BARBERVILLE, Fla.  The Super DIRTcar Series doesnt start its season until Feb. 12. But that isnt 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 well see how it goes, Justin Stone said. Were guaranteed one night, but after that, we dont know what the car is going to look like. Were 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 didnt go as expected.

I got in the car, and I was like, oh boy, I dont 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, youre going to spin out. With these cars, you have to keep your momentum up, and its the total opposite of how Ive been taught to drive.

While Todd is new to a UMP modified, hes no stranger to racing during Florida Speedweeks. Hes 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. Its track time that will help him when the Super DIRTcar Series races at Volusia, Feb. 12-15.

Its going to be a learning curve, Justin Stone said. I think its going to be fun. Theres going to be a ton of cars, and Im excited to see where the week goes.

I think its going to be really good for Justin to get some time on the track, Todd Stone said. Hes been here two times and has only raced six Features, so its 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. Im his biggest critic, but Im his biggest fan, too. I just love it.