NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

While driver Buddy Hull continues to recover from a left-hand injury suffered earlier this season, the Jim Dunn Racing/Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car will be piloted at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals by a driver who knows how to win in Indy: Alex Laughlin.

Laughlin, the 2019 U.S. Nationals champion in Pro Stock, returns to Jim Dunn Racing for the first time since his 2023 campaign, where he finished 10th in Funny Car points and posted a semifinal finish in Charlotte. Laughlin will earn points on Hull’s behalf under the medical portion of the driver replacement policy.

“I'm just kind of the lucky guy that has the golden ticket with the license and the relationship with Jim Dunn Racing to be able to do this to help out,” said Laughlin, who will also be racing a Pro Mod during the U.S. Nationals. “It is kind of the right place, right time situation. I'm happy to help. I'm excited to be back to the U.S. Nationals, and I'm thankful to be able to get the call from Jim Dunn Racing. I'm just piloting the Funny Car from A to B for the weekend while Buddy is getting better. I appreciate the Dunns and Buddy giving me this opportunity.”

 

The car will carry Blaze Exhaust Probes as the primary sponsor for the third time this season and will feature Lescure Mechanical Services, a family-based company, prominently on the rear wing. Lescure, a longtime Jim Dunn Racing marketing partner, will be highlighted alongside Lincoln Welders, who came on board for the U.S. Nationals thanks to Laughlin’s support.

“This is the U.S. Nationals, the biggest race of the year, and I’m thrilled that we’ve got Alex back in the seat representing our team and partners,” said Hull. “He’s already proven he can win Indy, and with Blaze Exhaust Probes, Lescure, and Lincoln Welders on board, we’ve got a lot to be excited about. I may not be driving this weekend, but believe me, I’ll be bringing the same energy to everything I do. Indy is all about the fans, the competition, and the tradition, and I can’t wait to be part of all of it.”

Even without his firesuit on, Hull will keep plenty busy throughout the weekend, with a fan-focused schedule that includes:
•    Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.: Autographs at Cruz Pedregon’s Open House and Car Show
•    Friday, Aug. 29 at 3 p.m.: Leading New Fan Orientation on the NHRA Stage with Hannah Rickards
•    Saturday, Aug. 30 at 12:20 p.m.: Cheering on his 1-year-old son, Maverick, in the equally adorable and competitive Baby Walker Nationals

“This race is bigger than just one driver or one run down the track,” said Hull. “I get to meet fans at Cruz’s open house, welcome brand-new fans to the NHRA family, and then watch my son race in the Baby Walker Nationals. That’s still a full weekend! Honestly, I think I might be just as busy as Alex. This is going to be an Indy I’ll never forget.”

With Laughlin chasing performance on the track and Hull leading the charge with fans, Jim Dunn Racing and the Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car are geared up to make a lasting impact at the U.S. Nationals. Throughout this season, Jim Dunn Racing has been celebrating 75 years of success. Their passion for the sport and the unwavering love the fans have been on display across the country. The team’s success at the U.S. Nationals is highlighted by the team’s win at the Big Bud Shootout win in 1997 and the 1999 U.S. Nationals win with Frank Pedregon.