Dyne and Barracuda Racing Strong at Halfway Point in Red Bull GRC Season

The Red Bull Global Rallycross championship series reached the halfway mark of the 2014 season this weekend with a successful event at the Dirt Track at Charlotte. Austin Dyne and the #14 Barracuda Racing Ford Fiesta charged all the way to the final, making it to the main round of Red Bull GRC competition for the fifth consecutive time this the season.

Dyne faced new challenges this weekend as he prepared to compete on the half-mile, 70% dirt and 30% asphalt circuit. This North Carolina surface is unlike dirt seen at other venues and consists of a clay base. This creates ruts over time and ever-changing track conditions on the race course. Dyne adapted to the conditions early and had smooth progression as the weekend began.

Friday action was demanding for Dyne and the Barracuda Racing team. As the California rookie attempted to take advantage of critical practice time, a freshly watered-down racing surface caused an unfriendly spin near the start-line, and resulted in damage to the left front of the car. Impressive teamwork from the crew had Dyne ready to go in time for the Heats.

In the first Heat, Dyne scored a 2nd place finish and went on to take 4th in Heat 2B. Additional contact sustained on the driver’s side front of the car meant more quick turn-around work from the crew. The team again responded brilliantly.

Dyne started on the second row for the Semifinal. There was an incident on the opening lap going into Turn 1 where Tanner Foust and Patrick Sandell made contact causing a red flag. On the restart, Dyne was in 4th place until Lap 3 when contact from Foust brought out another red flag. On the third restart, Dyne was holding his own and fighting to the front but ran out of time and settled for a 4th place finish. This put him into the Last Chance Qualifier race.

It was an excellent start for Dyne in the LCQ as he took the lead from a three-wide fight into Turn 1 and held off multiple series winner Scott Speed until Lap 3. Speed managed to squeeze by Dyne and a strategic joker lap move by Nelson Piquet Jr. gave a 3rd place finish for Dyne to advance to the Final.

The Final took place in front of a packed grandstands at the Dirt Track at Charlotte and Red Bull GRC fans were out in full force. Dyne started on the outside of the third row next to Speed and Piquet Jr. Another inspired start had Dyne chasing the leaders down and looking strong with a competitive run until Lap 3 when a spin left the #14 Barracuda Racing Ford Fiesta with a broken left rear and unable to complete the race.

“The weekend started out okay and it was a struggle at first getting used to the dirt,” said Austin Dyne. “After the damage from yesterday we were still good in the Heats but the car was loose in the left front assembly. We fought hard and managed to make it in to the Main race. After getting a great start, it was unfortunate to be taken out on the third lap. I am thankful for great partners like Barracuda and am eager to get on to Daytona for the next race.”

Coming into the Charlotte race, Dyne had a 7th place tie in the points standings with Tanner Foust and has had an impressive start to his rookie year in Red Bull GRC Supercars. With more track time and development for Dyne and Barracuda Racing throughout the season, this positive form should continue as the series enters the second half of the championship.

The Red Bull GRC season will continue in Daytona, FL on August 22 and 23 at the Daytona International Speedway. NBC coverage at Daytona will be shown live on Saturday, August 23 at 2:30 p.m. EST.

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