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.
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.
01/05/26: Limited Sportsman standout lady racer Jordan Hill turning qualifying laps at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during Malta Massive Weekend. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA)
FONDA, NY – What if, and it’s just an idea to grow exposure for racers at this point, but what if CDRA grew a little for Season Three and beyond? It’s believed there’s an opportunity, a reason, and a goal to do just that with Limited Sportsman racers.
CDRA Limited Sportsman Series basic concept: 3 tracks, 3 races, 1 champion. 100% participation required for any point fund eligibility and strict driver eligibility rules geared towards the spirit of the division and its intent.
Opportunities: For CDRA, there’s the opportunity to feature more racers from the Capital District, all be it on a smaller scale with Limited Sportsman. For drivers, there’s an opportunity to grow through the process of ‘series’ experience, gaining knowledge, and eventually becoming competitive Sportsman Modified teams.
Reason: There is an interest and/or almost demand for further recognition of future Sportsman Modified stars coming through the ranks. With each participating track already offering a healthy Limited Sportsman division, we could help offer that recognition and publicity as Capital District racers progress.
Goal: Our goal would be to offer a ‘Limited’ version of our Sportsman Modified series working with our friends and partners at JAM and ELMO to educate, and grow drivers’ knowledge and notebooks. Hopefully this would lead to drivers being confident and comfortable enough to move up to join the Sportsman Modified division.
There is nothing set in stone yet. CDRA is just looking for feedback from Limited Sportsman racers. Contact us with any questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
12/09/25: Home of Elmo’s Speed Supply and JAM Performance & Consulting located at 861 Saratoga Road, in Burnt Hills NY. (Chris Reckner Photo | CDRA 2025)
FONDA, NY – Last season the opportunity for Capital District Sportsman Modified racers to earn notoriety and point funds for just six races with CDRA was met with optimism. So, it’s only fitting to run it back for Season Three (2026) thanks to JAM Performance & Consulting and Elmo’s Speed Supply.
Through their passion and dedication to dirt track racing in the Capital District and beyond, Chris Reckner, his wife Colleen, and the entire staff at JAM Performance & Consulting and Elmo’s Speed Supply have been in position to give back to the racing community that supports them.
With JAM Performance & Consulting, Chris along with his ace shock guru Carter Buff have continued to provide reputable race winning shock packages for drivers. They master in the arts of Fox Racing Shocks while being an official dealer and repair facility specializing in dirt track racing applications. JAM is well known for their winning formula of suspension components, setups, and service.
Elmo’s Speed Supply gave racers an outlet to get quality used, not used up, parts to keep them on track. They have grown to now offer used parts, new parts, body kits, chassis, Mad Skins, and everything else up to and including rolling race rods. They’re small enough to give racers 1-on-1 care, but large enough to deliver winning results.
Both JAM Performance & Consulting and Elmo’s Speed Supply are located at 861 Saratoga Road, in Burnt Hills NY and can be reached by phone, text, or through their social channels.
In 2026 the CDRA series champion will earn a smooth $2,026 for his or her title efforts. The remainder of the top 10 goes as follows: 2) $1,000, 3) $700, 4) $450, 5) $425, 6) $400, 7) $350, 8) $325, 9) $300, 10) $250. Driver eligibility and attendance policy will again be in effect where a driver can only miss one points paying race and remain point fund eligible.
“It’s humbling to have the support from Chris and company for this project. He believes in what we’re doing and his partnership is valuable. We’re always bouncing ideas off one another and seeing what we can do to improve rewards for full-time series competitors and what avenues we can explore to grow future tour racers,” said competition director Rob Hazer.
He concluded by saying, “Only thing for us to do now is close out 2025 with our annual awards. I’ve got some catching up to do on those and awards are coming in the future from TC Creations for Season One and Season Two. Then, once the schedules drop for Albany-Saratoga, Glen Ridge, and Lebanon Valley we can see how our summer schedule will shape up.”
