Former Champion Taylor Wason Took Time To Talk CDRA Racing, Title Defenses, and Favorite Hobbies When Not Behind The Wheel Of His Sportsman Modified

01/10/26: Taylor Wason is preparing for CDRA Season Three. Pictured here on the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway. (Bill McGaffin Photo | CDRA)

MIDDLEGROVE, NY – Naysayers in motorsports are quick to judge these days, especially if a driver punches a ticket to title town without a trip to victory lane. Season One JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply champion Taylor Wason knows this all too well, but it was his title defense in Season Two that grew his fan base.

With CDRA series buzz growing, Wason knew defending his title would be no easy task with more Capital District racers joining the championship chase. He did, however, have a few goals to achieve in his title defense. Going Hoosier-to-Hoosier in a point tussle with a Sportsman Modified titan Tim Hartman Jr. was the story he needed for his growth as a competitor, a team, and a man.

Here’s a chat we had with Taylor about his Sophomore campaign on tour, his first series win, and just how he feels about those who throw shade at the ‘Middlegrove Missile’.

CDRA: Taylor, let’s start by reflecting on your Season Two efforts. Can you reflect a little on how you feel you and your team defended your title?

TW: “I feel we did alright defending our Season One title during Season Two (2025). We just didn’t execute a few nights when we needed to, and it hurt us.”

CDRA: Since you touched on what you feel hurt your title defense efforts, what part of the season stood out to you? Either good or bad.

TW: “I’d say our first race stood out to me. The way we overcame adversity from a bad pill draw, to running the LCQ, to climbing through the field to finish 14th after starting 22nd showed the strength of our team. Of course, on the good side our win at Glen Ridge stood out. Those are the results we expect at this point.”

CDRA: Getting that first tour win took a bit of time, but it had to feel good. Tell us, what did you learn while defending your title that helped you grow as a driver?

TW: “Honestly this past season taught me patience and overcoming adversity. It taught me no matter what, keep my nose to the grindstone. Keep working, and keep grinding on and off track. It’s a lesson you can apply to racing, and in life.”

CDRA: Since we’re talking about growth, maybe elaborate for us a little on how you’ve grown since you started racing open wheel Sportsman Modified back in 2019? We can imagine you’ve grown on and off the track acquiring knowledge and honing skills?

TW: “Absolutely. Since we started back then (2019) we’ve come a long way as a team. We’ve consumed a lot of knowledge to apply to the racecar that I can use to help me on the track. That and seat time. And it was a huge learning curve switching to coils. Just learning what all the adjustments mean and how they’ll effect the car all plays into making my job behind the wheel easier.”

CDRA: It’s fantastic to hear young racers learning and learning the right way. Which brings us to the question, as one of CDRA’s top performing racers over two seasons with a title and a win under your belt and now a three-time Honors award winner, what goals have you and the team set for Season Three in 2026?

TW: “We’re going to keep grinding. Keep learning. We want to continue learning and growing as a team and myself as a driver. This will make sure we’re competitive every time we unload at the tracks.”

CDRA: And to the naysayers? The ones who said you couldn’t do it, won’t do it, or shouldn’t do it? How does Taylor Wason shut that noise out? It can get overwhelming at times for racers, especially young guys.

TW: “Truthfully, the opportunity to prove them wrong motivates me. Anyone who has ever thought less of me as a racer, or put me down drives me to succeed. From teachers, to classmates, to peers, just any doubters really. Keep telling me I can’t, and I will show that I can.”

CDRA: That’s deep thinking, but enough ‘shop talk’ tell us what entertains Taylor Wason off track when he’s not slapping clay in the Capital District?

TW: “When I’m not in the shop or racing, I enjoy some I-Racing. There’s also work. That never stops.”

Wason has the tools, skillset, and support through family and fans to continue his drive towards the level of success that creates envy in others. He defended his championship valiantly before ultimately ended up 2nd in final points to multi-time feature winner and track champion Tim Hartman Jr. Watch for the Lenihan Paving Bicknell Racing Chassis 07w during Season Three.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Coming soon we have a special chat with CDRA Season Two (2025) champion Tim Hartman Jr. Also, fans should eagerly await the release of Season Three points paying schedule.

