All About Racing - 2 April 2026

Danny Creeden of Wurtsboro celebrates his win on Sunday in the STSS event at Bedford Speedway in Pennsylvania. Internet photo

The Capital District Racing Association (CDRA), started by Rob Hayes (Hazer), offers Sportsman drivers a dedicated series. This season, the six-race series at Albany-Saratoga, Glen Ridge, and Lebanon Valley will feature the new L.D. Bossman Championship Trophy, named in memory of late Albany-Saratoga Speedway Promoter Lyle DeVore. 

DeVore served as a friend, mentor, and advocate for projects initiated by Rob Hazer, including CDRA. Within a short period, CDRA has generated considerable interest among Sportsman Modified racers in the Capital District, and a portion of this achievement is attributed to DeVore, whose name will be permanently inscribed on the championship trophy.

With only six points paying events each summer, every lap of every race matters. In Season Three (2026) something new to the points structure makes one third of the six races worth ‘crown jewel’ points where two races offer drivers an opportunity to score more points.

The first Crown Jewel PPE for CDRA Sportsman Modified is at Lebanon Valley Speedway on June 16, 2026, during the Mr. Dirt Track Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series night.

The second Crown Jewel PPE for CDRA Sportsman Modified takes place at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on September 25, 2026, during Malta Massive Weekend with the Great Crate Classic. This race is also a DIRTcar Championship Sportsman race with a talented field expected.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway has planned inspection and practice sessions on Friday, April 3rd and Friday, April 10th.  Season opener is scheduled for Friday, April 17th.

April 11th is Fonda Speedway open practice for all divisions with weather dates of Sunday April 12 and Tuesday, April 15.  Fonda will hold ‘12a Opening Day” honoring Jumpin’ Jack Johnson on April 18.   

The Short Track Super Series (STSS) traveled to Bedford Speedway in Pennsylvania for their season opening event and the first ever STSS event at the historic track that was established in 1936.  Winner in the Bedford Speedway STSS Modified event on Sunday was Danny Creeden of Wurtsboro, NY when race leader from the start, Dillon Steuer blew a tire on the final lap and Creeden and Danny Bouc raced to the checker with Creeden picking up the win, his first since 2018 in the STSS event. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Bob Rossell, the pioneering driver and fabricator who passed away on March 24 at the age of 89. Local racing fans remember him as one of the “Eastern Bandits,” a group that traveled the eastern seaboard, competing at various tracks and securing victories. From 1967 to 1971, Rossell was a notable competitor in the prestigious All-Star Racing League.

In addition to his driving skills, Rossell earned recognition as a respected car builder. Top racers such as Will Cagle and Tommy Corellis achieved considerable success with vehicles crafted by Rossell. The Leto 50, discussed in last week's column, was one of his creations; Tommy Corellis drove it to numerous wins and later changed its number to No. 1 after departing from the Leto team.

Rossell hailed from Jacobstown, New Jersey, and was honored with induction into the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 2018.

Always check websites and social media pages for updates on all racing events. 

Until next time please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com