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Coming up on December 19, 2025, the CDRA Honors will be revealed that includes all Season Two (2025) award winners. CDRA Honors also recognizes the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
10/11/25: Derrick McGrew Jr. of Ballston Spa, NY charged from 18th to 5th at Super Dirt Week 53 in the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman fall championship. He led all CDRA regulars and notable mentions. (Bill McGaffin Photo | RPW 2025)
OSWEGO, NY – Of all Capital District racers to qualify for the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman championship race at Super Dirt Week 53, it was Ballston Spa, NY racer Derrick McGrew Jr. whose talent light shined bright. McGrew led all CDRA regulars and notable mentions with an impressive fifth place finish when the checkered flag flew.
McGrew Jr. started his qualifying week off just 64th on the speed charts after practice with a lap time of 22.906. His team, led by his championship and multiple-feature winning father Derrick Sr., went to work to find speed in the Next Generation Roofing, West End Towing & Repair, and Herron Realty number 26 Bicknell Racing Chassis.
The young gun was able to find that speed and begin his trend forward by timing 8th overall in his time trial group, which featured some heavy hitting Sportsman Modified competitors such as Chad Edwards, Jessica Power, Mike Fowler, Brett Sears, and Donovan Lussier to mention a few.
Speaking of Canadian racer Donovan Lussier, Derrick McGrew Jr. would find himself in the pits early during his 15-lap qualifying event after inadvertent contact with Lussier resulted in attention required by the 26 crew. He’d return to the speedway and charge to a fifth-place finish locking McGrew into the 18th starting position for the Great Lakes 75.
Patience was key for young McGrew. With multiple wins to his credit in 2025, the CDRA notable mention had 75 laps to make his mark on Super Dirt Week, and he did just that. Starting 18th, he’d methodically begin hustling the high side and dodging accidents on his way forward. He’d even find himself in a wildly entertaining race with the DIRTcar Sportsman series point leader Shane Pecore.
After a spirited run past 13 other competitors, McGrew crossed the finish line solidly in 5th. Tops of all Capital District racers at Super Dirt Week 53 and leading all CDRA regulars and notable mentions. A valiant effort and another top five finish in the Great Lakes 75 for the Ballston Spa, NY racer who is a chip off the old block.
Hopes were high for Zach Buff who started on the pole, but never really seemed to capture the setup for the 75-lap main event. An uncharacteristically struggle-filled performance saw Buff slide back to finish 12th. Tough day at the office for the Glen Ridge track champion.
Chris Crane Jr. out of Canaan, CT was the only other CDRA regular or notable mention to qualify for the Great Lakes 75. Crane started 25th and was looking at cracking the top 15 before an unfortunate accident that started ahead of him sent him to the pits. He’d return and manage to finish 24th place.
For little brother Connor ‘kid cushion’ Crane, and fellow CDRA regulars and notable mentions Tavien Blowers and Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, they sadly missed the cut and were not qualified to run the Great Lakes 75. Next year expect them to come back with a notebook and fierce determination to qualify at Super Dirt Week.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to 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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
10/10/25: Zach Buff continues to impress at Super Dirt Week 53. CDRA regular has won the pole and his qualifier ahead of the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman event. (Bill McGaffin Photo | RPW 2025)
OSWEGO, NY – Five Sportsman Modified racers from the Capital District have locked into the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman Championship race today at Super Dirt Week 53 in Oswego, NY. Of those drivers two are CDRA regulars and notable mentions. Zach Buff is the SRI Performance and Stock Car Steel Aluminum pole sitter and Derrick McGrew Jr. will start 18th.
Short and sweet, Zach Buff is having a dream week at the Clay Palace. The Amsterdam, NY racer set DIRTcar Sportsman chat on fire after earning the SRI Performance/Stock Car Steel and Aluminum pole award for today’s Great Lakes 75 championship race. He backed that up by storming to a 15-lap qualifier win.
Derrick McGrew Jr. led CDRA notable mentions following Thursday night qualifiers. The Ballston Spa, NY racer started his 15-lap qualifying event in trouble after inadvertent contact with Donovan Lussier sent him to the pits. He rejoined the field and raced his way to a 5th place finish earning the 18th starting spot in the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman championship event on Saturday.
