Funny Car Buddy Hull is a naturally optimistic individual, and this weekend at the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals in Sonoma, Calif., gave him a lot to be enthusiastic about. The rookie Funny Car driver for Jim Dunn Racing set a new personal best speed during the fourth round of qualifying at 319.60 mph at Sonoma Raceway.
“Setting new personal bests is what keeps us going as a team,” said Hull. “When we came back to the pits after that run on Saturday night, it was just a different kind of energy. We couldn’t wait for race day after that run – it’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
Hull and the iconic Jim Dunn Racing team used the first half of qualifying to work out a few kinks with the car, before making that speed personal record during Q4. They then took what they learned during that run to make their quickest run of the weekend during the first round of eliminations against No. 1 qualifier Bob Tasca III.
“We’ve added another new part into our equation. We’re making a lot more horsepower than we were making before,” said Hull. “In Q4 we detuned it to see if we could find a baseline. It went down the track and went a 4.08. Then we tuned it up for the first round of eliminations off that Q4 run. We made the 4.07 in the first round and now we have some solid baselines, and all the parts are finally where they’re supposed to be.”
When evaluating where he and the team are at, Hull has nothing but positive things to say. He’s thankful for everyone, from the Dunn family and the crew, to sponsors Lescure Mechanical Services, ALO Drink and Jenji Boba Tea.
“I think you can expect this team to continue to be one of the most consistent A to B cars and a 3-second run is in our near future,” said Hull. “I’m doing my job at the starting line, I’m bumping in shallow, every single run with decent reaction times. I’ve stuck with it. And the team has done a hell of a job with the car. This team has not made one mistake. These guys absolutely kick ass. I’m just really appreciative of the work everyone continues to put into this thing.”
Now that Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team have had a chance to acclimate their new parts and work through the newness of a Top Fuel turned Funny Car driver, they are excited for the rest of the season ahead.
“I can’t believe there are only eight races left,” said Hull. “Where did the season go? We’re 60% through the year, and I really feel like this team is hitting our stride. And it’s great timing with Brainerd and then the U.S. Nationals coming up. You can expect us to be winning rounds real soon. I can’t wait to be back at the track in August.”
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team’s next national event will be the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn. on August 15-18 at Brainerd International Raceway. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, August 16 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, August 17. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Nationals visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on July 29, 2024. 
