OSWEGO, NY – The 54th running of Super Dirt Week began the month of October, and while we sat back and fanboyed for a change, our Jam Performance & Consulting CDRA racing presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply regulars were at the forefront of our cheering section. Nine Sportsman Modified series regulars competed to make the Great Lakes 75 led by Chris Crane Jr.
Canaan, CT racer Chris Crane Jr. battled for his home track championship at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, as well battled for the CDRA series title. So, it was no surprise he unloaded at Oswego Speedway for Super Dirt Week as the fastest tour regular attempting to qualify for the Great Lakes 75 after turning the 9th fastest time in practice.
The talented young wheel then turned in the 12th fastest qualifying lap in group 1, before struggling in his heat sliding from his 5th starting spot back to finish 10th. Luckily Chris Jr. still earned a starting spot in the 75-lap main event coming from 21st.
Crane went to work in the Great Lakes 75 slicing through traffic with his Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, Hils Lawn & Property Care, and Greenacres Landscaping 711 Bicknell. At one point late in the event after overcoming some adversity he found himself finishing 5th respectively. That’s an eye-opening plus 16 positions.
Zach Buff has quietly made noise on the CDRA series for three seasons. With wins, podium finishes, and top point earning spots to his credit, the only thing missing from his Capital District resume is a Mr. Crate track USA finish. Buff kicked the doors open to SDW54 in th3 top 15 after practice.
Latham, NY competitor was looking to bounce back this fall after a year ago struggling in the main event after qualifying top six. The West End Towing & Repair, DIG Racing Products, and Buff’s Auto Service 01 Bicknell went 4th fastest in group 1 qualifying, raced his way to a 3rd place finish in his qualifier, and was ready to fire from the 9th starting spot in the main event.
Multi-time Glen Ridge Track Champion and CDRA front runner would tangle with DIRTcar Sportsman best for 75 laps and finish the Great Lakes 75 exactly where he started in the 9th position. Buff would join Crane Jr. as the only CDRA series regulars to finish top 10 at SDW.
Other racers who maintained regular status with the CDRA racing series in 2026 who competed at Super Dirt Week 54 were Bodie Marks (17th), Derrick McGrew Jr. (22nd), Connor Crane (24th), Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald (27th), Taylor Wason (28th), Nick Brundige (30th), and Chad Gregory (DNQ).
Scotia, NY racer Bodie Marks would start 20th and finish 17th in the Great Lakes 75 improving 3 spots after racing from 10th to 5th in his qualifying event.
Ballston Lake, NY hot shoe Derrick McGrew Jr. improved 12 positions in the Great Lakes 75 racing from his 34th starting position to a 22nd place finish. McGrew came from LCS to make the main event.
Canaan, CT young gun Connor Crane also improved 12 positions in the Great Lakes 75 main event after starting 36th and finishing 24th. He overcame adversity of his own to be the last racer standing when the checkered flag fell of all CDRA series regulars.
Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald was the first of three CDRA series regulars who DNF after qualifying for the Great Lakes 75 at Super Dirt Week 54. Fitz won his LCS, started 27th, and retired from the event about the halfway point. Tough end to the week for the Gansevoort, NY racer.
Former CDRA series champion Taylor Wason of Middlegrove, NY had an eventful Super Dirt Week. After timing decently on the charts and securing a main event starting spot through his 4th place finish in his qualifier, he would retire from the event early to a disappointing 28th place finish.
Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige has been highly competitive with CDRA for two seasons now including earning the 2025 NOTY. At Super Dirt Week 54 he did struggle from start to finish, and despite a disappointing 30th place DNF, he represented the series with pride at the clay palace.
The only CDRA series regular to not earn a qualifying spot at Super Dirt Week for the Sportsman Modified Great Lakes 75 main event was Clifton Park, NY racer Chad Gregory. Not for lack of effort, but it appeared he needed more experience behind the wheel. We look forward to seeing if Chad can improve his efforts next fall at Super Dirt Week 55.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to CVRA days. Each season consists of a diverse schedule based around storied dirt tracks in the Capitaland such as Albany-Saratoga, Lebanon Valley, and Glen Ridge. Drivers who participate have the opportunity to earn hardware and monetary rewards for their efforts.
For more information on CDRA visit www.cdraracing.com on the web. Fans and drivers can also find CDRA on social media at www.facebook.com/cdraracing. Be sure to save, like, and follow.
Anyone interested in joining CDRA family of marketing partners can contact the series via website, phone, or e-mail.
2026 CDRA POINTS PAYING EVENTS
04/17/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | WINNER: Joey Scarborough
06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | WINNER: Tim Hartman Jr.
07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | WINNER: Connor Crane
07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | WINNER: Tim Hartman Jr.
08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | WINNER: Derrick McGrew Jr.
09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | WINNER: Joey Scarborough
Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2026 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance & Consulting, and Elmo’s Speed Supply.
Official Associate CDRA Partners For 2026 Include: Hazilla Brands, Herrington Farms LLC, J-Tees Screen Printing, Bill McGaffin Photo, Jann McGaffin Photography, Showstopper Designs & Photography, Saratoga Masonry Supply, Stone’s Pharmacy, Race City Roll-Offs, G&R Motorsports, TC Creations, and Final Reward Trophies.
Official Affiliate CDRA Partners For 2026 Include: DIRTcar Racing, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, GM Performance 602 Crate Engines, Fox Racing Shocks, Beyea Custom Headers, Mad Skins Race Car Bodies, and Post Time Photography.
Official Media | Social Partners For 2026 Include: Area Auto Racing News, My Race Pass, DIRTvision, DTDtv, Race Pro Weekly, Dirt Track Digest, Race New York, and RPM-Race Pro Media.
Official CDRA Point Paying Event Titles For 2026 Include: Spring Shootout (ALB), Great Crate Classic – Malta Massive Weekend (ALB), Flying Trowel 32 (ALB), Montgomery County Brawl (GRMP), Rumble At The Ridge (GRMP), Mr. Crate Track USA (LVS), and Freedom & Fireworks (LVS).
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.