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 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.

Official Primary CDRA Marketing Partners For 2026 include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance & Consulting, 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, 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, and Race New York.

Official CDRA Point Paying Race Titles For 2026 Include: 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.

Tim Hartman Jr., Nick Brundige, Connor Crane, Taylor Wason, Tavien Blowers, Zach Buff, and Chris Crane Jr. Earn Season Two CDRA Racing Honors

12/23/25: Tim Hartman Jr. pictured here at Lebanon Valley for Mr. Crate Track USA led all CDRA honor award recipients with two this year earning the points championship and DOTY. (Bill McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)

FONDA, NY – On Friday December 19th the JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA Racing Series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply released a full list of Season Two (2025) Honors award recipients led by points champion and Driver Of The Year Tim Hartman Jr.

CDRA believes for any honor or award to hold prestige and value, it must be limited in availability. For racers competing on tour, this follows the theme considering points are at a premium each event as the schedule only consists of six races per season. This means honors are well earned.

Glenville, NY racer Tim Hartman Jr. closed out Season Two with a pair of honors. Of course he earned the points championship, but TH2 was also named CDRA racing Driver Of The Year. This makes Tim a three-time award winner and currently the all-time leader in wins with four.

Round Lake, NY racer Nick Brundige has arguably his best season to date. For the first time in his young career, he toured the Capital District with CDRA where he earned Newcomer Of The Year honors. His best tour finish to date is 4th and the NOTY is his first series honor.

Outstanding Performance Of The Year stayed with the 711 Racing team and Crane family, after Connor Crane was awarded the honor for his exciting win during Malta Massive Weekend in the Great Crate Race. For ‘kid cushion’ it was his first series award where he finished 6th in points.

Season One series champion Taylor Wason from Middle Grove, NY continues to earn notoriety through his CDRA racing efforts. Wason defended his title valiantly in Season Two and earned his first tour win. He was voted by the fans as Fan Favorite Of The Year, his third series honor overall.

Final Honors for CDRA to award were honorable mentions for racers with solid performances finishing top ten in final points. Those drivers included Caroga Lake, NY driver Tavien Blowers, Latham, NY racer Zach Buff, and Canaan, CT young gun Chris Crane Jr.

Tavien Blowers finished 4th in point after a spirited battle with NOTY winner Nick Brundige. He had an impressive runner up finish nearly winning the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series and CDRA points paying race at Glen Ridge in early August.

Zach Buff has been top five in final CDRA points for two consecutive seasons. He even has a tour win to his credit. The multi-time track champion and DIRTcar Sportsman Modified winner earned his second CDRA honor when named Notable Mention for Season Two.

Chris Crane Jr. had one of those character-building seasons. He overcame adversity multiple times this season at his weekly stomping grounds in Malta on Friday nights, which included three CDRA points paying races. It was enough to earn him 7th in final points and his second series honor.

“I’m proud of all drivers this season who competed for CDRA series points. We had regulars, notable mentions, and some invaders who all did well. The top ten in final standings is where we usually find our honors award winners and this year we had a solid group who earned the notoriety,” said competition director Rob Hazer.

UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Coming up for CDRA racing is a pair of articles written about drivers that fans might know. A special on former CDRA champion Taylor Wason and a special on current and defending CDRA champion Tim Hartman Jr. Also, fans should eagerly await the release of Season Three points paying schedule.

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 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).

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.

Season Two Title Chase To Pay Handsomely; Begins At Albany Saratoga Speedway

1/9/25: Joey Bruning (24), Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald (88), and Dominic Roselli (80) race for position during Jam Performance CDRA presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply Malta Massive Weekend points paying race. (Bill McGaffin Photo / CDRA)

FONDA, NY – Season Two of the JAM Performance CDRA Racing Series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply is full throttle into 2025 with a big leap in payouts to the top 10 final point drivers including $2,025 to the champion. The schedule for this coming season starts and finishes at the great race place, Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

It would be an understatement to note that Chris Reckner and his father before him have done so much to give back to the Capital District racing community. Elmo, the innovator of the speed supply business passed the proprietor torch to Chris to travel the country with his wife in retirement. Chris expanded the business to include the wildly successful JAM Performance and consulting.

JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply are both located at 861 Saratoga Road, in Burnt Hills NY. Elmo’s offers quality new or used parts up to and including race ready rolling race rods. JAM Performance and Consulting is known for their winning formula of suspension components, setups, and service that gives drivers the victorious edge.

So, how did JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply help CDRA make season two bigger and better? In 2025 they’ve made it possible for CDRA to offer a healthy $2,025 to the champion of the six-race series. That’s not all. They also made it possible to reward 5th in points $425 and 10th in points $250. Surely one can imagine what the other final point spots are valued at.

“I’m still recovering from a pretty serious health scare that took me off my feet for nearly six months, so I struck up a conversation with Chris (Reckner). He asked about CDRA and dropped a number. It took me by surprise. He already does so much for projects I work on it just meant a lot he believes in it that much. Can’t thank him and everyone at Elmo’s and JAM enough,” said Rob Hazer.

To go along with that information bomb, CDRA also proudly announced this week that Season Two (2025) will start and conclude at Albany-Saratoga Speedway with a possible third series points paying race during the summer months at the great race place.

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 will be a CDRA points paying event at the great race place as part of the great race place 60th Season Celebratory Kickoff featuring the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds!

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 will also be a CDRA points paying race, as once again we take part in celebrating Albany-Saratoga Speedway’s racing season with Malta Massive Weekend. The event features the SDS Big Block Series for their 2nd appearance, as well as DIRTcar Racing 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks!

“I was glad to have a chance to talk to Lyle (DeVore) about racing. He was enthusiastic about my idea to begin and end the CDRA season at Albany-Saratoga. We might even be able to swing a third race at Malta, which is awesome. Good to chat with the boss man and have his well wishes and support,” concluded Rob Hazer.

The full top 10 final points payout will be listed on the CDRA website under the rules section. Rules will remain the same for Season Two (2025) with the exception of adding a driver eligibility/attendance amendment to earn point fun monies. It will be posted on the website.

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.

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

2025 CDRA Racing Series Schedule

Friday, April 18, 2025 | Albany Saratoga Speedway | Malta, NY

60TH SEASON KICKOFF CELEBRATION WITH SUPER DIRTcar SERIES BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS

Friday, September 19, 2025 | Albany Saratoga Speedway | Malta, NY
MALTA MASSIVE WEEKEND NIGHT ONE

CDRA is brought to you by marketing partners that include Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply, Fox Racing Shox, Finish Line Designs, Full Throttle R/C Raceway, Hazilla Brands, DIRTcar Racing, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, GM Performance 602 Crate Engines, McGaffin Family Photography, and Final Reward Trophies. Any information shared about participating Capital District tracks is obtained via website, social media, and/or track press. Information including but not limited to winners share, formats, laps, sponsors, or schedule dates are subject to change. Thank you for supporting the Capital District Racing Association.

Wason Earns Capital District Racing Association Season One Points Championship And Punches Ticket To Title Town

12/16/24: Taylor Wason turning hot laps at Albany-Saratoga Speedway where he calls home on Friday Nights. (Photo Obtained From Wason Racing Page)

FONDA, NY – Taylor Wason may not be a household name in Sportsman Modified racing, yet. He didn’t even park in victory lane during JAM Performance CDRA season one points chase presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply. Instead, the young racer from Middlegrove, NY used consistency as his advantage to earn a trip to Capital District title town.

Wason did something unique in winning a championship without visiting victory lane. He had a trio of top five finishes, four top 10’s, which included back-to-back podium finishes at Albany-Saratoga and Glen Ridge. To top off his JAM Performance CDRA season, Taylor Wason didn’t shy away from the ‘Valley Swng’ and accepted the challenge of the high banks finishing 14th respectively.

Once the final points were tallied, Wason was atop the leaderboard with his Lenihan Paving-Lake Auto Parts 07w Bicknell racing chassis. The announcement he won the title was a relief to the champ, as he wasn’t sure how rewarding his season was.

