Buddy Hull Advances to First-Ever Funny Car Quarterfinals at U.S. Nationals
There’s nothing like the magic of the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, and rookie Funny Car driver Buddy Hull had an even more magical weekend at the 70th anniversary running of the event. For the first time in his Funny Car career, the driver for Jim Dunn Racing advanced to the quarterfinals, setting a new personal best speed in the process.
“It’s the U.S. Nationals and we finally did it,” said Hull. “Between Brainerd and Indy, we changed a lot. We put some more new parts in the race car and it immediately did what it needed to do. We had a completely different race car this weekend than what we’ve had all year long. There’s no question about it.”
During the three days of qualifying leading up to race day, Hull made five qualifying runs. His best pass came during the fourth run on Sunday, at 4.046 seconds, 303.30 mph, earning him the No. 15 spot. On race day on Monday, he was able to get past No. 2 qualifier Bob Tasca III in the first round of eliminations. In the second round, Hull set a new personal record for speed, with a 4.028 second, 320.51 mph run against Ron Capps.
“I came out to Indy as a kid, and I remember watching Big Jim and Kenji Okazaki win the Big Bud Shootout, and just the whole the feel of U.S. Nationals,” said Hull. “It’s kind of hard to explain, but there’s a certain feel that I get when I come here. And I think it’s because this race is just such a big deal. It’s called the ‘Big Go’ for a reason. And to get my first professional round win at the U.S. Nationals is storybook. Then to go back out there second round and to make a good run against Capps? Incredible. It was my best light of the weekend and a new personal best speed. I am pumped.”
In addition to the round win and personal best, the continued consistency and time on track is what makes Hull most optimistic going into the Countdown.
“We made seven runs and went down the track, six of them, which probably makes us one of the most consistent cars out here,” said Hull. “Maybe not the quickest and fastest, but it’s a step in the right direction. It was our first round win. For me, that’s such a big deal.”
Hull credits this first round win to the work the Jim Dunn Racing has put in all season. He’s also been focusing on improving his reaction times off of the tree and losing weight to make the car lighter.
“This team has worked their ass off,” said Hull. “We’re all very positive. Our car is doing what it’s supposed to do. We’re now in the Countdown, and all you have to do is be in it to win it. We have six races left and now that points have reset, we’re racing for a championship. With the changes that we made, and with the consistency of the race car, and with the data we’re getting, we know we can speed it up now. We’ve learned so much this weekend about the race car and what it is capable of. You can expect this team to run a 3.95 real soon and for it to keep consistently going down the racetrack. And I’ll continue to do my job the starting line.”
“Being a part of the 70th U.S. Nationals has been the coolest thing,” said Hull. “This is hallowed ground, where champions and legends have been made. And to come to the U.S. Nationals, driving for Big Jim, is just a dream come true. I can’t wait to go home and tell my wife and newborn son, Maverick, all about it.”
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will next be at competition at the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals on September 12-15 at Maple Grove Raceway. There will be one qualifying session on Friday, September 13 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, September 14. For tickets or more information on the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals visit nhra.com.
This story was originally published on September 3, 2024.
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