NHRA fan favorite and driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car, Buddy Hull, is set to return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals, October 31 – November 2, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The second year Funny Car driver has been sidelined following a serious incident at the Sonoma Nationals in late July that injured his left hand. Over the past 10 weeks Hull has participated in physical and occupational therapy in Dallas, Texas, with an eye on returning to the seat. In his absence veteran driver Alex Laughlin has been driving the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car.
“First I want to thank Alex for stepping in and keeping the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car on track while I have been healing and rehabbing,” said Hull. “I have been doing my best to stay active at the track but there is no substitute for the 320 mph rush of racing for Big Jim Dunn. I want to finish our 75th season strong and I thank all our fans who have reached out with well wishes and support over the past few months.”
Hull will race in Las Vegas and the season finale in Pomona as the team finishes the season strong with another Countdown playoff appearance. The season finale at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will be a significant event for the Southern California based team as Jim Dunn Racing closes out another memorable season of a Hall of Fame racing career.
“To be able to be the driver Jim Dunn Racing has been incredible and I wanted to get back in the Funny Car as soon as possible so I could close out the season in Pomona,” said Hull. “Jim Dunn Racing has so much history in Pomona and across Southern California I am honored to be back behind the wheel.”
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will be on track October 31 for two qualifying runs at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fans interested in tickets can visit www.nhra.com.
This story was originally published on October 22, 2025. 
