Buddy Hull will not compete in this weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals as his Funny Car team continues rebuilding following an on-track mechanical failure earlier this month. The decision removes one of the sport’s emerging owner-drivers from the Phoenix lineup while underscoring the risks and realities of nitro racing.
Hull confirmed the team secured a replacement body but lacks sufficient time to properly mount and prepare it for competition. The setback comes as the season begins to take shape, forcing the Dallas-based program into an early recalibration.
“Obviously, this isn’t the news we wanted to share this week,” said Hull. “Anytime you have to sit out a race, it’s tough, especially this early in the season. But at the end of the day, making sure everything is right with the car and that our team is safe is what matters most. We’re not going to rush that process. Matt Bynum and the guys are working hard to make sure we return better than ever.”
The team’s preparation timeline had been deliberate before the setback altered its trajectory. They completed assembly of the Funny Car late last year and had begun refining the program ahead of the Gainesville event.
Hull’s recovery from the incident has progressed steadily, though the experience reinforced the importance of modern safety standards. He credited protective equipment and rapid medical attention for preventing more severe injury.
“My right hand is healing really well, and I’ve been staying in close contact with the NHRA medical team,” said Hull. “I had some minor burns from the fire, but honestly, my Impact firesuit did its job. It could have been a lot worse, so I’m grateful for that.”
Attention has now shifted toward the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, where the team is evaluating multiple competitive scenarios. Hull acknowledged the possibility of entering his Top Fuel dragster to maintain sponsor visibility and support full-field participation.
“We’re looking at every option for Pomona right now, including maybe running my Top Fuel dragster,” said Hull. “We’ve got great partners who count on us, and I also want to do my part to help make sure fans are getting full, competitive fields at these events. We’ll make the best decision for everyone involved.”
Although sidelined from competition, Hull intends to remain connected to the sport’s weekend narrative. His absence from the driver’s seat will not diminish his engagement with the ongoing championship storyline.
“I’ll be watching every round on NHRA.tv and cheering on all my competitors,” said Hull. “It sounds like it’s going to be a hot one in Phoenix, so I just hope everyone has a safe weekend out there.”
Support from within the racing community has reinforced Hull’s resolve as the team works toward a return. The shared response from fans, sponsors and fellow competitors highlighted drag racing’s collaborative culture.
“The calls, messages, and offers to help from fans, sponsors, and other teams have meant a lot to us,” said Hull. “This sport is a family, and you really see that in moments like this.”
Hull remained active away from the track, appearing at a customer event in Dallas where his Funny Car was displayed. The outreach reflected a commitment to maintaining sponsor relationships and fan engagement despite the competitive interruption.
The team continues to focus on a measured rebuild that balances urgency with long-term performance objectives. Hull’s next competitive move will signal both a physical and strategic return to a season already shaped by early adversity.
