07/30/26: Chad Gregory (#23g) and Derrick McGrew Jr. (#26) race for position during the Flying Trowel 32 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway as part of the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy chase. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
FONDA, NY – Four of the top five in JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series points presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply remained the same after the Flying Trowel PPE at Albany-Saratoga, with one driver climbing his way up. With this episode of the Power Five we’ll look at the newest top contender and look at point battles within the top ten racers currently in point standings.
Let’s start with driver names that have been consistent in the top five point standings thus far in season three beginning with point leader Joey Scarborough of Brandon, VT. Not only did Scarborough retain the point lead but Canaan, CT racers Chris Crane Jr. and Connor Crane, along with Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige all remained top five. So, who’s the new guy?
Ballston Spa, NY racer Derrick McGrew Jr. took advantage of a hot streak to earn consecutive top 10 finishes catapulting him into 4th place in point standings just 22 back from the lead. McGrew is red hot in the Capital District right now with wins at Albany-Saratoga and Glen Ridge racing his Next Generation Roofing, West End Towing & Repair, and Herron Reality number 26 Bicknell race rod.
With that being said, let’s take a look just outside the power five at some racers just outside looking in starting with Middlegrove, NY racer Taylor Wason. He’s had a pair of top 10 finishes, which has helped the 2024 champion climb back into title contention racing his CWS Construction, Lenihan Paving, and Lake Auto Parts number 07w Bicknell racing chassis.
Gansevoort, NY racer Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald fell from 4th to 7th in points, but is still very much in the championship picture. Same with Bolton Landing, NY racer Craig Wholey who started the CDRA point season red hot, but slumped just a bit over the past couple races though remains in contention.
Next racer up in point standings currently 9th overall is Saratoga Springs, NY racer Michael Ballestero. In his first season chasing the CDRA title, Ballestero has climbed back into the top 10 after a tough start to the championship chase driving his Stone’s Pharmacy, M&J Construction, and Generations Auto number 27 Bicknell racing chassis. He’s looking to climb further up the standings.
Last driver in today’s special edition Power Five, is Chad Gregory of Clifton Park, NY. Gregory is in the NOTY conversation and looks solid in his first season touring with CDRA. It hasn’t been easy for Gregory, as he’s still young in his Sportsman Modified journey, but he’s mixing it up with some top talents from CDRA and DIRTcar alike.
Other racers just outside the top 10 include CDRA regulars Savannah Laflair, Brent Warren, defending champion Tim Hartman Jr., William August, and Jordan Hill. All who have an opportunity to reach the top 10 in points by seasons end.
“We’re coming up on our second PPE at Glen Ridge, which if it’s as good as last seasons event fans will be treated to a really good race. The Ridge plays an important role in our series, because it’s vastly different than Albany-Saratoga or Lebanon Valley. It’s a bull ring so drivers are up on the wheel and in traffic from the drop of the green to the finish,” said CDRA competition director Rob Hazer.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: The series returns to Glen Ridge Motorsports Park Sunday August 9, 2026, for another showdown with DIRTcar Sportsman racing’s finest. It’s the Rumble at the Ridge PPE, which is also the beginning of the DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series. Get your popcorn ready.
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 follothee faw.
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 | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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.
07/21/26: Power Five racer Nick Brundige is fresh off a weekly racing win at Albany-Saratoga heading into the Flying Trowel 32 this week for CDRA series action. (Bill McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
MALTA, NY – Friday night route 9 comes to life with Stan Da’ Man Night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, which includes the Flying Trowel CDRA PPE. Current power five racers Joey Scarborough, Connor Crane, Chris Crane Jr., Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, and Nick Brundige will be in action chasing their first L.D. Bossman Championship series trophy.
Joey Scarborough of Brandon, VT leads all title contenders after three PPE’s with 402 points with his Central Vermont Motorcycles, Interstate Batteries, and Howe Center Auto number 11VT Bicknell Racing Chassis. This season Scarborough has not finished worse than 7th and has a win back in April at the great race place in the Spring Shootout.
Canaan, CT racer Chris Crane Jr. is chasing the title and NOTY wheeling his Greenacres Landscaping, Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, and SABCO Performance 711 Bicknell Racing Chassis. Crane, who is currently second in points with 399, hasn’t finished worse than 6th this season and has won a PPE in each CDRA season thus far.
Kid Cushion Connor Crane of Canaan, CT is red hot coming off a big CDRA PPE win at The Ridge racing his Greenacres Landscaping, Laurelbrook Natural Resources, and Proper Connections number 711x Bicknell Racing Chassis. Little Brother Connor is also chasing the title and NOTY this season, which he’s third in standings with 392 points.
