CRA Racing Series | Karnac Racing News

JEGS Extends Sponsorship with CRA Through 2015

Salem, IN (November 5, 2012) – Champion Racing Association officials have announced that JEGS, the nation’s leader in high-performance auto parts, has agreed to extend its partnership with Championship Racing Series and its JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance through the 2015 circle-track season. John Coughlin, the son of JEGS founder Jeg Coughlin, signed the extension at the series last event of the season on October 27^th at Watermelon Capital Speedway.

“We love what the series has to offer to drivers and teams, and it’s a perfect match for us,” Coughlin said. “JEGS has been involved in drag racing for many years, and we recently decided to venture into oval-track racing. The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour is crucial to that endeavor, and we look forward to many years together.”

The template bodied crate motor asphalt late model series sanctioned by Champion Racing Association just completed its 16 race 2012 season that included 14 points events at 12 different race tracks in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, along with two non-point South events at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia. The series first event of the 2013 season will be a 100 lap South event with SpeedFest 2013 back at Watermelon Capital Speedway. (more…)

By Scott|2012-11-06T00:37:04-05:00November 6th, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News, Racing News|Comments Off

15-Year-Old Anderson Bowen Scores First Ever JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Win

Thrilling Victory Comes in his Home State

Cordele, Georgia (Saturday, October 27^th, 2012): For 2012 Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Howe Racing Enterprises, 15-year-old Anderson Bowen, the 2012 racing season within the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance was a very successful rookie campaign for the Suwanee, Georgia driver as he finished an impressive third in the final points standings despite not garnering that elusive first win in the series during the points chasing segment of the season.

Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia hosted the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour in a special non-points race; the Watermelon 100 which served as the first half of the Watermelon Twin 100s with the ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour. With no points chasing to worry about, is was all about the race itself for the driver of the #29 Copper Creek Hardware / Chevrolet and the Peach State teenager made the most of the opportunity be scoring his first career JEGS/CRA triumph.

“Finally! We’ve all worked so hard for this and we’re finally here. This feels great. Just wish my car was here too!” Bowen laughed as he conducted his post-race interview minus his car which was being towed to the tech area after colliding with another car that was stopped in turn two after the checkered flag flew. “I really need to thank Scotty (Ellis) for racing me clean the whole time. I don’t think we even touched once the whole race.” He added. (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-29T17:58:36-04:00October 29th, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

14-Year-Old Kyle Benjamin Wins Wild Watermelon 100 & Scores 2012 ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour Championship

Cordele, Georgia (Saturday, October 27^th, 2012): 14-year-old Kyle Benjamin, just a week away from his 15^th birthday (November 3^rd) picked up the thrilling victory in the Watermelon 100 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia on October 27^th and in doing so, he also clinched the 2012 ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour Championship to become the youngest driver in CRA History to Win a Title!

“I can’t believe this! Especially after spinning out just a couple of laps in the race and then to watch those guys in front of me battle like they were. To be standing here in victory lane and to win the Championship, this is unreal!” The driver of the #71 Benjamin Motorsports / Ford excitedly exclaimed in victory lane. “After what we’ve gone through over the past two weeks, tonight was all about redemption and this whole team never gave up and here we are.” He added.

Earlier this season, the Easley, South Carolina teenager became the youngest driver in ARCA/CRA Super Series and JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance History to Win an event in each of the premier tours within Champion Racing Association (CRA) when he took the checkered flag at Winchester (IN) Speedway in Winchester, Indiana in a JEGS/CRA race, the Winchester 100 Presented by JEGS.com on May 6^th and then at Lucas Oil (IN) Raceway in the Fatheadz 100 Presented by Team Construction for the ARCA/CRA Super Series race on July 27^th. (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-29T14:20:07-04:00October 29th, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

Pollard Looks to Get Second CRA Southern Tour Title at Watermelon this Weekend

Salem, IN October 22, 2012) – Senioa, Georgia native Bubba Pollard, arguably the winningest late model driver in the country over the past two seasons, will be looking to get his second straight ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour Championship in this Weekend’s Watermelon Twin 100’s, which will take place at Watermelon Capital Speedway, in Cordele, GA on Saturday. The event will feature both the ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour in a 100 lap Season Championship feature and the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance in a special non-points 100 lap feature.

