Pro Modified standout rookie and NHRA Top Fuel driver Jacob McNeal has been officially named by Jeff Diehl Racing as their Nitro Funny Car driver to compete for a points championship in the 2026 IHRA eight-race points series. Legendary Nitro Funny Car driver/owner Jeff “The Surfer” Diehl will continue running at select NHRA races as well as the IHRA Triple Crown series.
McNeal will bring his forward-focused discipline and intensity to competing in Nitro Funny Car, along with a deep respect for the equipment and team behind it.
“I’ve worked hard to put myself in a position to compete at this level, and teaming up with Jeff in Funny Car is the next step,” said McNeal. “Nitro is unforgiving – you either execute or you don’t – and I thrive in that environment. I’m proud to keep our Pro Mod program aggressive while we go all-in on chasing the IHRA championship.”
Jeff Diehl, from Monterey, California, widely known throughout the sport as “The Nitro Surfer,” along with his wife, Leeza “GoGo” Diehl, have built one of drag racing’s most respected independent operations together over the last 25 years. The Diehl program is recognized across the motorsports community for its authenticity, perseverance, style and unwavering dedication to Nitro Funny Car racing.
“Jacob represents where the team is headed,” Diehl said. “He brings professionalism and fresh talent behind the wheel. Leeza and I are proud of where our team has been and fired up about where it’s headed.”
“This team is a tight family unit,” added Leeza. “Jacob understands the responsibility that comes with a seat on our team and we are excited to go racing together.”
McNeal, who finished second in points during his 2025 rookie season in Pro Mod running the Midwest Drag Racing Series, says he’s not giving up on the class that got him here. He’ll be pulling double duty, piloting his Larry Jeffers-built, screw-blown ’71 Cuda for the full IHRA season alongside Diehl’s Funny Car. He will also compete at select NHRA events in Funny Car and MWDRS races in Pro Mod.
“Getting to run Funny Car with Jeff while still hammering down in Pro Mod is about as good as it gets,” said McNeal. “That’s a dream season right there. Pro Mod is home for me. That’s where I’ve built my edge, learned how to grind rounds out, and race heads-up with some of the baddest guys in the sport. Funny Car is a whole different animal, and I love that challenge too. Pro Mod keeps me sharp and aggressive, and Nitro Funny Car is just flat-out wild. We’re going to push hard in both lanes and chase that IHRA championship like we mean it.”
Jeff Diehl Racing will enter the 2026 IHRA season with an elevated drive, blending legacy and momentum as they aim to deliver powerful performances, energize fans, and write the next chapter of their program.
This story was originally published on February 12, 2026. 
