Alex Laughlin will step into the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car for the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals while Buddy Hull recovers from a left-hand injury sustained at the DENSO Sonoma Nationals.

Laughlin, the 2019 U.S. Nationals champion in Pro Stock, will accrue points for Hull under NHRA’s medical replacement policy. He last drove for Jim Dunn Racing in 2023, when he finished tenth in Funny Car points and reached the semifinals at the betway NHRA Carolina Nationals.

“I’m just kind of the lucky guy that has the golden ticket with the license and the relationship with Jim Dunn Racing to be able to do this to help out,” Laughlin said. “It is kind of the right place right time situation I’m happy to help. I’m excited to be back to the U.S. Nationals and I’m thankful to be able to get the call from Jim Dunn Racing. I’m just piloting the Funny Car from A to B for the weekend while Buddy is getting better. I appreciate the Dunns and Buddy giving me this opportunity.”

Laughlin will also compete in Pro Mod at the U.S. Nationals. The Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car will carry its primary sponsor for the third time this season and feature Lescure Mechanical Services on the rear wing. Longtime partner Lescure joins Lincoln Welders, which came on board for the weekend with Laughlin’s support.

“This is the U.S. Nationals, the biggest race of the year, and I’m thrilled that we’ve got Alex back in the seat representing our team and partners,” Hull said. “He’s already proven he can win Indy, and with Blaze Exhaust Probes, Lescure, and Lincoln Welders on board, we’ve got a lot to be excited about. I may not be driving this weekend, but believe me, I’ll be bringing the same energy to everything I do. Indy is all about the fans, the competition, and the tradition, and I can’t wait to be part of all of it.”