Chris Crane Jr. will lead the charge of CDRA regulars and notables attempting to make the big show through the last chance qualifiers today. The Canaan, CT racer will be joined in LCS action by little brother Connor, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, and Tavien Blowers. All of these drivers will be looking to transfer to the main 75-lap event.
Next up for CDRA racers at Super Dirt Week 53 after LCS races will be the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship. A crown jewel for the Sportsman Modified teams and a victory would catapult someone to another level.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to 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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
10/09/25: Zach Buff led all CDRA regulars and notable mentions in qualifying at Super Dirt Week 53. (Bill McGaffin Photo | RPW 2025)
OSWEGO, NY – For the first time in his Sportsman Modified racing career Zach Buff will lead the field to green Saturday at the Clay Palace in Oswego, NY to start the Great Lakes 75 DIRTcar championship event. He bested 83 fellow competitors to earn the SRI Performance and Stock Car Steel Aluminum pole award.
The Latham, NY racer led the charge for CDRA regulars and notable mentions attempting to qualify for the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified portion of Super Dirt Week 53. Buff, a series regular, and Capital District winner and track champion, has multiple top five finishes and a win to his credit in CDRA points paying races.
Buff went to work with his pops to find speed in his West End Towing & Repair 01 Bicknell Racing Chassis after showing up 39th on the speed charts after practice. Find speed they did indeed, as he ripped the lip for a lap time of 23.071 and topping the head-to-head Super Six round to end qualifying as the mark to beat. I guess one could say, Buff had the right stuff.
“You really have to work hard and come here with the best you’ve got. Everything has to be perfect on these cars if you want to run up front. Me and my dad have been in the shop nonstop trying to find the speed we’re looking for, and it looks like we finally did,” said Buff in an interview with DIRTVisions Rich Vleck.
Next up for CDRA racers at Super Dirt Week 53 would be the Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment 711 of Chris Crane Jr. from Canaan, CT. Junior has multiple top five finishes and two points paying wins to his credit in CDRA action, and found himself 13th on the speed charts after practice. He would improve to 10th in time trial group one with a time of 23.624.
Little bro Connor Crane, also from Canaan, CT, was next up for CDRA notable mentions after clocking in 11th in group three with a time of 23.645. A significant improvement from practice where he found himself 22nd on the speed charts. Connor wowed the Malta, NY crowd with a slide job clinic during Massive Weekend for a Great Crate Classic victory for kid cushion.
Ballston Spa, NY racer and CDRA notable mention Derrick McGrew Jr. was deep on the speed charts after practice in 64th, but vastly improved during time trial group two to earn 8th fastest with a time of 23.734. McGrew, a viable title contender, has multiple top 10 finishes in CDRA points paying races to his credit.
Gansevoort, NY racer Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald found himself roughly mid-pack after practice on the speed charts, but did improve a bit to earn 12th fastest in time trial group one with a lap time of 23.880. Mikey Waggs was in the hunt for the Season Two (2025) title and NOTY honor until missing a pair of mid-season races. Good kid and notable mention without a doubt.
CDRA regular Tavien Blowers of Caroga Lake, NY has struggled to find speed at Super Dirt Week. He’s a resilient competitor with drive and determination to improve, so after being buried deep in practice on the speed charts he picked up the pace a bit to land 16th in time trial group three with a lap time of 23.887. If Blowers could find half a second of speed, he’d be in the top 10.
Practice and time trials are complete for the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified at Super Dirt Week 53. The ‘Super Six’ are locked in and part of the field is set. Next we’ll report on how these Capital District racers fair during qualifying events. Continued well wishes and good luck to all Capitaland racers at Super Dirt Week.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to 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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
10/6/25: Chris Crane Jr., who has 2 CDRA wins to his credit, is at Super Dirt Week 53 looking to win another crown jewel event for Sportsman Modifieds. (Bill McGaffin Photo | RPW 2025)
OSWEGO, NY – While the points season has concluded for Sportsman Modified competitors in the JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA racing presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply, the ‘post-season’ racing is getting good. This week the Clay Palace hosts Super Dirt Week 53 where a handful of series regulars chase a Northeast dirt racing crown jewel.
