Top Alcohol Dragster Field Sets Record-Breaking Pace at Texas Motorplex
The team behind Dubbin Motorsports blazed through the "Stampede of Speed" at the Texas Motorplex, making history in the process. This annual event, which spanned from October 4 to 13, 2024, culminated in the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, creating an atmosphere teeming with motorsport enthusiasts. Record-setting performances were seen in the Top Alcohol Dragster category.
Situated in Ennis, Texas, the Texas Motorplex is known for its pioneering all-concrete track, favorable to drag racers since its inception in 1986. The track's unique surface and typically ideal weather conditions have established it as a venue where barriers are often broken. This year's "Stampede of Speed" was no exception, as the Top Alcohol Dragster field delivered the fastest qualifying performances in NHRA National Event history.
Central to this historic weekend was Kirk Wolf, driving for Dubbin Motorsports with support from Kentex Roofing. Wolf secured the No. 7 qualification position in what became a fierce competition. His first-round victory against Joey Severance set a high standard, as Severance was unable to start, opening the door for Wolf to post a 5.27-second elapsed time. Reflecting on the weekend's performance, Wolf said the following, via Drag Illustrated :
"It was a good weekend for us. We were fast every round, and competitive against the top teams. We just ran into a really fast McPhillips car in the second round, where Matt (Cummings) did a great job. We dropped a hole late in the run and this time of year you have to be running on all eight to beat those guys.
"But, we ran in the 20's every time down the track this weekend. That is not easy to do at any track, and it shows you how good this car is – and how good this team is."
In the second round, Wolf faced off against Matt Cummings of the McPhillips Green Car team. Despite a consistent performance, Wolf was outpaced by Cummings, who managed a brilliant run. Wolf clocked a reaction time of .078 seconds with a run of 5.289 seconds at 270.79 mph, slightly behind Cummings' winning time of 5.229 seconds at 280.30 mph.
Dean Dubbin, the owner of Dubbin Motorsports, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance throughout the weekend.
"Even though we lost in the second round, this was one of our best weekends of the year. Everyone did great. We had a solid car all weekend, and I think we have turned the corner on our clutch issues. We were dropping holes down track and that's something we haven't dealt with much this year.
"But, the car was clean off the line every run and that's something we can build on for Las Vegas," he stated.
Dubbin's optimism reflects a team ready to take the lessons learned in Texas forward as they gear up for the upcoming Ford Performance NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, scheduled from October 31 to November 3.
Wolf's qualifying rounds displayed a steadiness, with times ranging in the 5.25 to 5.29-second bracket at speeds exceeding 270 mph. Such reliability under pressure speaks volumes about the team's preparedness and determination.
Looking ahead to Las Vegas, Dubbin noted the team's focus:
"This time of year all these cars are fast. This team has worked very hard to make this car fast and keep it consistent. It's fun for everyone when that hard work pays off. We're in a good place right now, and we'll be ready for Las Vegas."
This event presents yet another opportunity for Dubbin Motorsports to continue their advance in the NHRA standings.
With a robust schedule throughout the season, including events like Funny Car Chaos and the NHRA Right Trailers Jr. Dragster Western Conference Finals, Texas Motorplex remains a hub for motorsport excitement. But there's more thrilling racing still to come.
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This story was originally published October 16, 2024, 2:02 PM.
