A little over two years ago an idea formed in Doug Bland's mind and became a reality with the birth of the Xtreme/Stacker2 dirt late model Series.
Doug Bland too has been behind the wheel of a race car running one season in the Outlaw Modifieds out of Miami and racing at Hialeah Speedway, Punta Gorda and Ocala on asphalt.
And he even jumped into the NASCAR back up car of Bobby Dotter at the Winston West.
He has dedicated the last two years putting together a plan and package that would bring more attention to the dirt track racing sport and improve in areas where racers felt changes needed to be made, a series that the benefits would be felt throughout the entire dirt track ranks and according to Bland would offer all racers to achieve their full potential.
Xtreme/Stacker2 is the fruit of his hard work.
The late model world will be seeing changes under the Extreme/Stacker2 series. One of the major changes is the random drug test policy adopted by the series.
The random drug testing will protect racers in two ways: One, if a racer has been charged with an illegal substance violation and tests negative the following day, it would show that the racer was clear of the substance and therefore protect his/her reputation. Two, if a racer tests positive obviously it would protect the other racers on the track and the series' and sponsors' reputations.
"We can't afford to have our name and our major corporate sponsors' names tarnished by someone who chooses not to abide by the rules. We have too much to lose and this protects everyone, sponsors, car owners and the drivers, especially if they are innocent," stated Doug Bland.
The tire rule change for the series was a big and weighty decision for the series. According to Bland, for the best interest of all the racers who run the series, there needed to be a level field for tires.
He wanted a four compound rule and stated, "It was up in the air, Hoosier Tire company gave us every reason why they did not want to make us 4 compounds of tires and then at the 11th hour they said they would do so but would take away the tire deals from everyone of our top drivers and not offer anymore sponsorship into the point fund. Good Year not only could provide the four compounds but could also increase the point fund monies, it was the only logical choice."
Racers have been wanting a change for years due to hauling anywhere from 20 to 50 or more tires. Eliminating some of the costs by having a four compound rule according to Bland pay off in the end. Most racers have to work their tires and spend time and often money for those who race for a living to get their tires ready, the new rule doesn't allow grooving, etc. Bland feels the four compound rule will benefit those racers who previously have had a full time tire crew member just for tires.
The new tire rule will be awarding free tires at every event for performance. In other words, you earn it. On average a racer finishing in the top 10 could potentially earn a free tire at every race. The top 15 drivers in points will get one free tire per race and and one free tire if you finish in the top 5 that night.
Creative marketing is another expensive yet necessary part of Doug's strategy. Targeting more of an audience base and getting their attention focused on dirt racing is very important to promote more growth on the spectator level.
With the backing of the sponsors the series will be able to make full use of the media avenues, from television and radio coverage to bill boards, and blimps over the Super Bowl.
"It's our desire to see some of the newer racers get a fair share of media coverage so they too can grow and advance as well as those who are already at the top of the field, for example if Brian Birkhofer were to win the series he may test an IROC car and go into NASCAR," Bland continued.
"As of now we have sixty-eight racers scheduled to run at East Bay Raceway Park and that is not a complete count," said Bland. One being Jimmy Mars in the series sponsored car.
Mars became the series sponsored racer by daring to run a couple of events with one of the Xtreme/Stacker2 sponsors on his car, his performance, his background and character, lack of sponsors and high recommendations also made Mars a perfect match for the sponsors.
Currently there are several tracks signed for the series including Atomic Speedway and LaSalle Speedway, IL. The count so far is up to sixteen confirmed tracks across the United States. When the regional races run, the car count will increase as it will be a co-sanctioned event.
Bland feels when the national, regional and local racers race under the Xtreme/Stacker2 series it will add the additional 25 to 30 cars for each event. Mr. Bland is confident the series will have a good field of competition.
The bottom line for Doug Bland and the Xtreme/Stacker2 series is to promote the sport of dirt late model racing, offering a larger point fund that will award by performance, leveling the playing field by implementing a solid tire rule, and getting media coverage to advance all racers' careers.
The Xtreme Dirt Late Models can be seen at East Bay Raceway Park near Tampa, Florida beginning Feb 2 and winding up on the seventh. Look for lots of coverage right here on KARNAC.com