Gansevoort, NY racer Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald may not have found G&R Motorsports victory lane yet with CDRA, but he’s consistent enough to be in both the title and NOTY conversations driving his S&S Mobile RV Repair, Winchell Construction & Roll-Offs, and Helderberg Excavation number 88 Bicknell Racng Chassis. Fitz is currently fourth in points with 392 with a best finish of 5th at LVS.
Rounding out the current power five is Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige who has really excelled the past two seasons on tour driving his Capital District Towing, Miller Motorsports, and Rocky Photography number 916 Bicknell Racing Chassis. Brundige is currently 5th in standings with 390 points, with his best series finish this season being 4th during the Spring Shootout in Malta.
Drivers just outside the power five, but well within the title conversation include Derrick McGrew Jr., Craig Wholey, 2024 series champion Taylor Wason, Michael Ballestero, and Chad Gregory. After all, there are only 57 points separating 1st from 10th in standings.
“Flying Trowel is the second of three PPEs in Malta and this one is going to be big. Right now, it looks like we’re going to have a brand-new champion, and this extra distance race is going to play a part in determining who that may be, because it’s the start of three consecutive extra distance races. 32, 40, then 35 over the next 3 races,” said competition director Rob Hazer.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next stop for the stars and cars of the CDRA Racing Sportsman Modified series is a return to the Great Race Place Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday July 24th for the Flying Trowel 32 on a special Stan Da’ Man night of racing. Get your popcorn ready and don’t miss it.
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 follothee faw.
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 | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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.
07/01/26: Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald trails NOTY leader Chris Crane Jr. by a single point headed to Glen Ridge Sunday July 5th. (Jimmy B. Photo | LVS)
FULTONVILLE, NY – Sunday marks the first of three cross promotions where JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA racing title hopefuls presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply collide with DIRTcar Sportsman Modified title contenders starting at Glen Ridge for the Montgomery County Brawl. These hopefuls include NOTY contenders led by Canaan, CT young gun Chris Crane Jr.
Chris Crane Jr. is new to the NOTY conversation, because he’s new to full-time racing with CDRA. Crane has raced with series regulars in the past and even won some PPE’s driving his Greenacres Landscaping, Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, and SABCO Performance 711 Bicknell. He leads all NOTY contenders with a pair of top 10 finishes to his credit this season.
Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald has been in the conversation before, but not as a series full-time regular. This season the Gansevoort, NY racer is only one point out of top NOTY honors with his S&S Mobile RV Repair Inc., Winchell Construction, and Heldenberg Construction number 88 Bicknell. Fitz had a pair of top ten finishes himself this season heading into Glen Ridge this coming Sunday.
Ballston Spa, NY hot shoe Derrick McGrew Jr. is red hot in the Capital District riding a 3-race winning streak including two in a row at Glen Ridge, where the Montgomery County Brawl happens this Sunday. His Next Generation Roofing, West End Towing & Repair, and Herron Realty number 26 Bicknell has a pair of crew chiefs helping hopefully guide him to a NOTY honor this season.
When the ‘Crane Train’ pulls out of Canaan, CT it brings along kid cushion Connor Crane and his Greenacres Landscaping, Laurelbrook Natural Resources, and Proper Connections number 711x Bicknell. Crane matched his big bro with a Massive win to close out last season, but this year is his first as a full-time regular with the CDRA racing series. He’s in the NOTY running as projected.
Warrensburg, NY lady racer Jordan Hill is not only just nine points out from NOTY honors, but she’s also the top Rated Rookie so far in season three. Hill has her Relia-Tech Auto Services, Rounds Paving, and Witz Roofing number 51 Bicknell top 10 in overall points, as well as top five in NOTY standings. She’s ready for the challenge Ridge racing presents CDRA title contenders on Sunday.
Other notable NOTY contenders for Season Three include Cam VanZandt, Savannah Laflair, Chad Gregory, Brent Warren, and Raelin Dunham. Of these drivers VanZandt, Gregory, Warren, and Dunham are eligible for the new Rated Rookie of the Year award that differs from the NOTY slightly. NOTY is for newcomers to series racing with CDRA. Rated Rookies are new to touring with no previous experience and/or new to the division in general such as moving up from Limited.
TOP FIVE NOTY STANDINGS: 1) 122 – Chris Crane Jr. 2) 121 – Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald 3) 116 – Derrick McGrew Jr. 4) 115 – Connor Crane 5) 113 – Jordan Hill
TOP FIVE RATED ROOKIES: 1) Jordan Hill (10th Overall) 2) Cam VanZandt (12th Overall) 3) Chad Gregory (15th Overall) 4) Brent Warren (17th Overall) 5) Raelin Dunham (18th Overall)
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next stop for CDRA Racing Sportsman Modified series racers is Glen Ridge Motorsports Park on Sunday July 5th for the Montgomery County Brawl. The program also features the DIRTcar Sportsman East Series. Two series, one show, and multiple storylines across the division landscape. Get your popcorn ready and don’t miss it.
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.
