BUDDY HULL

still-only win by a rear-engined Funny Car . In the ‘ 90s , Dunn transitioned to team ownership , where his smaller budgeted Funny Cars nevertheless won races and posted high finishes with drivers including Frank Pedregon and Al Hofmann . Most recently Alex Laughlin drove for the Hall of Fame team owner .

The Mike Guger-led Top Fuel operation that Hull developed over the past few seasons will continue to race in 2024 , as Jacob McNeal purchased the car and equipment and will lease additional equipment and shop space from Hull . McNeal , a fellow Texan , made his debut in 2023 driving one of Scott Palmer ’ s Top Fuel entries at four races . He plans to run around 10 events with his Poseidon Oilfield Services dragster .

“ This is a huge step for me and I could not be more excited . I have to thank Scott Palmer and Buddy Hull for all their encouragement and support ,” said McNeal , who also made his announcement on the NHRA stage at the PRI Show . “ This has been a dream since I started racing Jr . Dragsters and bracket cars . I have always owned my race cars , and when the opportunity came to buy Buddy ’ s race car , I jumped on it . To also be able to work with Mike Guger is awesome . I have been lucky to have great mentors and supporters going back to Fred Spell Jr . when I was just getting started .”

The family-based Jim Dunn Racing team returns with Jim Dunn as tuner alongside veteran crew members , including his wife Diane and granddaughter Johnna Dunn . Hull will begin working on his crossover license as well as additional marketing opportunities with the new team . Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car team will make their on-track debut at the historic NHRA Gatornationals , March 8-10 , at Gainesville Raceway . DI

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