Buddy Hull Reclaims Ownership Role Ahead of 2026 NHRA Season

Buddy Hull is charting a new course for his professional drag racing career, announcing his return to the dual role of NHRA team owner and driver beginning with the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and extending well beyond. Competing under the Hull Racing banner, the Dallas, Texas, business owner steps into the next chapter after parting ways with Jim Dunn Racing following two seasons in one of the sport’s most recognizable Funny Cars.

Hull’s newly assembled operation is already complete and on schedule, with preparations aimed squarely at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, set for March 6–8, 2026, at historic Gainesville Raceway. The move signals both independence and ambition for a driver who steadily improved during his time with Dunn, earning multiple quarterfinal finishes while gaining invaluable experience in nitro Funny Car competition.

“I want to thank Jim Dunn Racing for the opportunity to race a nitro Funny Car full-time,” said Hull, who raced to numerous quarterfinal finishes over the past two seasons. “After the experiences of the past two seasons, the time was right for me to take ownership of my career and brand. I have a lot of business opportunities on and off the track and this was the perfect time to take the next step in my Funny Car career.”

Backed by a growing infrastructure, Hull Racing will field its own Funny Car with veteran crew chiefs Mike Guger and Johnny West leading the technical program. The team currently has two complete Funny Cars housed at its Dallas-area shop, providing both depth and flexibility as preparations ramp up. Testing sessions are planned ahead of the 2026 campaign, with performance goals focused squarely on consistency and competitiveness in an increasingly stacked Funny Car field.

“I have worked with Mike for a number of years, and adding the expertise of Johnny West to my team will give us a great 1-2 punch,” said Hull. “We will be ready to go every qualifying session and every elimination round. I am excited for the future, and we have some great marketing partners that will be along for the ride.”

Beyond the racetrack, Hull continues to expand his presence and influence within the sport. His award-winning television show, Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, remains a cornerstone of his personal brand, offering fans a deeper look into Funny Car racing while strengthening relationships with partners and sponsors. Additional marketing activations and business initiatives are also in development, reinforcing Hull’s long-term commitment to both competition and growth.

The Hull Racing team is expected to make sponsorship announcements during the 2026 PRI Show in Indianapolis, with further updates planned throughout the offseason as the Gatornationals approach. With ownership regained, a seasoned leadership team in place, and momentum building, Buddy Hull enters 2026 positioned not just as a driver but as a fully invested stakeholder in his future. Fans can follow the journey at HullRacing.com and across Hull’s social media platforms.