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 | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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.
06/28/26: Derrick McGrew Jr. (26) and Zach Buff (01) race for position at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. (Post Time Photography | GRMP)
FONDA, NY – With the Montgomery County Brawl at Glen Ridge brings busy season for JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series racers presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply. Currently 18 racers have perfect attendance and will clash with DIRTcar East Series racers Sunday July 5th at the fastest quarter mile on dirt. Some things have changed since our last look at the top five.
Joey Scarborough of Brandon, VT kept his point lead with a solid top five finish in Mr. Crate Track USA driving his Central Vermont Motorcycles, Interstate Batteries, and Howe Center Auto number 11VT Bicknell Racing Chassis. Scarborough heads to the Ridge as both the DIRTcar East Region and CDRA Sportsman Modified point leader never having raced a series PPE at Glen Ridge before.
Craig Wholey elevated himself to second in CDRA standings with a strong run at the Valley. The Bolton Landing, NY racer is a wild card having never wheeled his Rounds Paving, North Country Heliflite, and KLC Property Enhancement DKM Cyclone Chassis in a PPE at the fastest quarter mile on dirt. He could be this season’s surprise contender for a ticket to title town.
Canaan, CT racer Chris Crane Jr. may have slid back one spot in point standings, but the NOTY contender is still only five points from the lead racing his Greenacres Landscaping, Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, and SABCO Performance 711 Bicknell Racing Chassis. Crane is another driver who has never raced a PPE at the Ridge, but plans to change that next Sunday July 5th.
Tim Hartman Jr. catapulted himself from 10th to 4th in points after winning an instant classic at Lebanon Valley in Mr. Crate Track USA. The Glenville, NY racer sports his Kickfly’s Cannabis, MRP Companies, and Bemiss Trucking number 22 DKM Cyclone Chassis looking for another top five run in CDRA points paying events including the Montgomery County Brawl.
For the past two seasons, Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige has competed with CDRA racing at a high level. So far through 2026 he’s doing it again keeping his Capital District Towing, Miller Motorsports, and DE Designs number 12 Bicknell Racing Chassis near the top of standings. After earning last year’s NOTY award, Brundige heads to the Ridge where he earned a top five finish.
Glen Ridge hosts DIRTcar East Region Sportsman Modifieds, which doubles as a CDRA points paying event Sunday July 5th. Since 2024 the score has been track regulars 1, CDRA racers 1, DIRTcar East racers 0. Montgomery County Brawl will certainly change the points landscape for two different regional tours. Question is, who might park it in G&R Motorsports victor lane?
“The race at Glen Ridge Sunday will be fun, especially from a storyline standpoint. We’re not just collecting points, we’re telling a story of championship hopeful racers over the summer months. This event is the first that combines two series storylines into one night of competitive Sportsman Modified racing. I hope the racers enjoy it as much as I do as a fan watching it all unfold,” said competition director Rob Hazer.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next stop for CDRA Racing Sportsman Modified series racers is Glen Ridge Motorsports Park on Sunday July 5th for the Montgomery County Brawl. The program also features the DIRTcar Sportsman East Series. Two series, one show, and multiple storylines across the division landscape. Get your popcorn ready and don’t miss it.
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 follothee faw.
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 | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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.
05/21/26: Brent Warren (2) a Newcomer Of The Year contender races with Zach Buff (01) for qualifying position at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during the April Spring Shootout PPE. (Bill McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
FONDA, NY – Drivers eagerly await an opportunity to earn JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series points presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply Tuesday June 16th at Lebanon Valley Speedway during the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified Mr. Dirt program. With one PPE in the history books, there are five dynamic young talents chasing NOTY honors in 2026.
Derrick McGrew Jr. of Ballston Spa, NY currently sits fifth in overall CDRA points, but leads all NOTY contenders driving his Next Generation Roofing, West End Towing & Repair, and Herron Realty number 26 Bicknell. McGrew has a pair of top five finishes in series PPE’s and has improved his final points standings each year going from 15th overall in 2024 to 8th overall in 2025.
Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald from Gansevoort, NY has followed a similar path with his S&S Mobile RV Repair Inc., Winchell Construction, and Heldenberg Construction number 88 Bicknell. Mikey Waggs is currently seventh in CDRA points a mere two behind McGrew Jr. in the NOTY battle. Fitzgerald has three top 10 finishes to his credit in series PPE’s and 10th overall in 2025.
Jordan, NY racer Savannah Laflair has had the most improvement of all NOTY contenders over three seasons of CDRA racing. She has qualified for every PPE she entered racing her 13th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride, Mohawk Northeast, and Happy Days Drive-In number 16X Troyer. She’s eighth in points after earning both Newcomer Of The Race and Hard Charger awards back in April.
