Long respected for his accomplishments on the track, Super Late Model veteran Bubba Pollard has started to become more outspoken in recent seasons about the evolution of the state of short track racing and how to grow it moving forward.

To that end, the 29-year-old would like to see a short track driver’s committee established in the same spirit as the one organized by the Sprint Cup garage to present a unified voice when discussing matters with NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance.

The goal for such a group in short track circles would be two-fold — to lower costs and increase car counts.

“What I would like to see is everyone get together and work on a new body standard, engine regulations and things like that,” Pollard said. “Even with so many young talented race car drivers in the sport, we still have older guys like Gary St. Amant and Bond Suss who would have a lot to contribute.”

Recently married and expecting his first child later in the year, Pollard has scaled back his travel schedule this summer. That has allowed him to complete close to home and at his local dirt track, Senoia Raceway in Georgia, where he’s learned a great deal about dirt culture and how it could benefit the asphalt community.

“It’s really surprised me how we can run these dirt races and spend a fraction of the money,” Pollard said. “I think the costs in asphalt racing have just completely gotten out of hand. I’d like to see the promoters get together at (the Performance Racing Industry trade show) and talk about cutting costs.

“I think there has to be a better way to grow attendance and make money off fans rather than the drivers. I don’t want to say that promoters have gotten lazy but I do think everyone could stand to be more active — calling drivers and getting butts in the stands.”

Pollard would like to eventually see a testing ban across the country, one day shows, hot laps instead of endless practice sessions and heats that would allow local drivers to shine alonsgide the national stars …

In other words, the stereotypical dirt model.

The other biggest hurdle to overcome according to drivers polled on Wednesday is tire costs and prices from region to region. Two-time CRA Super Series champion Travis Braden supports the idea of a driver’s council and regulating rubber is the first thing he wants addressed.

“Just like the unified rule book that came out a few years ago, I think it may be smart to do the same thing with tires,” Braden said. “Costs were triple the norm during the Battle at Berlin 251 because of a softer tire and the racing was well below par.”

That’s a sentiment shared by current Southern Super Series championship leader Donnie Wilson.

“We are spending $1,800 for tires for just one race once you buy your practice set, a mock qualifying set and then your race tires,” Wilson said. “The Southern Super Series pays $5,000 to win, $2,500 for second and $1,500 for third so you’re definitely losing money if you finish fourth or worse.

“Of course, if you think you’re supposed to make money in this deal, you’re living in dream land. But still, we have to look for ways to make it better.”

But there’s a delicate balance to be struck.

Any cost that is taken away from the drivers would automatically be added to the promoters already weighty list of obligations. It’s something that Midwestern driver Chad Finley says needs to be considered to make such a union fair for everyone involved.

“I think the short track committee would be a great idea but my only concern is that some of the things we would have to do to cut costs would also take away revenue from other aspects of the sport, be it tours, promoters, tracks vendors and so forth. But if we could strike a balance with rules that wouldn’t initially be a huge cost for teams, I think that is how the committee could make a positive difference.”