
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.
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.
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 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.









