The Super DIRTcar Series doesn’t start its 2025 season until Feb. 12. But that isn’t stopping Justin Stone and his dad, Todd, from starting their season early.
The father-son duo will take on a new challenge by competing in a DIRTcar UMP Modified during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 30-Feb. 8.
“The plan is to alternate nights, but we’ll see how it goes,” Justin Stone said. “We’re guaranteed one night, but after that, we don’t know what the car is going to look like. We’re both pretty excited and intrigued by it, especially at Volusia.”
With the opening night of DIRTcar Nationals on Thursday, the Stones shook down the car at Golden Isles Speedway earlier this week. Todd said the experience didn’t go as expected.
“I got in the car, and I was like, oh boy, I don’t know if I can do this,” he said. “Justin adapted pretty quick. The car drives totally different than a [Big Block]. When you get in the corner in a [Big Block], if you put it to the floor, you’re going to spin out. With these cars, you have to keep your momentum up, and it’s the total opposite of how I’ve been taught to drive.”
While Todd is new to a UMP Modified, he’s no stranger to racing during Florida Speedweeks. He’s competed at New Smyrna Speedway in an asphalt Modified, Pro Late Model, and Super Late Model, earning two wins in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
Traveling to Florida has become a tradition for the Stone family, using February as a month of fun.
“We have a shop down here in Florida, and I just like having a car down here so we can come down and have fun, relax, and have a good time,” Todd Stone said.
As the Middlebury, VT duo prepares for fun in Florida, the laps Justin gets in the UMP Modified will still be valuable. It’s track time that will help him when the Super DIRTcar Series races at Volusia, Feb. 12-15.
“It’s going to be a learning curve,” Justin Stone said. “I think it’s going to be fun. There’s going to be a ton of cars, and I’m excited to see where the week goes.”
“I think it’s going to be really good for Justin to get some time on the track,” Todd Stone said. “He’s been here two times and has only raced six Features, so it’s good for him to go around the track.
“I love watching him progress. I love being able to give him the opportunity to do this. I’m his biggest critic, but I’m his biggest fan, too. I just love it.”
The Stones will battle during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 30-Feb. 8, in a DIRTcar UMP Modified before Justin returns with the Super DIRTcar Series, Feb. 12-15. For tickets, CLICK HERE.
If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every race live on DIRTVision – either at DIRTVision.com or by downloading the DIRTVision App.
