One of drag racing’s most entertaining personalities is about to step into one of the most proven pieces in Limited Drag Radial. Tom “Jimmy Dale” Gunner has been announced as the new driver of Rob Kohler’s familiar screw-blown fourth-generation Camaro, with his competition debut set for the fast-approaching U.S. Street Nationals presented by M&M Transmission – the second stop of the Drag Illustrated Winter Series presented by J&A Service.
Gunner’s arrival in LDR comes with real momentum. A successful small-tire standout, he’s fresh off winning the inaugural Lil’ Gangstas Shootout at the 2025 Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod, and his brand has exploded thanks to a potent mix of on-track performance and an unapologetically authentic presence online and at the track. Now he’ll strap into a car capable of immediately running at the front of the pack – the same machine formerly piloted by Lyle Barnett, which has been as quick as the low 3.90s in the eighth-mile.
“I’ve been lucky enough to wheel some killer race cars over the years, and now it’s badass watching my buddy Jimmy Dale get his shot in a top-tier LDR hot rod,” said Barnett. “The dude loves this sport, reps it harder than most, and uses his platform to push drag racing forward. Seeing him step up to the big stage just feels right.”
Team owner Rob Kohler echoed that confidence. “I met Jimmy Dale and [Michael] Poland a couple seasons ago and every time I turn around those guys are in the winner’s circle. How do you not give those guys an opportunity to win in a competitive car, and that’s exactly what we are going to do in 2026,” Kohler said.
For longtime partner Michael Poland, the move is both a milestone and a validation. “I’m so proud of my brother and how far we have come. His personality and craziness – you would think he would be the same in a race car, but it’s the complete opposite. I’ve been around a lot of drivers in my short time in the industry and he’s the most cool, calm, and collected out of all of them. The dude was born to drive a race car. I’m glad to be a part of this and what we have built together. I’m excited to roll into this next journey with Jimmy Dale Racing and Rob Kohler Racing.”
For Jimmy Dale himself, the opportunity is something he’s still trying to process.
“To have a team like Rob Kohler Racing believe in me and a mentor like Lyle Barnett is a pinch-me moment,” Gunner said. “Just three years ago Poland and I were racing in an abandoned parking lot in Mineral Wells, Texas, and now this is going to catapult Jimmy Dale Racing into the highest levels of drag racing. We are freaking pumped.”
Gunner will begin testing immediately and hit the track in competition when LDR fires up at the U.S. Street Nationals in Bradenton.
This story was originally published on December 11, 2025. 