Warrensburg, NY racer Jordan Hill has had some shining moments thus far in 2026, including a respectable top 15 finish in the PPE opener with her Relia-Tech Auto Services, Rounds Paving, and Witz Roofing number 51 Bicknell. Jordan just moved up this season from Limited Sportsman challenging herself to series racing with CDRA and weekly competition at the great race place.
Rounding out top five NOTY contenders so far in 2026 is Lee, MA racer Cam VanZandt. He too is moving up from Limited to a rather ambitious Sportsman Modified schedule this season with his VanZandt Water & Sewer Construction, LB Corporation, and Loring Property Services number 313 Bicknell. Cam is 19th overall heading to the valley of speed for Mr. Crate Track USA event.
Other drivers in the mix for the NOTY this season include Bodie Marks, Chad Gregory, Katrina LeClaire, Brent Warren, and Raelin Dunham. These drivers all met the Newcomer criteria with CDRA in that they pre-registered for full-time series status, have never won the series title or multiple races, and have not raced full-time last season or won a Big Block Modified event.
“There’s an incredible mix of young talent, and veterans in the mix for the NOTY. We always call it our points battle, within the war. They’re looking for the G&R Motorsports Newcomer Of The Year and one of them may be outstanding enough to win the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy as well. It’ll be fun to keep an eye on for sure,” said competition director Rob Hazer.
TOP FIVE NOTY STANDINGS: 1) 65 – Chris Crane Jr. 2) 62 – Derrick McGrew Jr. 3) 61 – Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald 4) 60 – Savannah Laflair 5) 55 – Connor Crane
TOP FIVE RATED ROOKIES: 1) 90 – Jordan Hill 2) 85 – Cam VanVandt 3) 76 – Bodie Marks 4) 75 – Chad Gregory 5) 55 – Katrina LaClaire
STORY EDITED MAY 28, 2026: After careful consideration to all drivers, CDRA chose to further clarify eligibility for Newcomer Of The Year, simplify the language, and create an accompanying Rated Rookie award. Simply put NOTY is for any driver, regardless of previous experience, who is new to CDRA. Rated Rookie is for any driver new to the division of Sportsman Modified and/or CDRA racing. However, one driver may not be awarded both. This will be the norm going forward from this date. Any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and patience as we strive to do what is right, and best for all who choose to race with CDRA.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Series racers head to the valley of speed, Lebanon Valley Speedway, for the first Crown Jewel event of the season. Mr. Crate Track USA takes place on Tuesday June 16th as part of the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified special. The Sportsman Modified will be going 25-laps in the A-Main with a draw-redraw format..
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.
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 | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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.
05/05/26: Chris Crane Jr. (711) and Derrick McGrew Jr. (26) currently hold 2nd and 5th place in series point standings heading into Mr. Crate Track USA at Lebanon Valley Speedway Tuesday June 17th. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
FONDA, NY – After PPE number one at the great race place it’s time to dive into the Power Five, which takes an in depth look at the top five point earners in JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series standings presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply. It all starts with Brandon, VT racer Joey Scarborough who earned the Spring Shootout victory back in April.
Joey Scarborough currently leads all CDRA racers with 105 points after his PPE win in Malta, NY driving his Central Vermont Motorcycles, Interstate Batteries, and Howe Center Auto number 11VT Bicknell Racing Chassis. Scarborough is registered as a full-time competitor in 2026 to challenge TH2 and other CDRA competitors for the L.D. Bossman championship trophy.
Chris Crane Jr. of Canaan, CT is also registered for full-time competition and currently rests second in CDRA point standings. Crane drove his Greenacres Landscaping, Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, and SABCO Performance 771 Bicknell Racing Chassis to a solid runner up finish in the Spring Shootout. Crane has two series wins and six top five finishes to his credit since 2024.
Bolton Landing, NY racer Craig Wholey is an unknown. Solid racer with multiple top five finishes during CDRA PPE’s. He drove his Rounds Paving, North Country Heliflite, and KLC Property Enhancement DKM Cyclone Chassis number 98 to a solid third place finish at Malta. He regulars Saturday at Lebanon Valley and could come away solidly atop the points after Mr. Crate Track.
Nick Brundige of Round Lake, NY is entering his second season with CDRA series racing as a full-time competitor. Last year he earned the NOTY, and this year so far proving he deserved it. He drove his Capital District Towing, Miller Motorsports, and DE Designs number 12 Bicknell Racing Chassis to a solid fourth place finish in the opener. Second generation talent making his pops proud.
Derrick McGrew Jr. of Ballston Spa, NY is full-time with CDRA this season chasing the L.D. Bossman championship trophy. A welcome addition to the cast of regulars and meets the requirements to vie for this year’s NOTY. With OG-26’s help, Jr. will surely have his Next Generation Roofing, West End Towing & Repair, and Herron Realty Bicknell Chassis number 26 in the mix for a trip to title town.
