From the time that Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani transitioned from shareholder to the driving force behind the American Drag Racing League last year, all signs of the original ADRL, including its personnel, have gradually been purged to make way for a new, world-class image in the global marketplace.
Part of that effort has involved a restructuring of the series’ format and on Thursday, the ADRL made perhaps the biggest change in its history, as it announced that a new points system to determine the World Champions would be instituted, along with a hefty increase in championship payouts at years-end.
Since it’s inception, the ADRL has crowned its champions based on a winner-take-all affair at the last race of the season, known as the “Battle For The Belts.” However, beginning in 2011, racers will compete to earn points throughout the 10-race season, with the champions in each of the five heads-up eliminators at the conclusion of the season earning part of a $356,000 points fund, making the ADRL the richest doorslammer drag racing series in history.
“We want to be a world-class organization and this is part of making that happen. This will help make the ADRL even better than ever,” ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said.
The “Battle For The Belts” will continue, albeit conducted as an in-series shootout during the final race weekend that will award significant cash payouts and a championship belt to the winners. The Belts race will be held at the traditional World Finals in Dallas and will pit the top eight qualifiers in each class in a Friday shootout for the bonus cash.
The World Championship points fund will total near $400,000, on top of the $330,000 increase in single-event payouts that was announced last month. “Working with more sponsors than ever, we’re introducing the biggest payouts and best broadcast options in our history, and we’re creating more and more opportunities for exposure for our drivers and teams. This shows the commitment we’re making and the direction we’re headed.”
The World Championship in Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous will award $75,000 to the champions, while Extreme 10.5 will award $25,000, Pro Extreme Motorcycle $10,000, and Extreme Pro Stock $50,000. “With the support we’ve received, we’re trying to use the sponsorship, commitments and support we have in the best way for the sport, the drivers and teams, and to enable the series to grow,” Fortune said.
The ADRL schedule will also no longer have a carryover event to the following season. The season-ending LenMar World Finals VII, held at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas, will close the books on the points and the opener in Houston will start with a fresh slate.
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