"Mr. Personality", Jeff Lane has been with the CRA
Super Series from the beginning. One of the
CRA’s
most consistent drivers he has finished in the Top Five in the points
Championship for the last five years. This season is no different,
currently he is leading the Driver’s Point Championship, and second in
the Owner’s Point Championship Race.
Lane is one of the fan favorites at many of tracks
with CRA Super Series races. He was voted the 2004 TDR Screen Graphics
"Sportsman of the Year Award" for outstanding display of sportsmanship
on the track by this driver and outstanding display of sportsmanship
and patience in the tech line, by the CRA Super Series officials.
The 2005 season has been a roller coaster for Lane.
After several tough outings that included losing an engine, a rear end
and accidents that he was caught up in, Lane has been very strong in
the second half of the season, winning one race, and finishing in the
Top Five in the last six races.
Lane
started racing 17 years ago, at 25 years of age, driving mini stocks
at Mt. Lawn Speedway near New Castle, IN. He finished fourth that
night and has been racing at the front of the field ever since. "I
always wanted to drive a race car, but could not afford to until
then," explained Lane.
From the mini stock days, Lane has driven many
different types of cars on the short tracks of the Midwest, always
with success. In addition to the Late Models of the CRA, Lane has
driven Outlaw Late Models, and modifieds in recent years. But he
always comes back to the CRA Late Models. Lane showed his versatility
at Angola Motor Speedway during their July 4th weekend
festivities winning the CRA Super Series race on Saturday and the
modified race on Sunday.
He lists his first CRA victory at the Shady Bowl as
his favorite CRA race. Lane started ninth in that race and won in a
close race over J.R. Roahrig. "It was an exciting race, and winning
that race was as
excited
as I have ever been at a race track." He stated. With a memory like
that it would surprise no one that the Shady Bowl is one of his
favorite tracks to race.
Anderson and Winchester Speedways are also among his
favorite places to race. Lane currently holds the CRA track record at
Winchester, and is the first driver to ever turn a lap under 15
seconds, 14.988 seconds, in a sanctioned stock car at the storied
track. These track records are the proudest moments in his career, to
be the fastest driver at a track where many of the best drivers in the
history of racing have driven.
A round track with blacktop is Lane’s favorite
track. On off weekends from the CRA he finds himself going to a race
someplace else. Said with a smile and laugh Lane is quick with a joke,
and always enjoys being at the track. When asked who his favorite
driver is Lane quipped "the guy right behind me."
Linda,
Lane’s wife, is constantly by his side, supporting him and helping him
at the track. Linda has been with him since the beginning. They were
high school sweethearts and have been married for many years. They
have twin 14 year old boys, Kelton and Kolby.
Lane’s 132 CRA Super Series starts are the most for
any driver. During this time he has eight wins, 38 Top Fives and 74
Top Tens, putting him in a tie with Scott Hantz for the most Top Ten
finishes. The competitiveness of the CRA Super Series is one of the
reasons he has stayed with the series. With the races being near his
Knightstown, IN home and the drivers racing each other with respect,
Lane enjoys the CRA Super Series Late Model racing.
"I need to thank Hayden Butler (car owner) for
giving me the chance to drive here, and the many people who keep it
going and do all the hard work, Brandon, my spotter, Mick, Billy,
Carl, Carol, my brother Tom, Mark of course Linda. Without them and
many others we would not make it to the track each week. Bill Rievley
has been very helpful and given us great advice to get us up to the
level we are at now, and helps us stay there." Lane said.
When asked what his future plans include "I hope to
retire a winner someday." His many fans, the CRA officials and those
who race against him will agree, he is a winner now, and they hope he
does not retire for many years.
