NHRA Funny Car driver Buddy Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team are set to roll into the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, August 14-17, with a bold new look and plenty of fan engagement.
The team’s 12,000-horsepower nitro Funny Car will carry a striking yellow-and-black Menards livery for the weekend, honoring a partnership between Menards and Jim Dunn Racing that has spanned more than a dozen years. The special paint scheme also celebrates Jim Dunn Racing’s 75th anniversary season, marking decades of success for the Hall of Fame team owner.
As part of race week festivities, Hull and Dunn will appear at the Menards store in Baxter, Minnesota, on Thursday, August 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. Fans can meet the duo, get autographs, and check out the Menards-backed Funny Car up close. Menards operates 351 stores across 15 Midwestern states, bringing the same hometown pride to its customers that it shows on the drag strip.
“This Menards car looks amazing, and I’m honored to represent a brand that has been such a loyal supporter of Jim Dunn Racing,” said Hull. “We’re going to Brainerd with a lot to prove, and I’m ready to fight for every round. The fans up here are some of the best in the NHRA, and I can’t wait to see them both at the track and at the Menards appearance on Thursday.”
The Brainerd event is the 13th stop on the 2025 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series tour and the penultimate race before the Countdown to the Championship. With playoff spots on the line, Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team are eager to keep momentum rolling during this milestone year.
“One of the best parts of celebrating 75 years of Jim Dunn Racing has been doing it alongside our incredible partners,” Hull said. “Everyone from the fans to the other teams to our sponsors recognizes what an achievement it is to be competitive in this sport for so long.”
Hull will also return to action just weeks after sustaining a left-hand injury in an explosion and sand trap trip during qualifying at the Denso Sonoma Nationals. While still healing, Hull is determined to climb back in the driver’s seat and deliver for the Brainerd fans. He will also host the NHRA’s New Fan Orientation on Friday at 1:30 p.m. on the NHRA Stage.
“Anytime I can interact with NHRA fans, I’m going to take it,” Hull added. “I appreciate the NHRA putting more emphasis on fan engagement this year. The Q&A’s, interviews, and Nitro School sessions help fans understand our sport better, and it gives us drivers and teams a platform to share our passion.”
Alongside Menards, Hull will also represent season-long sponsors Blaze Exhaust Probes, Lescure Mechanical Services, KGC Construction, Mooneyes, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, USD, Wiley X, and Compass Facility Services.
Menards Appearance: Thursday, August 14, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menards, 15236 Dellwood Dr., Baxter, MN 56401.
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will make two qualifying runs on Friday, August 15, and two more on Saturday, August 16, at Brainerd International Raceway. The top 16 Funny Cars will advance to eliminations on Sunday, August 17, starting at 10:30 a.m. CT. Fans can catch the action on FS1 and FOX. For tickets or event details, visit NHRA.com.
This story was originally published on August 12, 2025. 
