BUDDY HULL AND ALEX LAUGHLIN WITH JIM DUNN RACING READY FOR FIRST 4-WIDE IN THE COUNTDOWN
By: Jim Dunn Racing
LONG BEACH, CA (September 17, 2025) — The stage is set for a historic weekend as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series rolls into zMax Dragway for the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals, September 18-21. For the first time ever, the Countdown to the Championship will feature a four-wide event, and Jim Dunn Racing is ready to be a part of the history-making weekend while continuing to celebrate the team’s 75th anniversary in drag racing.
Although Buddy Hull is still sidelined with a left-hand injury sustained at the Denso Sonoma Nationals, the energy around the team remains strong. Alex Laughlin will drive the Blaze Exhaust Probes Funny Car for the third consecutive race, with Blaze returning as the primary sponsor for the fifth time this season. The accomplished multi-category driver has quickly acclimated to driving a 12,000-horsepower nitro Funny Car again. Over the past two races subbing for Hull, Laughlin has recorded multiple 300 mph plus speeds and handled several tricky situations on the track. At the recent U.S. National Laughlin avoided sure disaster when Justin Schrieffer crossed the centerline in front of Laughlin at nearly 300 mph. His skill in avoiding a serious on-track incident was recognized by everyone in the sport.
“Alex and I are ready to represent the great people at Blaze this weekend,” said Hull. “This fiery livery is one of my all-time favorites, it just looks so good going down that track. I’m disappointed that I won’t be the one in the seat, but my hand is continuing to make small strides in the right direction.”
This weekend will also shine a spotlight on partners and causes close to the team. The president of Wiley X and special guests will be in attendance, while the car’s rear wing will highlight the Wiley X foundation, Stay In The Fight, which helps incarcerated, non-violent veterans reclaim their lives. Alongside the foundation, the wing will also promote Hull’s show, “Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull.”
“Helping our brothers and sisters who have served, but have faced some difficulty since, is a worthy cause,” said Hull. “I’m appreciative that we have partners who have a passion to give back. And I am also super thankful to the Dunn family for allowing me to spotlight Talkin’ Funny Cars. We’ll have a new episode right before this race and another one right after this race, on Wednesday at 8pm ET on the NHRA FAST Channel.”
Hull may not be in the driver’s seat, but he will be busy interacting with fans through suite visits, NHRA Stage appearances, pit-side hospitality, and guest commentary in the PA booth throughout the weekend.
“I can’t wait to be back at the track with our fans in Charlotte,” said Hull. “The support I’ve received during my recovery has been incredible, and it motivates me every day. Having Alex in the car gives us the chance to keep building momentum for Blaze Exhaust Probes, Wiley X and all our partners. This is the first-ever four-wide Countdown race, and it’s going to be an exciting and historic weekend for our sport.”
Jon Dunn echoed Hull’s optimism heading into Charlotte. “This season has been a milestone for our family and team, celebrating 75 years in drag racing,” said Dunn. “We’re proud to represent partners like Blaze and Wiley X, and it’s special to use our car to raise awareness for Stay In The Fight. The four-wide format is always intense and having it in the Countdown makes it even bigger. We’re looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans and our guests this weekend.”
The NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals marks the second race of the six-event Countdown to the Championship, with just five races remaining in the 2025 season. Fans at zMax Dragway will experience the thunderous spectacle of 12,000-horsepower Funny Cars racing four-wide in a playoff setting for the very first time.
In addition to Blaze Exhaust Probes and Wiley X, this weekend Hull and Laughlin will also be repping sponsors Lincoln Welders, Lescure Mechanical Services, KGC Construction, Mooneyes, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, USD and Compass Facility Services.
“It’s going to be a great weekend of four-wide racing that fans won’t want to miss,” said Hull. “I’m excited, our team is excited and our partners are excited. We’re going to keep working so we can finish this season strong.”
Laughlin and the Jim Dunn Racing team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, September 19 and then two more qualifying runs on September 20 at zMax Dragway. The 16 Funny Cars with the quickest elapsed times after four rounds of qualifying will compete for a Wally on Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Fans can watch the race on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals visit nhra.com.
