Jim Dunn Racing and Mooneyes Gear Up for Chicago

Jim Dunn Racing is headed to the 2025 Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, bringing excitement and nostalgia to Chicago. Funny Car driver Buddy Hull will take the wheel, coming in with strong momentum from a personal-best performance at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.

His car will feature a striking yellow Mooneyes livery, celebrating the 75th anniversary of both Jim Dunn Racing and Mooneyes. Fans attending Route 66 Raceway from May 15-18 will see this eye-catching car up close, making the weekend a special event for enthusiasts of drag racing history.

Hull is eager to represent both Mooneyes and Jim Dunn Racing at a major NHRA venue. “The car looks absolutely incredible, and to represent two legendary names on a stage like Route 66 is a dream come true,” Hull said ahead of the race.

This season, the special Mooneyes livery will appear at five races, with Chicago being the second stop after Charlotte. In addition to the on-track action, fans can shop for Mooneyes merchandise at the souvenir trailer set up in the midway.

Hull also plans to sign autographs there during the race weekend. The next appearances for the Mooneyes car and merchandise trailer will be at the New England Nationals from May 30 to June 1, Thunder Valley Nationals from June 6 to 8, and the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals from November 13 to 16.

Hull comes into Chicago after recording his best elapsed time and a new top speed in drag racing during the Charlotte event. Hull shared, “Matching my best ET and setting a new top speed—it shows the work we’ve been putting in is paying off.”

This performance has boosted team confidence as they pursue more round wins at Route 66. Returning to Illinois is meaningful for Hull, who grew up about three hours southwest of Joliet.

Although he now lives in Dallas, he has fond memories of the area and looks forward to racing in front of friends and local fans. Chicago’s passionate drag racing crowd can find Hull on the NHRA Stage during Friday’s New Fan Orientation session at 11:15 a.m.

“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,” Hull stated. Alongside Mooneyes, Hull will be sporting support from sponsor partners including 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.

The competition is set to begin with two qualifying runs on Friday, May 16, followed by two more on Saturday, May 17. Only the 16 quickest Funny Cars will move on to race for a coveted Wally trophy during the finals on Sunday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. CT.

The final rounds will be broadcast live on FS1. Coming off two off weekends before Chicago, Hull says the team feels energized and ready to keep their strong run going.

“I can feel in my bones that it’s going to be a great weekend,” he said. With a standout car, a celebrated team, and enthusiastic local support, Jim Dunn Racing and Buddy Hull are set to make their mark at Route 66 Raceway this May. For more details on Buddy’s Funny Car nomination, fans can check the latest updates.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.