NHRA Top Fuel driver Buddy Hull continues to build on his humble beginnings in the Camping World Drag racing series. At the PRI Show this past December, Hull made a huge announcement that enables him to compete in more races in 2023 as his team has secured Methanol Moonshine as their primary sponsor.
With this signing, Buddy Hull Racing will be present in at least eight races in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Hull has stated that there is no limit, and there is no way that he could limit himself to only reaching a certain point. With that said, Hull is continuing to work himself and his team to the highest level of success.
On January 25th the Dallas-based Top Fuel driver announced veteran Top Fuel tuner Mike Guger will take the reins as his full-time crew chief. Hull’s first race this season will be the Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Motorsports Park at the end of March.
“Adding someone like Mike Guger to the team is a dream come true,” said Hull. “He has so much experience and has worked with so many great drivers, I honestly pinched myself after he said yes to working with our team. We are building a solid foundation to move forward and Mike along with David Shaff, our car chief. They will be a great one-two punch. David joined our team over a year ago and has shown great leadership from the beginning as well as a great work ethic. I can’t wait to get to Phoenix and see what we can do.”
Guger brings a level of experience that should enable Hull to have a consistent race car.
The Cleveland, Ohio native had the pleasure of learning the basics of drag racing under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Dale Armstrong. One certain thing is Guger is excited to be back on the track.
“I am excited to get back to leading a Top Fuel team”, Said Guger. I was really impressed with the parts Buddy has as well as his attitude and goals. I have known David for a while, and he helped me with my Funny Car. He is a great worker, and I am really comfortable with him. Buddy has given me free reigns and I think we will work very well together. I have been trying to stay on top of the sport. I haven’t been hands-on day to day, but I will be honest, I make an effort every day to think about racing. I stay in touch with a lot of the current crew chiefs, and I think with Buddy’s inventory and his team we can have some fun and turn some heads.”
Guger has been a crew chief for two different teams. In the 2015 season, he served as crew chief for Larry Dixon where he posted a round win-loss record of 33-24, six final rounds, and two number-one qualifiers. In 2016 he served as crew chief for Leah Pruett where he posted a 5-3 round win-loss record with one win that came at the Arizona Nationals. However, a month-and-a-half later, after only four races, Vandergriff pulled the plug on his two-car team.