Pollard won the 2011 ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour Drivers Championship, while the WearCrete Racing Team with owner Curtis Veneable and drivers Jeff Fultz and Daniel Hemric, got the 2011 ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour Owners Championship. Pollard looks to take the combined Championship in 2012 driving for himself in his #26 JEGS.com sponsored machine.

Pollard will have a battle on his hands as he comes into Saturday’s event with only a one point lead over 14 year old South Carolina Hot Shoe Kyle Benjamin. Benjamin has two CRA victories in 2012, one with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour at Winchester Speedway and one in a Northern ARCA/CRA Super Series event at Lucas Oil Raceway, while Pollard’s best finishes have been second twice, once to Kyle Busch at SpeedFest 2012 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in January and second to T.J. Reaid at the Northern ARCA/CRA Super Series season opener at Anderson Speedway in April. Pollard got a CRA victory in 2011 at Gresham Motorsports Park. (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-25T05:14:03-04:00October 25th, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News, Upcoming Events|Comments Off

Racecar Engineering to Sponsor Awards at Watermelon this Weekend

Salem, IN October 22, 2012) – CRA officials have announced that Racecar Engineering has agreed to be an Award Sponsor with the Watermelon Twin 100’s, which will take place at Watermelon Capital Speedway, in Cordele, GA this Saturday. The event will feature both the ARCA/CRA Super Series Southern Tour in a 100 lap feature and the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance in special non-points 100 lap feature.

Racecar Engineering will award the winner of both 100 lap feature events as well as the fifth, tenth and fifteenth place finishers in each event with $50 Product Certificates. Steve Dorer, owner of Racecar Engineering, has been a part-time competitor with the ARCA/CRA Super Series during the 2012 season.

Racecar Engineering opened in 1998 in Winter Park, Fl. The company was moved to Lakeland in 2003. They are dedicated to pleasing their customers and providing them with excellent service, price and selection for their racing needs. They are continuously adding new parts to their inventory and if they don’t have it in stock they will get it for you. They pride themselves on having the most innovated parts available for your needs. They have a 17,000 sq. ft. warehouse full of parts, fuel and even complete cars in stock

Racecar Engineering is proud to say their friendly sales staff is made up of knowledgeable and experienced racers. Their customers can be confident knowing they receive genuine advice and care from a staff that shares their same hobby and passion. Racecar Engineering inventory includes parts for Asphalt Racing, Dirt Racing, Street, Strip, Circle Track and Off-road. More information on Racecar Engineering is available at www.racecareng.com.

Additional event information and additional information on all the CRA Series can be found at www.craracing.net.

By Scott|2012-10-23T17:32:32-04:00October 23rd, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

CRA Watermelon Twin 100’s Offer Exciting Show for Fans & Redemption for Drivers

October 27th Show to Have Both Pro & Super Late Models

Anderson Bowen was more than excited to see the ARCA / CRA Super Series and the JEGS / CRA All-Stars Tour make plans to return to Watermelon Capital Speedway for the Watermelon Twin 100’s on October 27th. Bowen started his 2012 season at the Georgia facility in the JEGS series opener as a part of the SpeedFest event. However, the day lasted just one lap not showcasing his talent. Now some 10 months later, Bowen is fresh off finishing third in the final JEGS/CRA All-Stars Series title chase and winning Rookie of the Year honors and ready for another shot at Watermelon Capital.

“Since we left Watermelon, We have been to 20 different tracks across the country,” explained the 15-year-old from Suwanee, Georgia. “I’ve run with some of the best short track racers out there and we have learned a lot. We have led a lot of laps, won poles and even broke the track record at Winchester. Now we’re ready to go out and win races.”

Bowen ran the Pro Late Model race in January during SpeedFest weekend, but this time he will run both cars as he is fresh off his first official Super Late Model race in the Winchester 400. Bowen qualified on the outside of the front row for one of the biggest Super Late Model races in the country.

