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Jim Dunn Racing Event Recap for the NHRA Gatornationals

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Todd Lesenko
Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car Driver
for Jim Dunn Racing
AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA Gatornationals
March 5-8 | Gainesville, Florida

Event Recap

Todd Lesenko, driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car:

  • No time in Q1 on Friday
  • Earned No. 18 provisional qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (7.139 ET at 92.40 mph)
  • Earned No. 14 provisional qualifying position in Q3 on Saturday (4.433 ET at 278.17 mph)
  • Dropped to the No. 18 qualifying position in Q4 on Saturday with a 12.930 ET at 69.27 mph, which failed to qualify for the event

Notes of Interest

  • Lesenko represented Solid Start/True Brand at the NHRA Gatornationals. They are a women-owned, family-operated automotive additives manufacturer based in Lakeland, Florida. Founded in 2010 and built upon an automotive additives legacy dating back to 1976, the company produces a full line of performance-driven products designed to enhance engine performance and extend equipment life. Known for innovation, quality, and purpose-driven partnerships, Solid Start/True Brand proudly supports initiatives that strengthen families and communities nationwide.
  • True Brand is honored to partner with National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to raise awareness and drive impact in the fight against breast cancer. NBCF is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women now through early detection, education, and support services. Founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, NBCF provides free, life-saving breast cancer screenings and educational resources to women in need, empowering individuals and families with hope, knowledge, and access to care year-round.
  • The 2026 season marks a homecoming for Lesenko and Jim Dunn Racing. Lesenko competed in the NHRA Funny Car class in 2012 for the iconic racing team.
  • As the NHRA celebrates its landmark 75th season in 2026, Jim Dunn Racing is celebrating 76 years of success in drag racing. Jim started drag racing when he was 15 years old and at 91 years old, he plans to keep going as long as he can. In 2024, Jim received the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has won some of the sport’s most significant races and has provided driving opportunities for some of the biggest names in the sport.
  • Jim Dunn Racing has won at least one NHRA tour event in four different decades with five different drivers. Jim Dunn won in the 1970s and ‘80s, son Mike won in the 1990s, as did Kenji Okazaki and Frank Pedregon, and Tony Bartone won in the 2000s.
  • 14 different drivers have won racing rounds on the NHRA tour in Jim Dunn Racing vehicles.  

Todd Lesenko, Driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Solid Start/True Brand Funny Car

“Qualifying was tough with the tricky track conditions, but we made big improvements getting more acclimated with the car. I’m looking forward to running the True Brand colors at their next event in the inaugural Georgia race. We are confident moving forward in a couple weeks at the second event on the NHRA tour in Phoenix.”

Photo Credit: RRJ1MEDIA

Next Up

The next event on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the NHRA Arizona Nationals March 20-22 at Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

– Jim Dunn Racing –