Whenever possible CDRA tries to work in conjunction with DIRTcar Sportsman Modified events at the Ridge, the Valley, or the Great Race Place. These races, which double as points paying races for CDRA, typically highlight the season schedule for competitors in the Sportsman division with all roads leading to Super Dirt Week.
For Super Dirt Week 53 a six-pack of drivers considered CDRA regulars or notable mentions have taken to the Clay Palace chasing a career defining victory. Those drivers include series regulars Tavien Blowers and Zach Buff, along with series notable mentions Chris Crane Jr., Connor Crane, Derrick McGrew Jr., and Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald. All top 10 in final CDRA points in 2025.
Zach Buff from Latham, NY has earned top five finishes in final point standings two consecutive seasons of CDRA racing. His best finish was a win during Season One (2024) at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park in the Montgomery County Brawl. Buff is a track champion, DIRTcar series champion, CDRA series title contender, and rolls into Super Dirt Week looking for a dub.
Canaan, CT racer Chris Crane Jr. is a notable mention. He’s yet to compete with full-time status with CDRA, but has run roughly 75% of scheduled races. In doing so, Crane Jr. has found himself top 10 in final point standings in both Season One (2024) and Season Two (2025). Crane also has two CDRA wins to his credit. A versatile young racer looking for another massive win.
Chris’s little brother Connor Crane, also from Canaan, CT roared into 2025 hustling the high side so well, he earned the nickname ‘Kid Cushion’ from his fans. In six starts with CDRA this notable mention has only finished outside the top 10 one time, in 14th place respectively. Connor also earned a Malta Massive win in CDRA action claiming victory in the Great Crate Classic this season.
Ballston Spa, NY young gun Derrick McGrew Jr. has a mentor in dear old dad who knows how to contend for wins and championships. Jr. has six CDRA points paying starts to his credit where he earned multiple top 10 finishes and was in contention for the NOTY in Season Two (2025). This notable mention could contend again in Season Three (2026) with ‘Super’ momentum on his side.
CDRA is a perfect tour for racers like Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald. A Capital District kid, this talented notable mention was in contention for the NOTY and title this season until missing a pair of races mid-season. His best series finish was 7th at Glen Ridge back in August for Rumble At The Ridge. ‘Mikey Waggs’ was to make his mark starting with a solid performance at Super Dirt Week.
“Super Dirt Week has always been a special race to me. Even though I was disappointed with what they did to the mile, it’s still our sports Super Bowl. It is the crown jewel, and we’ll support our series racers that venture there yearly through our platform. It’s what we do here with CDRA. We promote our tracks, our partners, and the stars of the show, our racers,” said CDRA competition director Rob Hazer.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to 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.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
09/19/25: Connor Crane and family celebrate his Malta Massive Weekend win in the Great Crate Classic at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. (Jann McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)
(Written By Mike Warren | Additional Information By #Rob Hazer) MALTA, NY – One year after finishing second to his brother during Malta Massive Weekend, Connor Crane was one spot better on Friday night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. The Canaan, CT driver outdueled Richard Murtaugh in the closing laps to score his first career DIRTcar Sportsman Series victory.
(#: Winning the Great Crate Race was also Connor Crane’s first career CDRA points paying win.)
Track regular Dylan Madsen led the field to the green in the 35-lap Feature, driving away from Crane in the race’s opening laps. The Spencertown, NY driver held the advantage throughout the first half of the race, as Crane held off early challenges from Murtaugh for second.
That battle lasted until Lap 13, when Murtaugh’s momentum on the outside lane was too much for Crane, as he powered his No. 33 past Crane for second. That happened as Madsen started catching lap traffic, allowing Murtaugh and Crane to catch Madsen out front.
Murtaugh’s first opportunity to take the lead came on Lap 19, when he nosed ahead of Madsen’s No. 89 on the backstretch. Madsen countered immediately, though, sliding in front of Murtaugh to keep the lead as they exited Turn 4. However, Madsen’s lead was short-lived, as Murtaugh kept his momentum rolling on the top, driving by Madsen on the outside lane to take the lead on Lap 22.