“I love going to Watermelon,” said Bowen. “I have a lot of laps around that place and have won many races there in a Bandolero and Pro Challenge. I have a lot of family members and friends who are planning on attending since this track is pretty close compared to where we have been racing all season.” (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-21T07:14:35-04:00October 21st, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News, Racing News|Comments Off

Winchester 400 Cash Bonuses and Contingency Awards

Ross Kenseth, 1st Place: Winchester Traveling Bonus ($1500 Cash), Winchester Lap Leader Bonus ($1350 Cash Bonus), Hawk Performance ($50 Cash Bonus), Crane Cams Ignition Systems ($250 Product Certificate), Penske Racing Shocks ($100 Product Certificate), Pro Shocks ($100 Product Certificate), Hawk Performance ($75 Product Certificate), PitStopUSA.com ($25 Product Certificate), Widow Wax Product

Chase Elliott, 2nd Place: Winchester Traveling Bonus ($1000 Cash), Winchester Lap Leader Bonus ($600 Cash Bonus), Staubli ($100 Product Certificate), Port City Chassis ($100 Product Certificate), Schoenfeld Headers ($75 Product Certificate), Penske Racing Shocks ($50 Product Certificate), Racing Electronics ($50 Product Certificate), Competitive Edge Racing Software (20% Discount Product Certificate)

Johnny VanDoorn, 3rd Place: Quarter Master ($100 Product Certificate), RE Suspension ($50 Product Certificate), PitStopUSA.com ($25 Product Certificate), Hyperco Springs (One Spring) (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-21T05:29:37-04:00October 21st, 2012|CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News, Racing News|Comments Off

Kenseth Wins Winchester 400

Winchester, IN (October 14, 2012) – The story of the Winchester 400 Weekend at Winchester Speedway was battling through the weather to get every race finished. Some not ending until the middle of the night, moving qualifying for the Winchester 400 and then waiting out a rain delay to see one of the most exciting finishes in Winchester 400 history.

Ross Kenseth and crew worked for 399 laps to put themselves in the right place to win the Winchester 400, one of short track racing’s toughest and most coveted victories. But coming out of the fourth turn racing toward the checkered flag, 14 year old Kyle Benjamin moved under Kenseth to beat him to the line by less than 10 feet. Despite winning on the track, Benjamin was later disqualified in post-race tech due to an RPM Limiter Infraction making Kenseth the winner. (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-16T13:54:23-04:00October 16th, 2012|ARCA, CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

16-Year-Old Chase Elliott Wins The Winchester 100 Presented by JEGS.com

Daniel Hemric; 2012 JEGS/CRA Champion – 15-Year-old Anderson Bowen; 2012 Rookie of the Year

Winchester, Indiana (Friday, October 12^th, 2012): When 16-year-old Chase Elliott comes to race in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance, he comes in with one goal in mind; that is simply winning the race. In three of his four career JEGS/CRA appearances, the Dawsonville, Georgia stand out has done exactly that with the third JEGS/CRA triumph in four starts as the latest win came during the 41^st running of the Winchester 400 Weekend.

The legendary ½ (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana served as hosts for the final points race of the 2012 racing season for the second year series. Prior to the event, Daniel Hemric had already wrapped up the 2012 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Championship in the tours’ last race while 15-year-old Anderson Bowen clinched the 2012 Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Howe Racing Enterprises title two races ago.

So all that was left to do was conduct the final points paying event of the season and Elliott, who was in town for the 41^st running of the Winchester 400 for the ARCA/CRA Super Series, which he won as a 14-year-old back in 2010, brought his JEGS/CRA legal ride to Eastern Indiana in an effort to get more valuable seat time around the historic high banks. (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-15T19:05:15-04:00October 15th, 2012|ARCA, CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off

ARCA and CRA Announce Sanction Extension for 2013 Season

(WINCHESTER, Ind.) – Officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and Champion Racing Association (CRA) announced today an extension of the formal working relationship between the two motorsports sanctioning bodies.

ARCA, currently concluding its 60th Anniversary Season, will sanction the racing activities for the ARCA CRA Super Series once again in 2013. The super late model stock car racing series, founded in 1997, is based in Salem, Ind. Today, Johnny VanDoorn will complete his first championship season under the ARCA and CRA partnership and his third in overall Super Series competition.

ARCA president and CEO Ron Drager noted the opportunity for continued growth and development as part of the extended partnership with CRA.

“This affiliation has been, right from the beginning, about two strong, stable racing companies joining forces to become even stronger and more stable,” Drager said. “As a sport, we need to continue to provide opportunities for drivers, owners, and crew members within auto racing, and support the developmental channels from grassroots to the top tier of the sport.” (more…)

By Scott|2012-10-14T17:30:06-04:00October 14th, 2012|ARCA, CRA Racing Series, Featured, Front Page News|Comments Off