Late in 2003 the first whispers of a new late model series was heard throughout the dirt racing community. It proved to be true. The formation of the Bland's Xtreme DirtCars,Inc., the national touring Stacker2 Xtreme DirtCar Series, the Northern Xtreme DirtCar Series, Southern Xtreme DirtCar Series was announced not long after and now Western Xtreme DirtCar Series regional tours as well as the Xtreme Weekly Series.
Naturally the chatter increased and rumors spread. Yet where there is smoke, there is fire. Early on the tire supplier issue was present, before the drivers and race teams even knew. And it was unexpected. It was not according to the original plan Doug Bland, owner and president of Xtreme DirtCars, Inc. based in Shelby, NC had set up for the series.
Bland's plan had developed for over two and a half years, he spoke with drivers and teams all over, he talked with fans, then he planned. It was no easy task to work out all the details for a series that the drivers and teams wanted, the fans wanted, promoters wanted and make it work.
So far according to Bland the races held have been very successful. Following the reports on the series, and talking with fans, race teams and drivers, and promoters, everyone vouches that the Stacker2 Xtreme shows are top notch. And this seems to make some people that much more determined to wage this war.
The tire rule is the proverbial "thorn" in the Late Model War. This is the alarming part. What has been happening since the Stacker2 Xtreme Series has announced the tire rule for the series (bearing in mind the Hoosier Tire Co. was approached first followed by the American Racer Co who couldn't accommodate the needs of the series).
Goodyear Tire Co. was approached and the deal was made, setting the Late Model world onto a battle ground. People in all parts of the racing community are bickering and gossiping. It's getting to the point where it's causing bitter words, mistrust, unethical actions and simply bringing out the worst in people.
With every step Doug Bland has taken to promote the series, he has had to fight to get one foot ahead. His determination as one fan, Shannon Hiers, put it is fortified every time the "hidden agenda bashers" attack.
Fans can look for an announcement in the near future from the Xtreme camp that Crossville Speedway has been purchased by Mr. Bland. Riverside Speedway made an announcement last weekend that they were in negotiations with the series to schedule a Xtreme Race at their facility, and Mr. Bland has confirmed that a Southern Xtreme Race will happen.
There may a few more surprises in store for fans desperately wanting to see a Stacker2 Xtreme race around the Indiana-Ohio area as well. There are negotiations underway which would bring the series to a track that fans have been hoping for.
Should this deal be made, rest assured the facility is a premier track and accessible to many from around the northern Kentucky, southern Indiana, Ohio and Illinois areas. From what has been experienced at other race facilities, it will also be a very profitable venture for this track as well.
Unfortunately, due to past tactics by those who wish to see this series fail, the name of this track will not be made public until the line is signed and the T's are crossed.
RACING COMMENTARY
Racers are afraid to run a Xtreme event for fear of losing their Hoosier sponsor or other sponsors with an affiliation with Hoosier Tire, CO.
People employed by companies who are affected by the tire rule decision are acting almost like it's personal and researching the YJStinger Energy Drink to try to discredit the series' decision on drug screens by posting it on public message boards along with other disturbing things. Including, questioning every promotion Stacker2 Xtreme announces since the Goodyear Blimp did not appear at East Bay Raceway Park during Winternationals.
RACING COMMENTARY
Raceways are being "strong-armed" into canceling a race with the Stacker2 Xtreme series due to fear of losing another event or their Hoosier sponsor. People downgrading the racers who are running one or the other series. It has even affected some people in the media, causing them to lose their objectivity.
These are not opinions, these are the facts. The sad thing is, in order to get the information I had to agree not to quote them for fear of repercussions. That is how deep this political war is. Would this war still be waged if the American Racers had been the chosen tire?
All over one series deciding to run a tire rule that was different from those of the past when the series was Renegade/Xtreme. Yet the package to the individual racer is very lucrative. In the end the racer running the Stacker2 Xtreme series would save a sizable amount of money on tires.
Looking at the big picture, who is this "dirty late model war" affecting most? The Hoosier Tire Company? The Goodyear Tire Company? The Stacker 2 Xtreme Series? The World of Outlaws, Boundless Series? The racers and teams? The track promoters and owners? The fans? Or maybe the last three?
Editor's Note: The WoO/Boundless Series was contacted for comment however no return reply was made. The proverbial door is still open for the Boundless series to make a comment or agree to an interview. Rebecca Richards