There is a large crop of Capital District racers, a strong Vermont contingent, and even some Canadian competitors on the board with points thus far after one PPE (points paying event). Opportunities to earn series points are at a premium, with every lap of every race counting. Showing up is seventy-five percent of the battle. The rest is performance. Who wants the L.D. Bossman?!
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: The series heads to the valley of speed, Lebanon Valley Speedway, for the first Crown Jewel event of the season. Mr. Crate Track USA takes place on Tuesday June 16th as part of the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified special. The Sportsman Modified will be going 25-laps in the A-Main with a draw-redraw format.
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.
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 | Spring Shootout Winner: Joey Scarborough 06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, 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.
04/17/26: Joey Scarborough (11VT) races with Chris Crane Jr. (711) for the lead at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during the CDRA Spring Shootout. (Bill McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
MALTA, NY – Brandon, VT hot shoe Joey Scarborough wasted no time in making his case for title contention after picking up the Spring Shootout feature win at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in the JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply. Chris Crane Jr. and Craig Wholey joined him rounding out the podium finishers after 25-laps of competition.
Scarborough and Ballston Spa, NY second generation talent Derrick McGrew Jr. would lead the 30-car starting field to Rich Peterson’s green flag with Scarborough taking the early lead leaving McGrew to battle with Bolton Landing, NY racer Craig Wholey, Canaan, CT racer Chris Crane Jr., and Middlegrove, NY racer Taylor Wason.
First caution came on lap five after inadvertent contact resulted in defending series champion Tim Hartman Jr. out of Glenville, NY with a flat tire and body damage. He would return to the event, however Johnsonville, NY racer Dave Baranowski would not be as fortunate and would be done for the evening.
On the restart Scarborough went back to work leading, and other racers went back to work battling for position throughout the field. One of those drivers would be Malta, NY driver Jon Miller who was having a solid run racing inside the top 10 battling with Wason, Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige, and Gansevoort, NY racer Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald.
By the halfway point of the Spring Shootout points paying event for CDRA, there were a few drivers turning in impressive runs during the season opener starting with Warrensburg, NY lady racer Jordan Hill who spend a majority of the event racing for position inside the top ten, as she vies for the NOTY for season three.
Other racers who were making noise and putting in work by the midway point were Amsterdam, NY racer Zach Buff, Canaan, CT racer Connor Crane who started deep in the field, and Warwick, QC racer Kaven Poliquin. The top 10 at the midway point were Joey Scarborough, Chris Crane Jr., Craig Wholey, Derrick McGrew Jr., Nick Brundige, Taylor Wason, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, Zach Buff, Connor Crane, and Jordan Hill.
Scarborough survived late race restarts and challenges from Chris Crane Jr. to win the 2026 Spring Shootout at Albany-Saratoga. Crane Jr. crossed the finish line second with Craig Wholey, Nick Brundige, and Derrick McGrew Jr. rounding out the top five.
Making up the top ten were Taylor Wason, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, Jordan NY racer Savannah Laflair, Montgomery, NY racer Cole Hentschel, and defending series champion Tim Hartman Jr. of Glenville, NY.
“The night really went our way 100%. We got luck in the heat race and caught some breaks, real lucky in the redraw, and again luck went our way on the restarts,” Scarborough said to Rich Vleck in G&R Motorsports victory lane.
He continued with saying, “I hit the setup perfectly for the feature, didn’t miss my line once which I was surprised by that, and everything just worked out. Car was great, which made me look great. There’s a lot of guys who work hard back there so I can do this out here. Shoutout to Jake watching from home. His little pep talks before the race really got me hitting my line and do what I do.”
CDRA NOTES: Three drivers who had massive runs putting in work behind the wheel start with Round, Lake NY racer Nick Brundige. The 2025 NOTY award winner drove from 15th to finish strong in 4th.
Jordan, NY lady racer Savannah Laflair raced impressively on a technical racetrack to an impressive 8th place finish after starting 26th.
Finally, Canaan, NY racer Connor Crane who came from the 28th starting spot to earn a 13th place finish respectively.
CDRA TITLE WATCH: Three points of note in the title watch begin with the obvious, Joey Scarborough. Less than a week after declaring his intent to race full-time chasing the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy with CDRA, he parked it in victory lane at Albany-Saratoga winning his first series race.
Secondly, defending champion Tim Hartman Jr. faced adversity in his title defense opener. But the champ overcame what could’ve been a bad night filled with ups and downs to earn a top ten finish.
Finally, Craig Wholey of Bolton Landing, NY has injected himself into the title conversation after the Spring Shootout. It’s not his first podium finish during CDRA races. We know after pre-registrations, Chris Crane Jr. has his eyes on title town, but Wholey is just the wild card that could make the points battle that much more dramatic.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: CDRA visits Lebanon Valley Speedway next on Tuesday June 16th as part of the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series program for Mr. Crate Track USA. This is a crown jewel event on the series schedule valued on a higher point scale.
