DXDT Racing has withdrawn from this weekend’s IMSA race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after its transporter caught fire on its way to the circuit yesterday.
Most importantly, no injuries were reported from the incident which occurred on US Interstate 5 North in the city of Bakersfield, north of Los Angeles.
The damaged transporter, containing the #36 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R and the bespoke Bosch hand control system designed for paraplegic driver Robert Wickens, was towed to a nearby facility and Programme Manager Bryan Sellers arrived yesterday evening to evaluate the situation. Another transporter departed from Laguna Seca that afternoon to haul all salvaged equipment back to the circuit.
But this morning, the team opted to withdraw from this weekend’s StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship, where a reduced field of 33 cars will start the race.
A statement issued on behalf of the team reads: “DXDT Racing has withdrawn the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by Mason Filippi and Robert Wickens, from the StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship – round five of the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – following a transporter fire on Wednesday along Interstate 5, approximately three hours from the circuit.
“The fire is believed to have originated from a mechanical issue with the trailer, potentially a left-rear axle failure. The full extent of the damage remains under investigation but is considered severe.
“Only one race car was in the transporter at the time of the incident. The team’s spare chassis is located at its headquarters in North Carolina.
“The condition of Robert Wickens’ Bosch-developed hand control system is unknown at this time.”
“Unfortunately the damage incurred is too substantial for us to continue moving forward for this weekends event at Laguna Seca,” said Sellers. “It’s heartbreaking to have to make this decision, for all of our partners involved and individuals that support us. David Askew (team owner), Erin Gahagan (General Manager) and myself are all extremely thankful for the outpouring of help from competitors, our partners, manufacturers, and of course IMSA.
“We are already assessing what needs to be done to make sure we are ready for Watkins Glen and moving forward.”
Laguna Seca was to the second start of 2026 for Wickens alongside full-time co-driver Filippi. Wickens won the pole for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and the #36 Corvette went on to finish sixth in GTD after leading 25 laps during Wickens’ opening stint.
Feature image © IMSA
