By: Jim Dunn Racing
LONG BEACH, CA (May 13, 2025) — Jim Dunn Racing is headed to the 2025 Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals in full throttle, and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is ready to ride the momentum from a stellar showing at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals two weeks ago in Charlotte. Sporting a striking yellow livery celebrating 75 years of Jim Dunn Racing and Mooneyes, Hull’s hot rod will be one of the most nostalgic and eye-catching machines on the track at Route 66 Raceway this weekend, May 15-18.
“I can’t wait to hit the track in Chicago with this Mooneyes 75th anniversary hot rod,” said Buddy Hull. “The car looks absolutely incredible, and to represent two legendary names—Mooneyes and Jim Dunn Racing—on a stage like Route 66 is a dream come true. It’s a huge deal to bring Mooneyes back east with us. The fans eat it up when we bring out the Mooneyes car, and also when they can purchase their Mooneyes merch.”
photo credit AJ Bohlander Photography
Drag racing legend Jim Dunn and Mooneyes, the iconic brand known for its rich hot rod heritage, are commemorating their shared 75th anniversary by running a special celebratory livery at five races this season. Chicago fans are the second group lucky enough to experience the car in-person. In addition to catching a glimpse of the car, fans will also be able to purchase all of the classic Mooneyes merchandise at the fully-stocked Mooneyes souvenir trailer located in the midway. Hull plans on signing autographs by the trailer throughout the weekend. The other three races that the Mooneyes car and merchandise trailer will be at are the NHRA New England Nationals (May 30-June 1), the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals (June 6-8) and the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals (Nov. 13-16).
Hull is coming off a breakthrough performance at the Four-Wide Nationals, where he matched his personal best elapsed time and set a new top speed record for his career.
“Charlotte was a huge confidence booster for the entire team,” Hull added. “Matching my best ET and setting a new top speed—it shows the work we’ve been putting in is paying off. The car is responding, the team is clicking, and I feel more ready than ever to chase some round wins in Chicago.”
The Route 66 Nationals has a special place in Hull’s heart – he grew up about three hours southwest of the Joliet, Ill. track, so in some ways, it feels like returning home. Local Buddy Hull fans can catch their favorite Funny Car driver on the NHRA Stage during New Fan Orientation with Hannah Rickards on Friday at 11:15 a.m.
“Dallas is where I call home now, but the Chicago fans are some of the best in the country,” said Hull. “We’re going to give them a show—and if we can turn some heads with that 75th anniversary Mooneyes livery while going rounds, that’s the goal.”
In addition to Mooneyes, this weekend Hull will also be repping season-long sponsors Lescure Mechanical Services, Blaze Exhaust Probes, KGC Construction, Vertex Roofers and General Contractors, Crow Safety, Koppl Pipeline Services, True Brand, USD, Wiley X and Compass Facility Services.
“Two off weekends in a row coming into Chicago felt like torture when I know the momentum we are rolling into this race with is electric,” said Hull. “I can’t wait to get back out there, continue to put down consistently quick and fast runs, and represent my family, team and sponsors well out there. I can feel in my bones that it’s going to be a great weekend.”
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will have two qualifying runs on Friday, May 16 and then two more qualifying runs on May 17 at Route 66 Raceway. The 16 quickest Funny Cars after four rounds of qualifying will advance in competition for a chance at a Wally on Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. CT with the finals live on FS1. For tickets or more information on the Route 66 NHRA Nationals visit nhra.com.
