Kelly Crandall
WoMo racing // Spotswood, New Jersey, United States
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New Jersey native Kelly Crandall turned her NASCAR passion into a distinguished journalism career, becoming RACER’s chief NASCAR writer and winning multiple prestigious awards.
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Kelly Crandall is an acclaimed motorsports journalist who has made significant contributions to NASCAR coverage since 2013, serving as chief NASCAR writer for RACER magazine since 2017 and twice winning the prestigious George Cunningham Writer of the Year award.
EARLY YEARS
Born and raised in Spotswood, New Jersey, Kelly graduated from Spotswood High School in 2008. While detailed information about her childhood is limited, her journey would eventually lead her not to the driver’s seat, but to the press box where she would make her mark on the world of motorsports.
EARLY SUCCESS
Crandall’s success came in the form of motorsports journalism rather than racing. She began covering NASCAR full-time in 2013, quickly establishing herself as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in the industry. Despite facing challenges as an introvert in a highly social profession, she pushed herself to network and build connections throughout the racing community, demonstrating the same determination and grit shown by the drivers she covers.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2017: Joined RACER.com as chief NASCAR writer.
- 2013-Present: Full-time NASCAR beat writer for various publications including NBC Sports, NASCAR.com, and NASCAR Illustrated.
- Multiple Years: Two-time recipient of the George Cunningham Writer of the Year award from the National Motorsports Press Association.
- Recent: Co-authored a retrospective book on 75 years of NASCAR history.
- Ongoing: Host of The Racing Writer’s Podcast, providing in-depth interviews and insights into the world of motorsports.
REPUTATION
In the fast-paced world of motorsports media, Crandall has earned respect for her thorough knowledge, passionate storytelling, and commitment to quality journalism. Starting as a citizen journalist, she strategically used social media to build credibility in an industry that initially viewed her with skepticism. Influenced by respected colleagues like Marty Smith, Ryan McGee, and Deb Williams, she has developed a distinctive voice that resonates with racing enthusiasts. Her ability to navigate the competitive landscape of motorsports journalism while maintaining integrity and insight has made her a trusted source for fans and industry insiders alike.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
While Kelly’s future plans in motorsports journalism remain ongoing, it’s important to clarify that she is not pursuing a career as a race car driver. Her contributions to the sport continue through her writing, reporting, and podcast hosting, where she aims to provide in-depth coverage and insights into NASCAR and the broader racing world.
References:
Kelly Crandall Professional Profile
RACER Magazine Staff Biographies
National Motorsports Press Association Awards History
The Racing Writer’s Podcast Archives
75 Years of NASCAR Retrospective Publication
Have Kelly updates or corrections? Please let us know – We’d love to keep this profile current.
