There’s no hiding the ultra-positive attitude of nitro Funny Car driver Jim Campbell.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that it has been impossible to wipe the smile off Campbell’s face this week.

Campbell, who is in his first season driving Jim Dunn Racing’s Funny Car, is coming off a career-best semifinal performance at the Arizona Nationals Feb. 26 near Phoenix.

Campbell upset No. 1 qualifier Courtney Force in the first round and then claimed another unlikely win when he beat J.R. Todd, who had mechanical issues with his Kalitta Motorsports Funny Car.

“The last three races I have lined up against her (Courtney Force) in round one,” Campbell said. “In Pomona (at the Winternationals) she shook the tires and I spun the tires, but she got the win, but the third time was a charm for me.”

The improbable run for Campbell came to end when he lost to reigning world champion Ron Capps.

“That was phenomenal,” said about his march to the semis. “We had some issues with some cylinders and they figured that out in qualifying. We had some clutch stuff and they figured that out and the car went down the track. We still have some work to do, but with 7-Eleven, Oberto Beef Jerky, and Hubert’s Lemonade coming onboard, especially 7-Eleven and Oberto, it has allowed us to step up. Being the second race and going to the semifinals was absolutely a dream come true, and the team is just stoked that we made it to the semis.”

Making it to the semis with quick work in the pits was also was a victory for Jim Dunn Racing, according to Campbell.

“That really put us to the test because we had that 50-minute turnaround for live TV,” Campbell said. “We hustled and hustled and got up to the line and they strapped me in in the pits, but we did it. We turned around in 50 minutes, which we weren’t really used to. The DSR guys and Kalitta guys are used to that because they are going rounds, so this is a huge confidence-builder for all of us and Jim Dunn is just a legend. This is only my sophomore year in (nitro Funny Car) and it is absolutely an honor and a privilege driving for Jim Dunn.”

Following the performance at the Arizona Nationals, Campbell has lofty goals for the remainder of the season.

“We are on a roll and we can’t wait to get to Gainesville, (Fla.), (March 16-19 for the Gatornationals),” Campbell said. “We’re going to be a contender this year. We are looking to make the Countdown. The whole Dunn family is phenomenal.”