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.
JTees Screen Printing Fast Timer: Cody Ochs (17.273) Herrington Farms Big Red One Hard Charger: Savannah Laflair 26th to 8th (+18) G&R Motorsports Newcomer Of The Race: Savannah Laflair (8th) Race City Roll-Offs Lap Leaders: Joey Scarborough (1-25) McGaffin Photography Power Five Finisher: Derrick McGrew Jr. Stone’s Pharmacy Hard Luck Award: Jon Miller
2026 CDRA POINTS PAYING EVENTS 04/17/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Shootout | Winner: Joey Scarborough 06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, 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, R&G 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.
04/02/26: Raelin Dunham turns laps at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during warm ups. She’ll be a NOTY contender during Season Three. (Photo By: Rocky Photography | RPW)
FONDA, NY – It’s not easy being the new driver in the field. Earning respect requires results fueled by effort, passion, and desire. For the incoming Newcomer Of The Year contenders chasing CDRA series hardware, their goals seem achievable. Show up, qualify, and finish every lap. If those goals are achieved they could vie for the L.D. Bossman and the NOTY this summer.
JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply has a pre-registered crop of NOTY contenders that declared their intent on racing full-time in 2026 with the tour by using the online driver registration tool. There’s plenty of info to dive into taking a look at these racers beginning with Lebanon Valley Speedway racer AJ Albreada.
This East Greenbush, NY racer was impressive in the valley of speed from his first green flag to his last checkered flag in 2025. He started the season winning two Limited races before moving up to Sportsman Modified where he had 13 top 10 finishes, 6 top 5 finishes, and a dub in 13 races. That landed him 7th in points, but if he ran a full season this talented shoe could’ve been on the podium.
Another NOTY contender from the valley of speed is young Cam VanZandt from Lee, MA. His schedule for 2026 is ambitious and includes racing at Albany-Saratoga, Lebanon Valley, DIRTcar tour, and CDRA. In 12 races last summer Cam had 11 top 10 finishes, 4 top 5’s, and 2 trips to victory lane. He’s young, hungry, and he’s not afraid of a challenge. Watch out for this kid.
Speaking of young guys who can park it as the kids say, keep an eye on Scotia, NY racer Bodie Marks. He’s another teen competitor with a stacked schedule for 2026 that also includes racing CDRA. He’ll contend for the NOTY and turned heads last season at Malta. In 16 races he had 14 top 10 finishes, 12 top 5’s, and 3 wins in Limited, and he was impressive in the Great Crate Classic.
Let’s stay at Albany-Saratoga for a moment and talk about one of the multiple lady racers who is not only moving up from Limited to Sportsman Modified, but challenging herself to the CDRA tour in 2026. We’re talking about Warrensburg, NY racer Jordan Hill. She had 11 top 10 finishes, 6 top 5’s, and a dub last season. Now, she’s ready to earn respect as not just a lady racer, but a racecar driver.
The buzz is real for Vermont racers coming to mix it up with CDRA’s finest starting with Salisbury, VT wheel man Brent Warren. He made it known he’s chasing the six-race tour through the Capital District while calling Albany-Saratoga his Friday night home. Last season in the green mountain state he had 6 top 10 finishes, 4 top 5’s, and a win. His first touring effort could land him the NOTY.
Bomoseen, VT racer Katrina Leclaire is ready to lead the lady contingent chasing CDRA hardware. She’s a fan favorite in the green mountain state who’s looking to make her name known in the Capital District. Last season she racked up 10 top 10 finishes, 8 top 5’s, and a win racing Saturday night weekly. Moving up to Sportsman Modified and touring for 2026 may result in a NOTY.
Another popular lady racer who will be a welcomed addition to CDRA is Queensbury, NY racer Raelin Dunham. Guiding her young career is Raelin’s father Paul Dunham Jr. who was a successful racer himself. She spent time last summer racing Novice, but instead of moving into Limited, which is another form of novice, she’s going Sportsman Modified touring and is plenty capable. Last summer she had 12 top 10 finishes, 8 top 5’s, and 2 wins finishing 4th in Saturday night points.
Last but not least, pre-registered racer from Gloversville, NY EJ Gallup is a NOTY contender. Gallup has a busy schedule preventing serious weekly commitment. He frequents Utica Rome and Glen Ridge, but a six-race series schedule suits him. Last season he entered a pair of CDRA events and scored two top 15 finishes. EJ has the skillset to vie for the NOTY honors in a stacked field.