“When I found out we won the CDRA championship it honestly was relieving. We went winless all season and felt there was nothing to show for our efforts, but we were consistent enough in speed to secure the points championship without a win,” said Taylor Wason.

So, what do we know about the kid who battled with Cody Ochs for the title right down to Malta Massive Weekend? Well, he began racing open wheel Sportsman Modified in 2019 in the Limited Sportsman where he visited victory lane at both Malta and the Ridge. He moved up in 2023 where he again found victory lane at the great race place in his rookie season.

“When I won at Malta in 2023, my rookie season, it felt great. Beating to of the best Sportsman drivers in the area gave us confidence we could compete at a high level,” continued Wason.

Wason owes it to his dad and sister for getting him hooked on dirt track racing where he’s grown to be quite the fan of dirt Modified racer Stewart Friesen and wheelman extraordinaire Kyle Larson.

While he enjoys the diversity of tracks like Albany-Saratoga, Lebanon Valley, and Airborne, it’s the Ridge that suits him. Don’t take our word for it, just ask the champ.

“I feel like I do the best at Glen Ridge. With the amount of laps I’ve turned there, and the short track being up on the wheel all the time, it fits my driving style best,” said Wason.

Taylor Wason has a bright future ahead of him. He’s only raced regular Sportsman Modified for a short time and he already has feature wins and a CDRA Season One series championship to his credit. He’ll be the first to say he didn’t do it alone and he had some people to thank.

“I can’t thank my mom and dad enough. They’ve done so much for me and none of this would be remotely possible without them,” Wason said.

He concluded by saying, “I of course have to thank all my fans and sponsors for their support also. Elmo’s Speed Supply, Lenihan Paving, Lake Auto Parts, Fastenal, Express Employment, HICO Fabrication, Gene’s Lawncare, Heaven Sent Lawn Service, Carbs By Ray, and Walsh Construction are great marketing partners.”

Wason made it clear he intends to defend his JAM Performance CDRA Racing title presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply in 2025. The champ is coming full speed into season two, and looks to top the Capital District Sportsman Modified driver pool again. Congratulations to Taylor and the entire Wason Racing team on a championship 2024 season.

CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to the CVRA days. A series designed specifically for Capital District racing. Six races make up a diverse schedule at storied dirt tracks to crown a champion. Are you brave enough to live life on the ridge, battle at the great race place, and tame the valley of speed? The drivers who do 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 follow.

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

𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝟭𝟬 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗖𝗗𝗥𝗔 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦
POS # Driver Hometown TOTAL
1 07 Taylor Wason Middlegrove, NY 482
2 33 Cody Ochs* Rensselaer, NY 391
3 01 Zach Buff* Latham, NY 379
4 24B Brendan Gibbons Amsterdam, NY 365
5 12B Tyler Bobar Ft. Plain, NY 318
6 22 Tim Hartman Jr** Glenville, NY 307
7 711 Chris Crane Jr** Canaan, CT 304
8 89 Dylan Madsen Spencertown, NY 292
9 98 Craig Wholey Bolton Landing, NY 282
10 43 Tavien Blowers Caroga Lake, NY 277

JAM Performance Rewarding CDRA Champion and More For 2024 Racing Season

05/06/24: Competitors Car Gets The Full JAM Experience Prior To Competition At Albany-Saratoga Speedway. (Elmo’s Speed Supply Photo)

FONDA, NY – JAM Performance, a division of Elmo’s Speed Supply, has quickly become known for their winning formula of suspension components, setups, and service. Proprietor Chris Reckner is also known for his generous support of racing in the Capital District including CDRA racers.

JAM Performance is an authorized Fox Shock distributor and repair center. They continue to develop improved quality and durability to their already successful combination of suspension components. They’ve proven victorious with multiple drivers taking a smooth ride to victory lane.

“We’ve been hard at work doing what we need to build, repair, and service the growing JAM Performance customer base. Shocks can be dropped off at the shop or shipped to us for service,” said Chris Reckner, owner, and proprietor of Elmo’s Speed Supply.

