Dubbin Motorsports is skipping the upcoming Chicago NHRA Route 66 Nationals after facing performance issues during the Charlotte NHRA 4-Wide race. The team struggled throughout qualifying and elimination rounds, posting their best time of 5.318 seconds but ultimately finishing in 12th place, significantly off the leaders' pace. Team owner Dean Dubbin noted persistent issues with their engine, indicating the need for substantial adjustments that didn't yield results. After an unremarkable first-round performance, the team has decided to refocus efforts on diagnosing and resolving the car's performance problems before returning to competition.

By the Numbers
  • Best qualifying pass: 5.318 seconds at 270.05 mph (Q4)
  • Final position in qualifying: 12th
Yes, But

While the team made comprehensive adjustments, including swapping engines and changing cam timing, they were still unable to achieve competitive performance levels. The inability to respond to performance tweaks raises questions about potential underlying issues, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostics.

State of Play
  • Dropped out of the Chicago NHRA Route 66 Nationals for intensive troubleshooting.
  • Plans to inspect every aspect of the car and conduct test laps before returning to competitive racing.
What's Next

The team will aim to resolve the car's performance issues in the shop, with potential test laps planned before their subsequent appearance at a race. A successful fix will be crucial for Dobbin Motorsports to compete effectively against top teams in future events.

Bottom Line

Dubbin Motorsports is prioritizing thorough vehicle diagnostics over competition to restore their racing capability. Focusing on fixing the car's performance issues could ultimately lead to better outcomes in future races, transforming their frustration into a more competitive machine.