Funny Car driver Buddy Hull will return to competition at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals after recovering from injuries sustained in a July crash at Sonoma Raceway. The Jim Dunn Racing driver will strap back into the car Oct. 31–Nov. 2 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Hull, a second-year Funny Car competitor, was sidelined for 10 weeks after suffering a left-hand injury during the Sonoma Nationals. While he focused on physical and occupational therapy in Dallas, veteran Alex Laughlin filled in to keep the team active on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour.
“First I want to thank Alex for stepping in and keeping the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car on track while I have been healing and rehabbing,” Hull said. “I have been doing my best to stay active at the track but there is no substitute for the 320 mph rush of racing for Big Jim Dunn. I want to finish our 75th season strong and I thank all our fans who have reached out with well wishes and support over the past few months.”
R+L Carriers will join Elite Motorsports as the primary sponsor of Tony Stewart’s Top Fuel dragster beginning with the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods season. The program will make its debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. 🏁
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Hull’s return comes at a pivotal point in the team’s year, with only two events remaining in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. The Nevada Nationals and the season-ending In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona will mark the conclusion of Jim Dunn Racing’s 75th season in drag racing.
“To be able to be the driver for Jim Dunn Racing has been incredible and I wanted to get back in the Funny Car as soon as possible so I could close out the season in Pomona,” Hull said. “Jim Dunn Racing has so much history in Pomona and across Southern California I am honored to be back behind the wheel.”
Hull’s comeback adds another layer to the team’s storied legacy as it closes a milestone year for one of the NHRA’s most enduring independent operations. With the Hall of Fame tuner Jim Dunn at the helm, the team remains one of drag racing’s most respected and recognizable entries.
