Dubbin Motorsports will return to Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event August 8–9, followed by the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals August 14–17. Lead driver Kirk Wolf will be in the seat of the team’s A/Fuel Dragster in both events, stepping in for team owner and driver Dean Dubbin, who is sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season after recent surgery to his left arm and shoulder.
Dubbin, who underwent surgery to repair tears in his left rotator cuff and bicep, will miss both Brainerd races—an unfortunate development for the Minnesota-based team backed by DMP Awnings and KENTEX Roofing.
“I will miss driving at my home races,” said Dubbin. “The rotator cuff and bicep injuries were more than we had suspected, and with the amount of damage the surgeons had to fix, there just isn’t any way I can drive the car in this condition. It wouldn’t be fair to all the people who work very hard to put this car in the winner’s circle. Kirk has been driving well, and he will enjoy this track. I have a lot of confidence in him and this crew to perform well—I’ve got a good feeling about these races.”
Wolf, who recently relocated to Indianapolis, will make his Brainerd driving debut.
“I’m excited to race in Brainerd,” said Wolf. “This will be my first time racing at the Brainerd track. I’m bummed that Dean had to sit these races out due to his surgery. He always looks forward to these two races at his home track. As a team, we are in a perfect spot to start making a move in the points standings with good outings at both of these races. It would be awesome to double up.”
Dubbin Motorsports has a strong history at BIR, including a final-round appearance at the 2018 Lucas Oil Nationals. The team enters the Brainerd swing following a semi-final finish at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, where Wolf and the Dubbin Motorsports team delivered consistent performances under challenging conditions.
Both Brainerd events are expected to draw leading Top Alcohol Dragster teams from across the country. With the NHRA TAD championship still up for grabs, the Dubbin team is looking to make a serious move in the points standings with solid results at both events.
This story was originally published on August 5, 2025. 
