Jim Dunn Racing NHRA Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is set to make his much-anticipated return to the track at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection, October 30-November 2, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event marks Hull’s return to competition since a left-hand injury sidelined him for the past six national events.
Hull who’s in his second year driving for Jim Dunn Racing is ready to climb back behind the wheel of the KGC Construction-backed Funny Car as he looks to finish the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season strong. The Las Vegas event is 18 of the 20-race season and the fifth event in the Countdown to the Championship. Thus, giving Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team a key opportunity to gain points and momentum heading into Pomona.
“I am absolutely fired up to be back,” said Hull. “It feels like it’s been forever since I last strapped into the car, and I’ve missed every single part of it, the smell of nitro, the sound of the engine, the rush off the starting line. I’ve been working hard to get my hand back to 100%, and I can’t wait to hit the track with my Jim Dunn Racing family again. Vegas is the perfect place for a comeback!”
Jim Dunn Racing’s KGC Construction Funny Car will make its third appearance of the season, after supporting the team during two earlier four-wide events. It will be the second time this season that the team will compete at the Vegas track. This weekend’s race, however, will feature the more traditional two-wide format, allowing Hull to get back into a familiar groove as he chases round wins. Kindness General Contractors, LLC, also known as KGC, LLC, is a full-service general contracting firm designed to manage and facilitate a complete range of construction projects.
“This team has so much heart,” said Hull. “Jim Dunn Racing has been doing this for 75 years and that’s incredible! To be part of that legacy and to represent KGC Construction again is a huge honor. We’re going to put everything we’ve got into these last two races and end the season on a high note.”
The return to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway also gives Hull the chance to reconnect with fans. He’ll be a featured guest on the NHRA Nitro Alley Stage on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Hannah Rickards, where he’ll talk about his recovery, his excitement to return and what it means to drive for one of the most respected teams in the sport.
“Vegas always has an amazing atmosphere, the fans, the energy, the lights, it’s just electric,” said Hull. “We’re ready to light up the scoreboard and have some fun doing it. Let’s go racing!”
Jim Dunn Racing would like to welcome Diane Hurner with Omega Mortgage Group on board for Las Vegas. In addition to KGC Construction, this weekend Hull will also be repping sponsors Blaze Exhaust Probes, Lescure Mechanical Services, Mooneyes, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, Menards, Wiley X, USD and Compass Facility Services.
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, October 31 and then two more qualifying runs on November 1 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 16 Funny Cars with the quickest elapsed times after all four rounds of qualifying will compete for a Wally and significant Countdown win on Sunday, November 2 at 11 a.m. PT. Fans can watch the race on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Nevada Nationals visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on October 29, 2025. 