Behind Murtaugh, Crane followed on the inside, taking second away from Madsen. As Murtaugh pulled away, a yellow on Lap 28 for Savannah Laflair slowed the field for the second time, giving Crane another shot at the win.
When the race resumed, Murtaugh continued his pace on the outside, but Crane stayed with the DIRTcar Sportsman Series full-time competitor as they battled for the lead. Crane took his first chance to pass Murtaugh on Lap 30, sliding in front of him in Turn 4. But it wasn’t enough that time, as Murtaugh drove by him again on the bottom.
Crane wouldn’t be stopped, though. As the two drivers exited Turn 4 on Lap 31, Crane threw another slide job at Murtaugh to take the lead as they crossed the start/finish line. Murtaugh returned the favor in Turns 1 and 2, sliding Crane as they drove through the corner, but Crane’s momentum was too much as he pulled ahead of Murtaugh again.
That was all Crane needed as he led the final two laps to win the 35-lap Feature.
(#: Murtaugh crossed the line second, with Emmett Waldron, Gavin Eisele, and Chris Crane Jr. rounding out the top five.)
“I just have to thank Richard for running me clean,” Crane said. “That was awesome. I can’t believe I’m here after last year, when my brother passed me with like 10 to go. I can’t believe I did it.
“This track is awesome. This is the best place to be in the Northeast,” he concluded.
Murtaugh settled for second in only his third appearance at the track. He said even with the lead, his lack of experience played a role in relinquishing the lead at the end of the race.
“I knew he was better on the bottom,” Murtaugh said. “When I went into Turn 1, I looked over and saw him. It’s my third time ever here, so I didn’t really know what to do. I was just kind of ripping the top. Once he got under me, I didn’t think he’d slide me, and once he did, I was like, what do I do now?”
Emmett Waldron crossed the line third, earning back-to-back Series top fives. The Savannah, NY driver said that while he had a good car, he still needed to start up front.
“This car is really good,” Waldron said. “We just need to start more toward the front more. We finally made a redraw in one of these Series races. We’ve been starting 11th and 12th, and it’s so hard to get to the front in these crate cars.”
(#: DIRTcar) Series points leader Shane Pecore finished ninth, extending his lead to nine points over Tristan Ladouceur, who finished 11th.
CDRA NOTES: With his win at Malta Massive Weekend in the Great Crate Race, Canaan, CT racer Connor Crane jumped up to 6th in final point standings. Despite his points earned, he will be eligible for Newcomer Of The Year again in 2026 per rule. NOTY award winner Nick Brundige of Round Lake, NY was able to utilize home track advantage to take third in points away from young gun Tavien Blowers from Caroga Lake, NY. Final note, Derrick McGrew Jr. broke the three-way tie between himself, Alex Palmer-Sawyer, and Michal Wagner-Fitzgerald by qualifying for the main event and finishing 8th overall in final point standings.
CDRA TITLE WATCH: Tough break for defending champion Taylor Wason from Middlegrove, NY as mechanical failure sidelined him about midway through the race. Glenville, NY hot shoe Tim Hartman Jr. raced from 20th to 10th to secure his first CDRA championship and earned the Big Red One Hard Charger race award in honor of Jason Herrington.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: Next up for CDRA are the annual Honors awards, which will be released December 19th just one week before Christmas. They include honoring the Champion Tim Hartman Jr., Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY) Nick Brundige, the Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Outstanding Performance Of The Year (OPTY), Fan Favorite Of The Year (FOTY), Honorable Mentions Of The Year (HOTY), and the top 10 drivers in final point standings.
CDRA is a nostalgic throwback to the CVRA days. A series designed specifically for Capital District racing. Season two schedule consists of a diverse schedule at storied dirt tracks like the great race place, the fastest quarter mile on dirt, and the valley of speed. Drivers who do travel the Capitaland will earn hardware and some green for their efforts.
