DSR Kicks Off 2026 Dirt Racing Season at McGrewBid MotoPlex

First Race of the Season. First Visit to McGrewBid. A True Test of Grit

Dominic Slesinski Racing officially opened the 2026 dirt racing season at McGrewBid Motoplex, marking our first-ever race at the facility. After a productive test and tune session two weeks prior, we came in with baseline data on the 30s car setup and a strong sense of optimism heading into race day.

Hot Laps Show Early Promise

Dominic took the 30s out for hot laps and returned to the trailer with confidence in the car’s initial balance. The track conditions pointed toward a slightly loose setup, but nothing that required major changes. Small adjustments were noted as we prepared for heat race competition.

High Car Count. High Stakes in the 600 Division

With a stacked field in the 600 division, the format included four heat races. Only the top five finishers from each heat would transfer directly to the A Main. Everyone else would battle through the B Main, where only four drivers would advance to complete a 24-car A Main field.

After the draw at registration, Dominic lined up P5 in Heat #4. The team felt confident in securing a transfer spot, but dirt racing rarely goes according to plan.

Heat Race Setback Ends Early

On the opening lap, heading into turns 1 and 2, Dominic found himself boxed in low. Two cars ahead made contact, leaving no room to react. The 30s made hard contact, resulting in a broken right front shock and forcing an early exit before completing a full lap.

Back at the trailer, we assessed the damage and found the shock was the only major issue. Unfortunately, without a spare right front shock on hand, it looked like our day was over.

The Racing Community Steps Up

In true grassroots racing fashion, the pit area came through.

A huge thank you to Shane Trout for offering a spare shock. While it ultimately did not fit our setup, the willingness to help meant everything. Just as we were preparing to pack up, fellow driver Matt Kiefert stepped in and offered a compatible shock, giving us a second chance to compete.

Moments like this define what dirt racing is all about.

B Main Charge. From P8 to Transfer

With minimal time to install the new shock, Dominic headed straight to staging for the B Main with no additional setup changes. Starting P8, the goal was simple. Finish P4 or better to transfer.

Through determination and clean driving, Dominic advanced through the field and secured a P4 finish, locking the 30s into the A Main.

A Main Survival. Climbing Through Chaos

Starting P24 of 24 cars in the 20-lap A Main, the challenge shifted from speed to survival. The race quickly turned into a caution-filled battle, with multiple incidents across the field.

Dominic stayed composed, avoided several wrecks, and steadily worked forward. When the checkered flag flew, the 30s crossed the line in P14. A hard-earned result after a roller coaster of a day.

Trackside Takeaways

Never Quit Mentality Pays Off: From a broken shock in the heat race to making the A Main, persistence made the difference.
Preparedness Matters: Not having a spare RF shock nearly ended our night. This is something we will address moving forward.
Community is Everything in Dirt Racing: Without help from fellow competitors, this story ends very differently.
Smart Driving Wins Races You Don’t Finish First In: Avoiding chaos and finishing strong turned a tough night into a solid result.-season.

Appreciation Lap

Racing is never a solo effort, and this night proved it. Huge thanks to Matt Kiefert for stepping up when we needed it most. Appreciation to Shane Trout for offering help without hesitation.

Thank you to the supporters and everyone following our journey as a first-generation race team.

And most importantly, respect to every competitor in the 600 division who brought the intensity on opening day.

See you at the next one!

We’re just getting started. Follow along as we continue to learn and push forward one race at a time.

Photos: Checkered Flag Media