Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in sour cream until well blended.
In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, light corn syrup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until pecans are well coated.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon the pecan mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour.
Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.