Jerry Toliver confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com on Friday that he will be driving in 2009 for veteran team owner Jim Dunn.

Toliver, of Tumecula, Ca., drove this season for Don Schumacher Racing with limited results, reaching the quarter-finals only twice. He opened the season with a promising No. 2 qualifying position but struggled in the middle portion before qualifying No. 2 in Memphis and No. 3 recently in Las Vegas, Nev.

Toliver has five career national event victories in ten national event finals during his NHRA career. Two of those victories came at Pomona. 

Jerry Toliver confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com on Friday that he will be driving in 2009 for veteran team owner Jim Dunn.

Toliver, of Tumecula, Ca., drove this season for Don Schumacher Racing with limited results, reaching the quarter-finals only twice. He opened the season with a promising No. 2 qualifying position but struggled in the middle portion before qualifying No. 2 in Memphis and No. 3 recently in Las Vegas, Nev.

Toliver has five career national event victories in ten national event finals during his NHRA career. Two of those victories came at Pomona.

"Jerry is a terrific competitor who races for the same reason I do, and that's because he loves it," said Dunn. "He's been competing a long time and does everything he can to get the car to the end of the track in one piece. We think a lot alike when it comes to racing the car, and everyone on this team is looking forward to welcoming Jerry aboard for 2009."

"I've known Jim for a long time," Toliver said. "He is an icon of the sport and someone that is respected by everyone in the pits. Working with Jim is something I've wanted to do for a long time."

Toliver will be replacing Tony Bartone, who is leaving the team to spend more time with his family. The well-liked Bartone, who has raced nearly everything on four wheels, and was the 1996 Lucas Oil Alcohol Funny Car champion, gave the Canidae Racing team one of its 2008 season highlights when he won the Schuck's Auto Supply Nationals at Seattle on July 20.  

"I've truly enjoyed working with Jim Dunn and the entire CANIDAE Pet Foods team and wish them nothing but success next year," Bartone said. "We've had a great run here, and a lot of good times and Jerry's going to do a terrific job in the car."