Buddy Hull Builds Hull Racing for Strong Funny Car Debut for 2026 Run

Team owner and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is entering a pivotal chapter of his racing career, and the momentum surrounding his newly formed Hull Racing program is impossible to ignore. Built on the pillars of performance, safety, and trusted relationships, the Texas-based operation has spent the past two months in a focused push toward its highly anticipated 2026 debut.

Inside the team’s race shop just south of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, long-time crew chief Mike Guger, and veteran tuner Matt Bynum have been methodically preparing two Funny Cars for competition. Their target is the historic Gatornationals, set for March 5–8, where Hull hopes to showcase the strength of his new program.

Building a Family-Driven Program

For Hull, this effort represents more than simply fielding another nitro Funny Car. It is the launch of a family-centered operation that reflects both his professional ambitions and personal values.

“I have been a team owner and a team driver but this new endeavor, Hull Racing, has me so excited for my future,” Hull said. “This is a family-owned team with my wife Madi and my son Maverick. We are building a program that I am very proud of.”

The addition of Bynum alongside Guger is a strategic move designed to give the team both experience and a fresh perspective. Hull believes the pairing strengthens the organization’s long-term outlook.

“Having Matt join Mike to tune this Funny Car gives me a lot of confidence for the long term,” Hull added. “Matt has a background like mine, and I am really looking forward to working with him and seeing the success he and Mike can have with this team.”

Veteran Experience Meets Young Talent

Bynum arrives at Hull Racing with an impressive résumé built across multiple nitro programs. His previous work with drivers such as Blake Alexander, Del Worsham, and Alexis DeJoria has helped shape his approach to tuning at the sport’s highest level.

“Funny Car is a premiere category and working with Buddy is something fresh and new,” Bynum said. “This is a chance to build on what I have been doing over the past several years. Buddy and I have the same mindset. We want to stay within ourselves and make full runs without smoking the tires. We are going to be consistent, safe and quick.”

At just 34 years old, Bynum represents the next wave of crew chief talent in nitro racing. Hull has made it clear that investing in motivated, forward-thinking people is central to his team-building philosophy.

“I am always looking to give young talent a chance to shine whether it is on the racetrack or with my business Vertex General Contractors,” Hull said. “I want to work with people who are hungry for success and have a great positive attitude.”

Momentum Building Toward Gainesville

Preparation has extended well beyond personnel moves. Throughout the offseason, Hull, Guger, and Bynum have expanded parts inventory and strengthened infrastructure to support a two-car effort. The team now maintains both a primary and backup Funny Car, along with the necessary support equipment to sustain a full campaign.

Commercial partnerships are also beginning to take shape. Hull recently confirmed Red Line Oil as a sponsor and continues a marketing relationship with Five Star Ford. Additional announcements are expected as the season opener approaches.

With experienced leadership, fresh technical energy, and growing sponsor support, Hull Racing appears positioned to make meaningful noise when the Funny Cars fire for the 2026 season. For Hull, the mission is straightforward: build smart, race safely, and let consistent performance speak for itself.