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iHeart Oswego Photo
OSWEGO, NY (May 14, 2025) – A new chapter in the Crawford family racing story will unfold this season as 15-year-old CJ Crawford makes his full-time debut in the Pathfinder Bank SBS division at Oswego Speedway. Following in the footsteps of his sister, Tessa Crawford, CJ is eager to compete at the Steel Palace and carve out his own racing legacy.
CJ, from Sterling, NY, is the son of Carl Crawford, a former Super Stock feature winner, further adding to the racing pedigree in the Crawford Family. With such a strong family background, CJ is ready to take on the challenge.
“I’m excited to be racing full-time at Oswego Speedway this year. It is something I have always wanted to do, and with my sister Tessa already in the SBS division, it’s even more exciting for my family and I.”
CJ brings 8 years of experience in Microd racing to the Speedway, gaining his skills and strong understanding of competitive racing at the Syracuse Micro Club. His goal for the 2025 season is clear: “to win Rookie of the Year.”
When asked why he chose Oswego Speedway over dirt racing, CJ explained, “I like asphalt racing better than dirt, Oswego Speedway is local to me. I’ve watched there a lot and Michael Barnes has always been a favorite of mine. Plus with my sister racing there as well it made the most sense.”
CJ will be driving a potent former Russ Brown No. 13 car, which holds the SBS track record to this day. “It is Russ Brown’s old car, and holds the SBS track record. This is the last car that Ray Hedger built,” he explained.
Having watched his sister race at Oswego Speedway part-time in 2023 and for the entirety of the 2024 season, CJ reflected on what it’s been like. “I’ve always liked watching the races at Oswego. I think the cars that race there are very unique. I thought it was cool watching Tessa race last year, and I was happy to see her finish well.”
Looking ahead to racing with his sister, CJ said, “I want to be competitive with Tessa while we race, but I don’t want to see her do badly either.”
This year will mark the first time in history that a brother and sister have raced in the same division at Oswego Speedway. The Crawfords will become the first sibling duo to compete weekly in the Pathfinder Bank SBS class.
As for the competitive nature of racing with a sibling, CJ added, “Tessa has always been competitive with me and when racing together, we motivate each other. I will give her room and only pass her when I know I can, and that goes for everybody else on the track as well.”
When asked about being the first brother and sister to race in the same class at Oswego Speedway, CJ said, “I think it’s cool to make history, and I hope it goes well for both of us.”
With CJ in the No. 3J and Tessa in the No. 20, it will certainly be something special to see both Crawford cars on the track this season. The siblings will make their first laps of the year during practice this Saturday, May 17 from 1 to 5 pm, before kicking off the season together in the 35-lap Pathfinder Bank SBS Season Opener next Saturday, May 24
