Terry Haddock is reorganizing his operation after an on-track incident during the fourth qualifying session at Gainesville Raceway caused extensive damage to his primary Nitro Funny Car. The veteran driver was uninjured, but the crash created significant challenges for his independent team as it prepares for the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series season.
Haddock had recorded a 4.12-second pass and lifted early near the 800-foot mark before the incident unfolded near the top end. Buddy Hull, experiencing a severe fire, crossed into Haddock’s lane, striking the left front of his Funny Car and triggering a sequence that led to a head-on impact with the wall.
A parachute from Hull’s car became entangled with Haddock’s wheelie bar, pulling the car sharply toward the barrier. The machine was dragged along the wall before coming to a stop, ending Haddock’s participation in the qualifying session.
Although Haddock exited the car without injury, the damage to the A-car chassis proved severe. The team immediately began disassembly, with plans to transport the chassis to John Force Racing for evaluation and potential repair involving a new front half.
Frame rail damage and the loss of the Funny Car body compounded the setback for Terry Haddock Racing. The incident halted the momentum built through months of offseason preparation for the newly launched IHRA championship program.
Initial reports suggested the car sustained only minor damage, leading to speculation it returned to competition Sunday. In reality, the extent of the structural impact prevented the primary entry from making another pass during the event.
Instead, Haddock debuted his B-car, a backup chassis previously configured for a smaller test-class combination. Overnight modifications transformed the car into a full Nitro Funny Car, allowing the team to maintain its presence in eliminations.
The first-round appearance marked Haddock’s initial run in the reconfigured machine. The pass ended early when the car lost traction, underscoring the challenges of rapid adaptation at the highest level of Funny Car competition.
Despite the crash, Haddock remains committed to contending for the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series championship. The veteran’s determination reflects both his history in the category and the broader significance of the series’ return to national prominence.
As an independent team, the financial implications of rebuilding after a major incident are substantial. Haddock continues to prepare equipment while also welcoming new partners interested in supporting the championship campaign.
Haddock’s credentials include the 2008 IHRA Nitro Funny Car world championship, a title that underscores his experience and competitiveness. His focus now shifts toward reestablishing form as the series launches its latest era of competition.
Team members continue repair and preparation efforts with the season opener approaching. The work includes assessing chassis viability, securing replacement components and ensuring operational readiness for upcoming events.
The 2026 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series season begins March 19–21 at Darana Motorsports Park in Benson, North Carolina. Haddock’s team intends to arrive prepared despite the adversity faced in Gainesville.
