The Champion Racing Association (CRA) is a racing sanctioning body that primarily oversees the scheduling, administering, and officiating of the ARCA/CRA Super Series for Super Late Models and the JEGS/CRA All-Stars presented by GM Performance Parts for crate Late Models. CRA also sanctions Late Model Sportsman and Street Stocks. Additionally, the CRA assists in promoting other racing events and is the sole promoter of two events during the season. From 2005 to 2010, CRA served as the promoter/manager of all events at legendary Winchester Speedway.

They are premier touring series for Super Late Model stock cars mainly in the Midwest, but also have special events anywhere in the eastern United States.

The CRA Super Series and JEGS CRA All-Stars utilizes stock appearing cars, which resemble the Impala, Fusion, Camry and Charger we see on the street today. underneath the stock appearing body though, is some of the most advanced stock car racing technology being used anywhere. In the Super Series the typical engines are 358 cubic inches and have a compression ratio of 9 to 1, and use aluminum heads. Atop the engine is a modified 390-cfm carburetor. Competitors may also use a special Sealed Engine that is only available from two certified builders. In the JEGS/CRA crate series, the teams utilize FORD and GM built sealed engines. For both series the suspension and frames are designed specifically for racing and the safety requirements needed. The car rides on a mandated Hoosier Racing Tire which are mounted on 10-inch wide wheels.

Where do CRA’s Premier Series fit in the grand scheme of racing?

For the casual observers, the CRA Series would be considered the minor leagues of racing, just below racing highest levels : NASCAR Sprint Cup. Some of racing’s top drivers have learned their craft with CRA, and fans get to see the best young talent battle short track racings most successful veterans each and every week.

In January of 1997, Action Entertainment purchased Anderson Speedway, and set about putting together an 8race series, with cooperation from Salem Speedway, Winchester Speedway, and Indianapolis Raceway Park. The response was overwhelming from the sponsors, fans and competitors. As a result, the Series became a full touring group in 1998 featuring more races (16 total), more racetracks (6 total), and more drivers (over 75 total). Champion Racing Association was developed to oversee the new series. CRA is owned and managed by industry veterans Glenn Luckett and R. J. Scott.

What is a typical race format?

Races held on tracks less than ½ mile in length are typically 100-125 laps long. For tracks ½ mile and larger the typical race length is 100 laps. The starting fields range from 24 to 40 cars depending on the size of the track. Competitors typically go through two practice sessions, a qualifying session, a last chance race (if necessary), and the feature… all in a one day format.

The “Crown Jewels” of the Series are the Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway, the Redbud 300 at Anderson Speedway, Rowdy’s Revenge at Berlin Raceway and Nashville’s All American. They feature a two day format, with practice and qualifying on preliminary days, and the features the following day. Two of the events feature NASCAR style pit stops.

Last year the two premier Series had over 30 events at 15 different tracks, with over 225 different drivers and 200,000+ fans in attendance. Recent years the schedules featured visits to Anderson Speedway, Lucas Oil Raceway, Angola Speedway, Baer Field Speedway, Plymouth Speedway, Winchester Speedway and Illiana Speedway in Indiana, Toledo Speedway and Columbus Speedway in Ohio, Berlin Raceway, Dixie Speedway, and Owosso Speedway in Michigan, Caraway Speedway in North Carolina, Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, and Lanier National Speedway and Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia. Attendance figures range from the capacity of the smallest venue of 3,000 to Lucas Oil Raceway’s 20,000+. New venues are already slated for 2012.

Because of a consistent and fairly simple set of rules, and an “Open Door” policy welcoming all types of drivers, the CRA Super Series has hosted some of the best drivers in all of short-track racing. The events have become fan favorites because they frequently blend the best of local and regional talent with the best talent in the country. Already in its short history, the CRA Super Series has featured in its races some of the most recognized names is short track racing:

Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, David Stremme

Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader, Regan Smith, Landon Cassill

2nd Generation Stars: Chase Elliott, Ross Kenseth & Ryan Blaney

Gary St. Amant (2-Time ASA National Champion, Pro Cup)

Jeff Fultz (NASCAR All-Pro Champion)

Plus up and comers: Johanna Long & Cale Gale & Many More!

What kind of media exposure does the CRA Super Series receive?

JEGS, GM Performance Parts, U.S. Army, NOS Energy Drink, Aaron's, Red Bull, Valvoline, Ford Racing, Sunoco, Jani-King, McDonald’s, Dupont Finishes, SealWrap Repair Tape, Rheem, K & N Filters, United Trailer, 811 Call Before You Dig, Bad Boy ATV’s, Federated Auto Parts, Gatorade, Quaker Steak & Lube, Gorilla Glue, Beef O Brady’s, AutoParts2020.com, Rain Eater Wiper Blades, Auto Value Parts Stores, Lane Automotive, EMF Corp, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Paragon Corvette Reproductions, Vermont Coatings, Sam Pierce Chevrolet, Great Deals Coupon Magazine, WearCrete Concrete Polishing, RE-MAX, T.A.A.G. Tooling, Advance Auto Parts, Crown Spray Power, NAPA, Blain's Farm & Fleet, Coors Light, Integrated Metal Products, Sara Lee, Gulf Coast Bingo, Reaction Snow & Ice Melt, Red Top Auto Auction, Comfort Inn, Liquid Ice Energy Drink, Coughlin Cars, Omni Source, Sun Drop, Wix Filters, Snap On Tools, Team Construction, VR-12, and Past Time USA.

Do consumers have access to race apparel and fan related items featuring the CRA Super Series logo?

Yes. Since 2001, the CRA established a line of fan apparel and established a vendor to have a presence at every event. All apparel had the CRA Series logo boldly displayed and included items such as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, golf shirts, and dress shirts. License plates, stickers, trading cards and posters were also available to the fans. The Series chose not to pursue apparel as a “profit center”, but rather kept consumer prices low in an effort to penetrate the market with CRA apparel. Many race tracks do special apparel for CRA Events as well, including the Winchester 400, Redbud 300 and Rowdy 251.

Where can I get more information about the series or specific events?

For more information regarding the CRA Super Series, contact the Series Director, Glenn Luckett, at 1-812-883-0455 or visit www.craracing.net