Buddy Hull is expanding his presence in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, adding veteran crew chief Matt Bynum to Hull Racing ahead of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. The move positions the Funny Car team for its season debut March 5-8 with a renewed technical structure.
Hull said the offseason has centered on preparation at the team’s shop south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Longtime crew chief Mike Guger and Bynum have worked through both the primary and backup Funny Cars in advance of Gainesville.
“I have been a team owner and a team driver but this new endeavor, Hull Racing, has me so excited for my future,” said Hull. “This is a family-owned team with my wife Madi and my son Maverick. We are building a program that I am very proud of. Having Matt join Mike to tune this Funny Car gives me a lot of confidence for the long term. Matt has a background like mine, and I am really looking forward to working with him and seeing the success he and Mike can have with this team.”
The addition of Bynum comes as Hull Racing transitions into a more structured, long-term build. Gainesville will serve as the first competitive test of that offseason work.
Bynum joins the team after working on nitro Funny Cars with Blake Alexander, Del Worsham and Alexis DeJoria. He also has extensive experience in nostalgia Funny Car competition.
“Funny Car is a premiere category and working with Buddy is something fresh and new,” said Bynum. “This is a chance to build on what I have been doing over the past several years. Buddy and I have the same mindset. We want to stay within ourselves and make full runs without smoking the tires. We are going to be consistent, safe and quick.”
At 34, Bynum is among the younger crew chiefs in the nitro ranks. Hull said that profile aligns with his philosophy of investing in emerging talent.
“I am always looking to give young talent a chance to shine whether it is one the racetrack or with my business Vertex General Contractors,” said Hull. “I want to work with people who are hungry for success and have a great positive attitude. Matt has come into the shop and really continued to move us in the right direction. He and I have had several conversations about racing and life. This is going to be an exciting season for sure.”
Hull emphasized that the team’s foundation is built on family ownership and stability. His wife Madi and son Maverick are part of the operation as the organization continues to expand.
Beyond personnel changes, Hull Racing increased parts inventory and supporting equipment during the offseason. The team maintains a primary Funny Car and a fully prepared backup to support a full NHRA campaign.
Hull recently announced Red Line Oil as a sponsor and confirmed a marketing relationship with Five Star Ford, a Dallas/Fort Worth-area dealership group. Additional sponsorship announcements are expected before the Gatornationals.
The Gainesville event, one of the longest-running races on the NHRA schedule, traditionally sets the tone for the season. For Hull Racing, it represents the first opportunity to measure its offseason investment in leadership and preparation.
Hull said the objective is straightforward. The team intends to produce consistent, complete runs and build momentum throughout the 2026 season.