JAM Performance has an ace in the hole named Andrew Buff. He’s a winner, champion, and proven shock fanatic. He’s been a big part of Elmo’s Speed Supply and JAM Performance since Reckner brought him on full-time at the speed shop during the summer of 2022. Shocks, setups, seminars, and swap meets; Chris, Andrew, Carter, and crew cover it all.

“Having Andrew here to help has been great. The kid has been helping with a variety of services we offer including scaling cars, setup advice, general maintenance, and can be available to our customers with just a phone call,” Reckner commented.

JAM Performance in conjunction with Elmo’s Speed Supply is offering a bounty of cash to the podium finishers in 2024 CDRA point standings. Champion to receive $1,500, second $1,000, and third $500 in a program called ‘Driver Direct’ where the series builds a relationship directly between driver earning monetary rewards and the sponsor who offered it.

“Chris does a lot for racing in the Capital District and beyond. He services customers at all tracks involved plus many more. He’s a good dude and when I chatted with him, he was enthusiastic and on board immediately. It made my job easier. I appreciate him,” said CDRA competition director Rob Hazer.

JAM Performance and Elmo’s Speed Supply are located at 861 Saratoga Road, Burnt Hills NY and can be contacted during regular business hours by phone at 518-429-4746. They also have a solid Social Media presence on Facebook and can also be emailed at creckner17@gmail.com. Their tagline says it all; what does your speed shop do for you?

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 follow.

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

2024 CDRA Racing Series Schedule
Race #1 – May 19, 2024 (Glen Ridge) – DIRTcar East Sportsman Event
Race #2 – June 25, 2024 (Albany Saratoga) – Don Davies Memorial Night
Race #3 – July 28, 2024 (Glen Ridge) – Hall Of Fame Classic Night
Race #4 – August 17, 2024 (Lebanon Valley) – Halloween Night
Race #5 – August 31, 2024 (Lebanon Valley) – Mr. Dirt Track USA Night
Race #6 – September 20, 2024 (Albany Saratoga) – Malta Massive Weekend

CDRA is brought to you by marketing partners that include Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, JAM Performance, Elmo’s Speed Supply, Fox Racing Shox, Finish Line Designs, Full Throttle R/C Raceway, Hazilla, DIRTcar Racing, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, and GM Performance 602 Crate Engines. Any information shared about participating Capital District tracks is obtained via website, social media, and/or track press. Information including but not limited to winners share, formats, laps, sponsors, or schedule dates are subject to change. Thank you for supporting Capital District Racing Association.

Jack Johnson Was A Larger Than Life Dirt Racing Icon; His Passing Brings Memories For Many Of His Fans Including Myself

May You Find Comfort In Knowing You Weren’t Preparing For The Heavens, They Were Preparing For You. Rest In Peace Jack.

April 2, 2021 – Fonda, NY – Blog By Rob Hazer: When I was told Jack Johnson, my childhood hero, and favorite racer from Albany-Saratoga and Fonda Speedways’ had passed away last night I found myself in a weird place. I was oddly relieved he would no longer have to endure such an intrusive disease. I was sad that a man who was not only an icon of the sport, but to me a good person in every interaction we had over the years had moved on to the big dirt circle in the sky. Finally, joyful as I spoke with his brother Jeff about memories. We all have them of Jack. I’ll share my favorite two. Bear with me.

Let’s start with the photo. It’s not the familiar orange 12A, because Jack had a storied career and many car owners. This is the Jake Spraker 1J. Shit the photo isn’t even taken at Malta or Fonda, where Jack had more career wins and track titles than most drivers will have career starts. Sadly, I have no clue who even took it, but look at the blue sky with the clouds in the background. It is heavenly, and fitting for my final farewell to my families’ favorite Modified racer.

When I was a kid Jumpin’ Jack Johnson was already a household name. Fast forward to my ‘mainstream racing media’ days and every single time I wanted to talk with Jack on the radio or interview him for an article he’d smile and say, “sure thing Haze.” I mean to be writing about a driver whom you played with replica cars of his in the driveway dirt, was surreal. But you’d never know it. Jack was so down to earth. He knew he was good. How could he not, but he never EVER in my lifetime was anything short of humble.