More Newcomer Of The Year contenders may emerge as the season progresses this summer, but one thing is already certain; whomever claims the NOTY honors will have earned it. This will again be a storyline frequently talked about alongside the chase for the L.D. Bossman championship trophy. The most common advice for young racers or NOTY contenders; stick with it. Finish.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: The season starts April 17, 2026, at Albany-Saratoga Speedway for CDRA racers. 25 laps for $1,300 to win on Malta’s 61st season opener. Also, on the race card are Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds and DIRTcar Pro Stocks. Limited Sportsman drivers are welcome to attempt to qualify and race in the Spring Shootout.
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.
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 | Spring Shootout w/SDS Big Block Tour 06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, 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, 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.
03/27/26: Sportsman Modified competitors race off turn four at Lebanon Valley Speedway, home to CDRA Crown Jewel PPE Mr. Crate Track USA. (Photo By: Lucas Ballard | RPW)
FONDA, NY – The 2025 JAM Performance CDRA Racing Series points championship presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply has a new twist for Season Three with the addition of two ‘Crown Jewel’ points paying events for drivers chasing the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy in 2026.
CDRA Crown Jewel points paying events are races on the series schedule that will give drivers an opportunity to earn more points than in past seasons. While standard points awarded are 100 for the winner, 97 for second, and down by 1 point to last with 50 points awarded for DNS or DNQ competitors, Crown Jewel events are essentially double that.
Crown Jewel points paying events will be worth 200 points for the winner, 197 for second, and down by 1 point to last. Any competitor who does not qualify (DNQ) or is unable to start the main event (DNS) will be awarded 100 points.
“First, we must acknowledge that all tracks, Albany-Saratoga, Glen Ridge, and Lebanon are important to earning a series championship with CDRA,” competition director and series promoter Rob Hazer began.
He continued saying, “The main reason we made this distinction for 1/3 of our schedule was to have a heavier weighted race early in the season and one race weighted heavier at the back end of the season, with what we commonly call ‘the grind’ as the bulk of work competitors put in towards earning the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy.”
By structuring a pair of PPE’s to be worth essentially double the points, it creates a larger separation naturally between series regulars and other competitors. However, the point differential within the distribution of points remains the same whether the race is valued at 100 to win or 200 to win. This means either scale, it’s only 25 points between 1st and 24th. This keeps the point chase tight.
“While all races are important on our schedule and we value all tracks involved, there’s two races the drivers talk about most and we listen. They talk about winning Mr. Crate Track USA and they want that Malta Massive Weekend winners’ belt, which we titled the Great Crate Classic,” concluded Rob Hazer.
The first Crown Jewel PPE for CDRA Sportsman Modified is at Lebanon Valley Speedway on June 16, 2026, during the Mr. Dirt Track Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series night.
The second Crown Jewel PPE for CDRA Sportsman Modified takes place at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on September 25, 2026, during Malta Massive Weekend with the Great Crate Classic. This race is also a DIRTcar Championship Sportsman race with a talented field expected.
Challenging the racers and keeping fans engaged in the point battle storylines is what CDRA is all about, and the addition of a championship point scale for Crown Jewel PPE’s on the six-race tour schedule does just that. Whoever earns the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy named in honor of Malta’s late promoter Lyle DeVore, will have earned bragging rights as King Of The Capital District.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: The season starts April 17, 2026, at Albany-Saratoga Speedway for CDRA racers. 25 laps for $1,300 to win on Malta’s 61st season opener. Also, on the race card are Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds and DIRTcar Pro Stocks. Limited Sportsman drivers are welcome to attempt to qualify and race in the Spring Shootout.
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.
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 | Spring Shootout w/SDS Big Block Tour 06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, Herrington Farms LLC, J-Tees Screen Printing, Bill McGaffin Photo, Jann McGaffin Photography, Showstopper Designs & Photography, Saratoga Masonry Supply, Stone’s Pharmacy, 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.
03/23/26: Darryl Nutting (42), Connor Crane (711X), and Taylor Wason (07W) race for position during last season’s Spring Shootout opener. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2026)
FONDA, NY – Typically, Power Five is a feature of CDRA racing between points paying events that highlights top five drivers in championship point standings. This pre-season special offers something different looking at past, present, and future Sportsman Modified in preparation for the highly anticipated Season Three Spring Shootout points opener at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.
First up is a final look back at JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA final championship standings presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply from Season Two last summer. It was a David and Goliath battle between defending series champion Taylor Wason and perennial title contender Tim Hartman Jr. with some talented up and comers sprinkled in the mix.
Glenville, NY hot shoe Tim Hartman Jr. is having a career decade racing for car owner Mike Parillo. TH2 has amassed over 100 wins in the MRP owned machines with multiple manufacturers including Troyer, Bicknell, and DKM. Hartman scored two victories in route to his first CDRA series title in 2025 with his Kick Fly’s Quality Hemp Products, Bemiss Trucking, and Ideal Excavating ride.
Next up for last season’s Power Five was Middlegrove, NY racer and 2024 champion Taylor Wason. The ‘Middlegrove Missile’ put forth an impressive title defense last summer including recording his first series win coming at Glen Ridge. Wason used that victory to secure second place in final championship standings driving his Lenihan Paving, Lake Auto Parts, and HICO Fabrication mount.
