First Trip to Hamlin Speedway of the 2026 Season
After a weekend away from from dirt tracks, the DSR team loaded up and made the trip for our first appearance at Hamlin Speedway this season. While it was only our second time ever racing at Hamlin, we were eager to see how the 30s would stack up against a strong field of competitors.
Like every race day, the goal was simple. Learn, improve, and put ourselves in position for a solid finish.
Early Adjustments Set the Tone
Following hot laps, Dominic immediately knew the car needed some attention. The track conditions called for a gear change, along with a few handling adjustments before heading into Heat Race action.
The team got to work, making the necessary changes and preparing for the night ahead.
Heat Race: Locked Into the Main Event
A favorable pill draw placed Dominic fourth on the grid for Heat Race #1.
The green flag waved, but after just three laps, a caution flew for a spun car in Turns 1 and 2. During the restart shuffle, Dominic dropped back one position and lined up fifth for the restart.
The remainder of the eight-lap heat race stayed green, and the 30s crossed the line in sixth place.
While it wasn’t the finish we were hoping for, the result was enough to secure a spot in the night’s A-Main event.
A-Main Action: From Setback to Comeback
The feature lineup placed Dominic 18th in a talented 24-car field.
The opening laps showed promise. A caution on Lap 2 reset the field, and when racing resumed, Dominic quickly found speed. The 30s began moving forward, climbing to 14th position in just a few laps.
Then disaster struck.
On Lap 6, contact with another car sent the 30s spinning in Turn 1. The incident forced Dominic to the rear of the field, where he would restart in 23rd place.
To make matters worse, the contact left the car with damage that included a bent and broken right-front shock.
Never Quit Racing
The remainder of the feature was anything but smooth, with seven additional cautions slowing the pace and creating opportunities for trouble.
Through every restart and every challenge, Dominic kept the car pointed in the right direction. He avoided further incidents, battled through a damaged race car, and steadily worked his way back through the field.
When the checkered flag finally flew, the No. 30s had climbed back to 14th place.
A win is always the goal. Every racer wants to be standing in victory lane at the end of the night. But sometimes a race is measured by perseverance rather than position.
After restarting 23rd, overcoming damage, and battling through a caution-filled feature, the DSR team left Hamlin Speedway with our heads held high. The result may not show the full story, but the effort behind it certainly does.
We’ll regroup, keep learning, and get ready for the next opportunity to put the 30s back on the track.
Trackside Takeaways
- Dirt track racing rarely goes according to plan.
- Hamlin Speedway tested our team with handling challenges, contact, damage, and multiple restarts. Despite every obstacle, Dominic continued charging forward and never stopped fighting for positions.
- The final result wasn’t what we came for, but the determination shown throughout the feature is something we can build on as the season continues.
Appreciation Lap
As always, thank you to our sponsors:
- A2Z Mobile Maintenance LLC
- Kurpakus Chassis & Fabrication
- Dietz Fabrication & Powder Coating
Thank you to everyone who supports DSR both at the track and from home. Your support makes every lap possible. Whether you’re helping in the pits, cheering from the grandstands, or following along online, you’re an important part of this journey.
See you at the next one!
Photos: Carsten McCollum Photography
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Dominic Slesinski Racing 