JIM DUNN RACING KICKING OFF THE COUNTDOWN WITH BUDDY HULL PROMOTING AND ALEX LAUGHLIN DRIVING
By: Jim Dunn Racing
LONG BEACH, CA (September 9, 2025) — Jim Dunn Racing is set to return to Maple Grove Raceway for the 40th NHRA Reading Nationals presented by Nitro Fish, September 11-14, with a fiery look and a full schedule of fan engagement as the Countdown to the Championship kicks off. They will deliver a one-two punch with Buddy Hull and Alex Laughlin representing the team and sponsors.
The team, celebrating its 75th anniversary this season, will once again showcase its eye-catching Blaze Exhaust Probes livery for the fourth time in 2025. While Buddy Hull, the second-year Funny Car driver, remains sidelined with a left-hand injury sustained at the DENSO Sonoma Nationals in late July, the team will continue to push forward under the NHRA’s medical replacement policy.
For the second consecutive race, Alex Laughlin will pilot the Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car, bringing with him strong backing from Lincoln Welders and a proven ability to step in under high-pressure circumstances. Laughlin will look to carry momentum into Reading as Buddy Hull and Jim Dunn Racing begins their Countdown campaign.
“While I’d love nothing more than to be in the seat this weekend, I’m proud of the effort our team has put in to stay competitive and keep engaging with fans,” said Hull. “Alex is doing a fantastic job behind the wheel, and I’m excited to cheer him on while also sharing more of my passion for Funny Car racing with the fans in Reading.”
Longtime sponsor of Jim Dunn Racing, Odyssey Battery, will be heavily featured on the side window of the nitro Funny Car. They will also have guests in attendance at the race.
“We’re so excited to be hosting a group from Odyssey Battery,” said Jon Dunn. “We rely on Odyssey batteries to start the race car, we use them in our hauler, our tow vehicle and our personal vehicles at home. They easily meet all of our battery needs and are a great company to work with.”
Despite being out of the cockpit, Hull’s championship hopes remain alive. In just his second season in Funny Car, Hull has qualified for the Countdown to the Championship both years, a testament to his and Jim Dunn Racing’s consistency and determination.
Hull will also remain a major presence at Maple Grove Raceway. He’ll spend the weekend engaging fans by:
- Filming episodes for season two of his hit show Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, which premieres this Wednesday, September 10 on the NHRA FAST Channel at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT.
- Joining the PA booth to offer his insights on the weekend’s action.
- Meeting fans during autograph sessions and tower visits.
- Entertaining on the NHRA Stage, continuing to build his connection with the NHRA community.
“These Reading fans are something special,” said Hull. “They know they’re at a race that is high stakes. It’s the first race of our playoffs and anything can happen. I’m lucky that I can keep spreading the message that Funny Cars are the coolest thing on the planet, even when I’m temporarily out of the seat.”
In addition to Blaze Exhaust Probes and Lincoln Welders, this weekend Hull and Laughlin will also be representing season-long sponsors Lescure Mechanical Services, KGC Construction, Mooneyes, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, USD, Wiley X and Compass Facility Services.
“We have the best group of supporters in the sport of drag racing,” said Hull. “They’ve been so understanding as I work to get my hand back in shape to pilot this nitro Funny Car and have welcomed Alex back with open arms. We could not do what we do without them.”
Laughlin and the Jim Dunn Racing team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, September 12 and then two more qualifying runs on September 13 at Maple Grove Raceway. The 16 Funny Cars with the quickest elapsed times after four rounds of qualifying will compete on race day on Sunday, September 14 at 11 a.m. ET. Fans can watch the race on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Reading Nationals visit nhra.com.
