Chris Crane Jr. Earns King Of Dirt Racing Series Limited Sportsman Crown For 2022 Season
News Director 
Story By: KING OF DIRT – WEST HAVEN, VT – Chris Crane Jr. is one of the most consistent, well rounded, and respected young racers at Albany-Saratoga Speedway where he competes weekly on Friday nights.
In 2022 he earned three wins, the track title, and at just 14 years old became the youngest champion in King Of Dirt Racing history claiming the Limited Sportsman crown.
For Crane it was his first open wheel championship, and being young the future is promising for this teenage racer out of Canaan, CT. Anytime a driver shows growth, and a willingness to learn the sport their peers take notice. Crane also made a trip to Oswego Dirt Week where he qualified for the big show out of 89 entries, and finished the race 23rd respectively. Not bad for a rookie huh?
“It’s been a great season. We had a couple nights where we weren’t quite where we should be, but overall, it’s been a great year.,” said Crane to Brady Houser during a recent Out Of The Fast Lane episode.
The season started off with a trip to victory lane for Crane on April 15th. He’d put in work and earn another win early in July and then win again late in August. Between wins Crane would stay consistent with at least nine top four finishes adding to his impressive championship season. Handicapping would start him deep, but he’d haul the mail passing competitors on the way forward weekly.
King Of Dirt Racing Series took a drivers best 12 finishes at their registered home track through the summer months, and Crane was never outside the top five where he ultimately earned the first ever KOD Limited Sportsman title. He did so by posting three wins, a pair of second place finishes, four third place runs, and three fourth place finishes. Consistent enough to edge out Fonda Speedway competitor Zach Dufel and Devil’s Bowl racer Evan Roberts.
Chris Crane Jr. couldn’t do it without support from some great sponsors on his family owned and maintained number 711 Bicknell Racing Chassis. Crane’s Outdoor Power Equipment, Greenacres Landscaping, Laurel Brook Natural Resources, C&C Plumbing, Tallon Lumber, Canaan Auto, Savage Construction, and All-Star Storage are displayed on his race rod.
While focused on his weekly efforts, which also contributes to his series standings, Crane finds himself tied for fifth on the KOD all-time Limited Sportsman wins list. He finds himself just behind talented racers like Danielle Smith, Paul DeRuyter, Zach Dufel, and Kyle Dingman. Tied with Bubba McPhee, Evan Roberts, Keegan Nier, and Owen Nier. And until someone else steps up and claims the crown, he’s your division king.
“Honestly the kid did everything right. He earned it. Doesn’t complain on social media, doesn’t harass officials, and if he has a question he asks and listens to your reasoning not just to reply, but to engage in the conversation. Everything we’ve heard about him is positive. Chris is a champion and carries himself like one,” said KOD Competition Director of Points and Scoring Rob Hazer.
SPORTSMAN KOD CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES: Chris Crane Jr. joins a list of KOD champions, but is the very first Limited Sportsman title holder in series history. Championship hardware and all point fund monies for participating divisions will be mailed out after the holiday season, as no formal banquet is scheduled this season. Special thanks to Chris Reckner and Elmo’s Speed Supply for their continued support of KOD Limited Sportsman action.
- Chris Crane Jr. (ALB) – 3 Wins – 1363 pts.
- Michael Arnold (ALB) – 1 Win – 1360 pts.
- Zach Dufel (FON) – 5 Wins – 1357 pts.
- Bubba McPhee (DBS) – 3 Wins – 1355 pts.
- Evan Roberts (DBS) – 3 Wins – 1355 pts.
- Danielle Smith (5MP) – 7 Wins – 1352 pts.
- Mike Parodi (ALB) – 2 Wins – 1352 pts.
- Paul DeRuyter (CAN) – 5 Wins – 1346 pts.
- Kyle Dingman (FON) – 4 Wins – 1344 pts.
- Josh Kane (FON) – 2 Wins – 1342 pts.
-FINAL 2022 King Of Dirt Racing Limited Sportsman Points