FIRST STORY: So, there I was at Albany-Saratoga getting ready to ask Jack what song he’d like on his driver profile video I was making for him and the Speed Zone website back in like 2007. As I approached, he was standing there leaned up against the fence by pit road entrance from the track. Looking dapper in his professional driver suit, silver hair flowing, sunglasses on, all while watching Sportsman hot laps. My initial thought was why is an multi-time track champion watching Sportsman hot laps? But, who am I to question a living legend right?

I also couldn’t help but notice the swagger in which he stood. His arms crossed, poised, with almost a sinister grin as if he knew he was visiting victory lane later that evening. It struck a thought in my mind i’ll never forget; this is by far THE COOLEST driver in dirt track racing. Nobody had that kind of swagger radiating off them while quietly watching a support division turn warm up laps. I shook the star struck look off my face and said, “hey Jumper what’s good guy? What do you see out there?”

He responded, “Hey Haze. How are you doing? You see that cushion, it could be a problem, but if you run just above it, that’s where you can go fast.”

For real? Dude was studying the track during hot laps. Not just a teacher, but a true student of the sport even after all his success. That’s what separated Jack from most others. I asked him what song he wanted for his video and he smiled and said, “that song about riding a cowboy and saving a horse. I like that song.” So be it Jumper, so be it.

SECOND STORY: Among the many memories I have over my career in motorsports coverage of Malta and Fonda, was the time Jack was in full fight mode with ALS. Roughly 2015ish. That old timer was tough as nails and didn’t let the disease define him. Under Matt DeLorenzo’s promotional leadership along with a lot of help from John Lakata, the Jack Johnson tribute race took on the larger-than-life persona of the man it was honoring.

There were so many people at the track and as I looked across from my little handicapper’s booth on the infield by the scales at the time. I was thankful to ‘Matty D’ and proud to be a small part of it. I also had never seen so much orange in one place at one time in my life. Stewart Friesen had a Jack Johnson throwback scheme, AJ Romano had Jack’s face on the side of his car, and the trophy had a bust of Jack on it. The entire thing was probably the most well put together special event I’ve ever seen in tribute to any Dirt Modified driver.

Well, after the track gave Jack’s son Ronnie a plaque during an emotional ceremony on victory lane everyone in attendance received and emotional yet exhilarating surprise. On the loudspeaker system you heard Jack Johnson himself. He thanked everyone for being there, for the support, and thanked DeLorenzo and Lakata for their efforts in putting the race together. And then, in one electrifying moment Jack gave the command, “Start Em’ Up!”

Fucking goosebumps! The place erupted into a deafening applause and the rest was racing history. The fact Jack was able to kick his ALS to the curb long enough to give his fans one final jolt of Jumper magic was amazing. I’m thankful I was able to be in attendance for that moment. Hearing about it is cool, but being there to experience it was a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Anyone who knew Jack has memories. If you ever interacted with him, served as crew on his race team, or as I did on occasion just sat in the shop and watched racing DVDs with him, you’d know he was a gentle giant among men. He’d tell stories about JoJo being locked in an enclosed hauler and Ronnie would tell tales of the trophy collection he has that belongs to his hall-of-fame father. A proud moment for Jack was celebrating RJ’s track title at Fonda in 2011, and I was glad to be there for that moment in time as well. Every memory in my time spent with Jack, Ronnie, Shelly, Nikki, Jeff, JoJo, Harold, Nat, just all of them are special to me from my racing experience.

As I concluded my call with Jeff Johnson last night, I still had those mixed emotions, but I told him with a chuckle, “Welp, every Fonda driver who passed before him just started tuning their heavenly powered Modifieds a little better with that nervous look in their eye. Jumpin’ Jack just rolled through the pearly gates.

Jeff replied, “And JoJo already has the car idling for him.”

My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff, Ronnie, Natalie, Shelly, Niki, and the entire Johnson family as they wish Jack one final farewell. It won’t be easy, but I hope you understand you all will forever have my admiration and my respect for what your family has done for our sport, starting for me when I was a just a kid cheering for my mother’s favorite Modified champion who she called Jumpin’ Jack Johnson.

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