XDL National Stunt Riding Championship is the premier stunt riding competition where the best of the best battle it out for bragging rights to be the top stunt rider. This month we had a chance to chat with Randy, the founder of XDL and one of the major influences promoting the sport of stunt riding. Devotion, planning, and hard work has made the XDL brand one of the fastest growing events promoting the sport, check out what Randy has to say, and check out the next event at VIR.

1. Can you tell us about the history of XDL, how was it stated, where was your first event, and what were your goals?

Back in 2004, in my previous life as a consultant we did some research that suggested there would be a sustained boom of people in their 20s buying sport bikes. These would mostly be people who ride in urban environments, not at the track. They are less interested in road racing and more into the bike night scene, stunting and custom bikes. Our conclusion was that stunt riding was poised for some growth if someone did something about it. At the time we didn't act on our conclusions. Then in 2005 we created an event called the XDL Show that combined drifting and stunt riding. It was my first real experience with stunt riding and the guys really appreciated the professionalism of the event and the concept itself. We still didn't think about a series but as part of that original XDL Show I met Thomas Evans and we stayed in touch. In early 2006 I asked him some questions about why nobody was doing a series and he filled me in on the past history of XSBA and other stuff. One thing led to another and I decided to start XDL. Originally I wanted to call it the U.S. Stunt riding Championship, but the community had embraced the name XDL so I didn't want to waste the equity we had built up. The first event was in May of 2006, and to be quite honest, we didn't have big goals. We just wanted to do one event at a time and do a good job at it.

2. How and when did XDL become the premier Stunt Riding Championship?

XDL became the premier championship for several reasons. First, nobody else is running one. Second, we (mostly Thomas) came up with a clear and fair judging system that is now used by many other events. Third, we always made sure to treat the riders like athletes and show them respect and common courtesy. That includes things like free meals, water, and hospitality when we could get a sponsor, as well as no entry fees. Fourth, we work our asses off to make sure every event is better than the previous one and we always place a high value on quality execution. We take a lot of pride in what we do. As far as the "when," I'd say that in my mind our XDL U.S. Open on 07.07.07 in Long Beach was the big breakthrough. At that event we had a big Red Bull presence, the venue was awesome, the set up was great, the riders put on an awesome show, sponsors came, and attendance was solid.

3. What are some of the things that have made XDL unique?

Some of that is answered above, but in addition we do a good job of getting media to attend and we create a professional look and feel on site. Our competition formats have also been fine tuned over the last two seasons so they are pretty high-paced and entertaining.

4. What goes into making an event like the XDL finals in Vegas a success from planning to east and west eliminators, ect?

A lot of planning and attention to detail. It starts with finding the right venue, making a deal, planning out the event and competitions and then executing. I actually don't think Vegas was that good, especially compared to where we are now. The venue didn't appeal to a lot of people and our marketing team wasn't strong enough.

5. What are the future plans for XDL?

2008 will be a big year. We are considering adding an event in the Midwest to make it five pro events. The season will end in November not the spring of the following year like in the past. We'll start a regional series for amateurs and get some clinics integrated into the events. We want to turn stunt riding into a full sport that has a ladder system like baseball or any other traditional sport. I think it'll take 5-7s year to get to that point.

6. You're next event is at VIR, with GT Live, Can you tell us about that event?

VIR is our East Cost Eliminator and the last chance to qualify for the XDL Finals in March. Some top riders like Kane and Teach are going to do battle for the top spot. The VIR event takes place as part of a larger event called GT LIVE that also features drifting, road racing and a whole bunch of other activities. This is a really good one to attend because there is so much to do in addition to the stunt riding.

If you’re in the area be sure to stop by VIR and visit Sprocket Werks. The event at VIR is sure to be a blast, check them out at www.xdlshow.com and www.gtlivetour.com. We are also looking for promoters in the area to help make this event a success and grow the sport of stunt riding, if interested in helping out please email steve@paramaxusa.com, there are some great incentives.