

Hard Luck: It’s hard to say ‘hard luck’ when it’s a matter of attendance, but truth be told Connor Crane is another legit title contender if he were to show up and compete at the Ridge. The ‘cardiac kid’ was just 13 points behind the lead when he missed both CDRA points paying races at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. He returned to tour with another solid run at Lebanon and is sixth in points.

Anyone interested in joining CDRA family of marketing partners can contact the series via website, phone, or e-mail.

Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2025 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply.

Official Media | Social Partners For 2025 Include: Area Auto Racing News, Hazilla Brands, My Race Pass, DIRTvision, DTDtv, Race Pro Weekly, Dirt Track Digest, Race New York, Doug’s Dirt Diary.

For the latest news, results, point standings, and more about the CDRA Series presented by JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply, please visit http://www.cdraracing.com.