NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Joe Morrison set for nitro Funny Car debut in Norwalk

Joe Morrison will make his nitro Funny Car debut at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, driving for legendary Funny Car driver, owner, and tuner Paul Smith.
25 Jun 2024
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
Joe Morrison

Joe Morrison will make his nitro Funny Car debut at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. The longtime Top Fuel, Nostalgia Funny Car, and Fuel Altered pilot from Flemington, N.J., will be driving for legendary Funny Car driver, owner, and tuner Paul Smith.

Morrison, who last competed in NHRA Top Fuel in 2022, wrapped up his NHRA license cross-grade process in July 2023 with Smith at Virginia Motorsports Park. This expanded his diverse NHRA competition license to an impressive 11th active class, ranging from Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car to Super Comp and Super Gas.

However, the exclusive 1B FC grade is one that Morrison has been hunting for since he fell in love with the nitro floppers while attending events at Englishtown Raceway Park in his youth.

“I’ve wanted to drive a NHRA Nitro Funny Car since the 1970s, watching legends like ‘Jungle Jim,’ ‘Snake,’ ‘Mongoose,’ and, of course, Paul Smith at E-Town. To make my competitive debut driving for Paul Smith not only is exceptionally humbling, but it just feels right. Many experienced nitro pilots have gotten their feet wet with Paul Smith for a reason, and I’m happy to join that list.”

After making his NHRA Top Fuel debut in 2020 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Morrison entered 17 NHRA national events during a part-time campaign over a period of three years.

While driving the Kings of the Sport was exciting, educational, and humbling, it was a stepping stone for 20-year nostalgia drag racer, known for his expertise wheeling AA/Fuel Altered and Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars.

“It’s been my goal to compete in the NHRA Funny Car division. However, these things are wild, quick, and unpredictable. It made sense to start my accelerated learning curve in Top Fuel, and those 17 events were exceptionally educational.”

Morrison continued, “Funny Car licensing last year in Virginia was great. Working with the entire Smith family was seamless and professional. Paul gave me a great car to drive during the licensing process. I honestly think he could get a Funny Car down a dirt road if he wanted.”

Morrison will be competing in Norwalk thanks to the support of The Glockner Oil Company, PennGrade 1 High Performance Oils, and Dawn D’Agostino.