The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway proved challenging for Chris King, owner and driver of the Howards Cams/Competition Parts Dodge Funny Car team. Throughout the two days of qualifying, the team faced significant motor damage as they battled to secure a spot in the 16-car field. Unfortunately, this setback prevented them from participating in the highly anticipated 69th Dodge Power Brokers U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park this weekend. Although King won't be racing, he's determined to fulfill his sponsor and fan event obligations.

"It is just so disappointing to not be able to race at the U.S. Nationals," King said. "We were making strides on the performance side at Denver and Topeka, but Brainerd really set us back. My whole goal this year, which I didn't talk about too much, was to get our program competitive so we could maybe make an impact at Indy and get the attention of more sponsors. That isn't going to happen on the track, so I am going to go and do all the fan events I committed to and make the most of a bad situation."

Despite the setback, King will be actively participating in various events surrounding the race. On Thursday, August 30 at 7 p.m. ET, he will be joining other drivers at the Cruz Pedregon Open House and Car Show (462 Southpoint Circle, Brownsburg, IN) for a free autograph session with fans. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the signing session scheduled to commence at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, on Friday, King will be partaking in the DSR Performance Block Party (1681 E. Northfield Drive, Brownsburg, IN) at noon ET, where he will be signing autographs to benefit Riley Children's Hospital.

"I made some commitments to meet with the fans, and I definitely want to honor those promises," King explained. "You always want to be racing, but Indy is a huge event for the fans and the sport, so if I can still be a part of it, I don't want to miss that chance. I am evaluating what my team's next move is. Right now, the focus is getting all the pieces in place to continue to chase this dream. I am not going to give up."