Jim Dunn and Buddy Hull Look to Unleash New Car, New Livery, and Big Momentum in Virginia

Press Release | JIM DUNN RACING

NHRA Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is coming into the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals with confidence, control, and a whole new ride.

As the Jim Dunn Racing driver continues with just his second season behind the wheel of a nitro Funny Car, he's already turning heads on the national stage, and this weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park, June 21-22, he's looking to keep the momentum rolling in his Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car.

Richmond is the first race of the season that Hull is racing with a fiery Blaze Exhaust Probes paint scheme on the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car. Blaze is one of Jim Dunn’s season-long sponsors, and since 1996, they have been a leading full-service temperature sensor manufacturer that offers solutions for even the most demanding applications. Their reputation for creating the most rugged sensors available has made them a top choice in the industry.

In addition to Blaze Exhaust Probes, Hull will also be representing season-long sponsors Lescure Mechanical Services, KGC Construction, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, Mooneyes, Compass Facility Services, USD, and Wiley X. Montauk Native Gas is also featured on the rear wing for the first time this season.

“I'm fired up to be racing in Virginia this weekend; it’s one of the most passionate fan bases on the tour, and the energy at Virginia Motorsports Park is always electric,” said Hull. “I’m especially proud to be debuting our brand-new Blaze Exhaust Probes livery. Blaze is all about precision and performance, and that’s exactly how I approach every run. Representing them on the track is an honor, and I’m ready to put on a show for the fans with this awesome new car.”

Hull arrives in Richmond fresh off back-to-back quarterfinal appearances, most notably taking down No. 1 qualifier Austin Prock in the first round at both the NHRA New England Nationals and the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. His steady hand and instinctive driving have drawn praise from fellow competitors and fans alike.

“Every run, I’m getting more and more in sync with this car,” said Hull. “Funny Cars are some of the most intense machines in motorsports, but I love the challenge. My job is to keep it straight, keep it fast, and make sure we’re in a position to win rounds. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing.”

At the most recent event in Bristol, Hull showcased his calm under pressure when his parachutes didn’t deploy in time at the finish line. With exceptional composure and car control, he brought the car safely to a stop in the sand trap. As a result of the incident, Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will debut a new Funny Car this weekend in Virginia, a move that has only sharpened their focus.

“It has been a busy week for the team,” said Jon Dunn. “We have been in Indy working on the new car. My dad, ‘Big Jim,’ has been on the phone daily, and I have been here with the crew. We worked through Father’s Day. I would like to say thank you to Antron Brown and his Antron Brown Motorsports team and also the Murf McKinney Corporation.”

Hull was also excited about the team effort and being a part of Jim Dunn Racing. Heading into the Virginia race, Hull will be looking to continue his winning streak and build on his race-day successes.

“I trust this team completely. This new car is solid, and I’m thrilled to show it off in front of the Virginia fans with the new Blaze Exhaust Probes design,” said Hull. “This is one of those races where you have to come out swinging, there’s no Friday, no warmup day. We’re in, and we’re on from the first burnout. This team is hungry, and we’re putting everything into this race.”

The American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals is the only two-day event on the 20-race NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar, giving teams one less qualifying run to test and tune. However, the three-qualifying-run format on Saturday allows teams to more closely imitate the race-day atmosphere, but with qualifying stakes. For a driver like Hull, who thrives under pressure and adapts quickly, the condensed format plays to his strengths.

“It’s go-time from the first burnout,” said Hull. “No room for error. I’ve always believed in being prepared and staying sharp, and that’s what this team does best. We don’t need extra time to get focused, we’re already there. When you’re in the car, it’s all about feel, reaction, and staying in command. That’s how we’ve been winning rounds, and that’s how we’re going to keep climbing.”

(Photo Courtesy Jim Dunn Racing)