One of his younger brothers, fellow Nebraskan Steve Kosiski, who has been competing since 1979, expects to see more cost-containing restrictions on racing divisions. Perhaps everyone will run the same type of engine and will buy it from one source, he says. "I also think we'll probably see a few traveling series close down or team up, because there are so many series right now."
While Stahl believes NASCAR's popularity has peaked, he believes dirt Late Models have a long way to go before that happens. But he doesn't want to see dirt Late Model racing become as commercial as NASCAR's top series have become. "I think they went too far," he says.
Bland believes that dirt Late Model racing could be the next boom in motorsports. And, if he has anything to say about it, it will involve hundreds of corporate sponsors.
"We're stepping it up to the next level for the industry," Bland says, "and every little dirt track in the country is going to reap the rewards of having us as the premier series out there, putting it into mainstream America."
Hall Of FameEfforts are well underway to create a place to honor dirt Late Model greats. Plans call for building the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame at Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky, overlooking the fourth turn outside the track.
Already, a 40-member board votes each year on inductees to the Hall of Fame. The board chooses among active and retired drivers, and people who have made major contributions to the sport.
Thus far, the organization has acquired a number of sponsors including chassis builders, engine builders, magazine publishers, tire builders, and others. The organization has applied for nonprofit status to assist with fund-raising efforts. No specific timetable has been established for building the Hall of Fame.
For information on the Hall of Fame, contact Director Bill Holder at billholder@webtv.net.