Nick Brundige of Round Lake, NY went tour racing with CDRA in 2025 with his Capital District Towing, Miller Motorsports, and DE Designs 916 race rod. Nick earned the prestigious NOTY (Newcomer Of The Year) award, while finishing third place in championship point standings. It was an entertaining battle for position down to the final points paying event with Tavien Blowers.
Tavien Blowers of Caroga Lake, NY races hard and nearly grabbed his first series win at the Ridge. Blowers went Hoosier-to-Hoosier with DIRTcar Sportsman Modified heavy hitter Gavin Eisele finishing an exciting runner up in the East Series race and CDRA points paying event racing his O’Connor Towing, Miracle Ear, and New Image Lawn Care Mark O’Connor owned Bicknell.
Rounding out the Power Five from last season is Latham, NY racer Zach Buff. Buff has been a top racer with CDRA with the Ray Sefrin owned West End Towing & Repair, Buff’s Auto Service, and DIG Race Products Bicknell. Zach has a series win to his credit and four top five finishes. Last season he scored two finishes inside the top five leading him to remain in the title contender’s conversation.
Shifting gears, but staying with the Power Five theme, here’s a look at some drivers pre-registered declaring their intent to compete full-time with CDRA in 2026 that are not exactly newcomers.
Let’s start with Saratoga Springs, NY racer Michael Ballestero. He’s bringing his Stone’s Pharmacy, M&J Construction, and Generations Auto race rod on tour this season with CDRA and should contend for the title. After all Mike is one of the all-time winningest drivers at the great race place, and has five series starts to his credit. One of the Capital Districts seasoned competitors.
Next in title conversation looking to earn the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy is Canaan, CT big brother Chris Crane Jr. has already parked his Greenacres Landscaping, Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, and SABCO Performance Bicknell in CDRA victory lane twice including a Malta Massive Weekend Great Crate Classic win in 2024. Chris is a bonified title contender for Season Three.
Little brother Connor Crane, also from Canaan, CT may carry a similar look as big brother Chris, but ‘kid cushion’ has emerged a high side hustler and feature winner. Connor parked his race rocket in victory lane at Albany-Saratoga in 2025 during Malta Massive Weekend for a Great Crate Classic win of his own. He too could contend for a ticket to title town during Season Three.
Next driver to pre-register and declare their intent to compete full-time with CDRA in 2026 is none other than ‘Mikey Wags’ or as his momma named him, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald. The well-mannered soft-spoken kid from Gansevoort, NY was in the NOTY mix last season before missing a PPE. He has the skillset to compete with the best tour talents in the Capitaland for a title.
Last, but not least, for this group of five is none other than William August, more affectionately known to his peers as ‘nubz’. The seasoned racer has some time behind the wheel and experiences to quietly, or not, make some noise in his Electric City Taxi, GNC Trees, and Self Motorsports ride. If he pulls off the upset, there will be a party in Ballston Spa, NY for sure.
Now, this group of five is our NOTY contenders who have pre-registered through the website. There will be a full breakdown on these drivers in a future article, but for now let’s name five drivers who just might turn some heads during the 2026 CDRA season.
East Greenbush, NY racer AJ Albreada, Scotia, NY racer Bodie Marks, Whitting, VT racer Brent Warren, Gloversville, NY racer EJ Gallup, and Lee, MA racer Cam VanZandt are all top contenders to earn the NOTY in Season three. Some may even contend for the series title. There are more racers, and again an in depth look at the NOTY class of ’26 will be coming prior to the season opener.
There’s a lot of knowledge packed into this article about racers’ past, present, and future. More info is coming with our look ahead at the Newcomer Of The Year contenders. Earning the L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy for Season Three is shaping up to be the biggest and hardest Capital District Sportsman Modified challenge yet.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: The season starts April 17, 2026 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway for CDRA racers. 25 laps for $1,300 to win during Malta’s 61st season opener. Also, on the race card are Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds and DIRTcar Pro Stocks. Limited Sportsman drivers are welcome to attempt to qualify and race in the Spring Shootout.
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.
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 | Spring Shootout w/SDS Big Block Tour 06/16/26 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA w/SDS Big Block Tour 07/05/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 07/24/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 w/Stan Da’ Man Night 08/09/26 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge w/DIRTcar Sportsman Series 09/25/26 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Great Crate Classic w/SDS 358 Modified & DIRTcar Sportsman On Malta Massive Weekend
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, SD Marketing and Designs LLC, Herrington Farms LLC, J-Tees Screen Printing, Bill McGaffin Photo, Jann McGaffin Photography, Showstopper Designs & Photography, Saratoga Masonry Supply, Stone’s Pharmacy, 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.
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