J-Tees Screen Printing Fast Timer: Richard Murtaugh III (16.553) Big Red One Hard Charger: Tim Hartman Jr. (20th to 10th) Newcomer of the Race: Connor Crane (1st) Lap Leaders: Dylan Madsen (1-21), Richard Murtaugh III (21-31), & Connor Crane (32-35) Outstanding Performance: Connor Crane (1st) Who Finished Fifth: Chris Crane Jr.
2025 CDRA POINT RACE SCHEDULE 04/18/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Spring Showdown | Winner: Chris Jakubiak 07/25/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Flying Trowel 32 | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 08/03/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Rumble At The Ridge | Winner: Gavin Eisele 08/10/25 – Glen Ridge Motorsports Park | Montgomery County Brawl | Winner: Taylor Wason 08/28/25 – Lebanon Valley Speedway | Mr. Crate Track USA | Winner: Tim Hartman Jr. 09/19/25 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Malta Massive Weekend | Winner: Connor Crane
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.
09/19/25: 4-wide for position during the Flying Trowel 32 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway back in July. Tonight CDRA season concludes with the Great Crate Race at the Malta, NY facility. (Jeremy McGaffin Photo | CDRA 2025)
MALTA, NY – The time has finally come for the most anticipated weekend of racing in the Capital District with the running of Malta Massive Weekend at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Tonight, at the great race place JAM Performance & Consulting CDRA series presented by Elmo’s Speed Supply crowns the Season Two champion. But there are other stories to be told with this evening’s results.
Albany-Saratoga Speedway plays host to the CDRA racing series for the fifth time tonight, and the second running of what has become known as the ‘Great Crate Classic’ run in conjunction with the DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship series. This will present a stacked field of highly talented competitors between Capitaland hot shoes, and DIRTcar top guns.
Tonight’s running of the Great Crate Classic has many storylines that will unfold starting with the championship battle, which will be decided between Glenville, NY racer Tim Hartman Jr. and defending champion racer Taylor Wason from Middlegrove, NY. They are separated by 28 points heading into the 35-lap, $1,500 to win main event.
Behind the front running pair is a point battle for third in standings between Caroga Lake, NY young gun Tavien Blowers, and Newcomer Of The Year Nick Brundige from Round Lake, NY. Blowers holds a nine-point advantage, but Brundige calls Malta home on Friday nights. Navigating the DIRTcar Sportsman series talent will be challenging for these men, but someone will own the spot.
Zach Buff is safely in fifth in points for this season, so the next interesting storyline to follow is the log jam to round out the top 10 in point standings. Connor Crane currently holds 6th with a 14-point lead over seventh Alex Palmer-Sawyer. APS is tied with Derrick McGrew Jr. and Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald with 269 points. To make it more interesting, Chris Crane Jr. is just 2 points behind them. There could be a wild change from sixth all the way back to tenth in final points.
Last season, Chris Crane Jr. picked up the win in the Great Crate Classic at Albany-Saratoga Speedway during Malta Massive Weekend, which was also part of the DIRTcar Sportsman Fall Championship Series. Connor Crane, Cody McPherson, Derrick McGrew Jr., and Emmett Waldron rounded out the top five.
“Tonight is the season two finale. It’s been a great season. We (CDRA) are growing, and drivers have been great in their support. We’re here for the drivers of the Capital District. Whoever wins the title this season, it’s been a good battle. Wason defended his title honorably, and there was no doubt Timmy would be in contention. And how about these young guys like Blowers and Brundige. I’m proud of them for grinding out the six race schedule over the summer months and being in good position to earn recognition for their efforts,” said CDRA competition director Rob Hazer.
UP NEXT FOR CDRA: With the season of points paying races concluding at Albany-Saratoga with the Great Crate Classic, focus shifts to the CDRA Honors on Friday December 19, 2025. Awards will recognize top 10 in final point standings, as well as awarding season honors including Champion, Driver Of The Year (DOTY), Newcomer Of The Year (NOTY), Outstanding Performance (OPTY), and Honorable Mentions. Also, Honors will introduce the Fan Favorite (FOTY) to be determined by voting prior to the December date.
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 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.
CDRA 