PHOENIX – NHRA Funny Car driver and team owner Buddy Hull will not be competing at this weekend’s FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, March 20-22, at Firebird Motorsports Park. The decision comes as Hull’s team continues to rebuild following a significant on-track incident at the Gatornationals two weeks ago. The unexpected downtime underscores the challenges inherent in professional drag racing, where mechanical failures can quickly alter carefully laid plans.
The incident in Gainesville involved an explosive mechanical failure, prompting an immediate teardown of the Funny Car to assess the extent of the damage. While a replacement body has been secured, the team determined that the time required for proper mounting and preparation would prevent them from participating in the Arizona event. Hull emphasized that prioritizing safety and ensuring the car is fully prepared are paramount, even if it means temporarily stepping away from competition. This commitment to safety reflects a broader concern within the sport, where speeds exceed 330 mph.
“Obviously, this isn’t the news we wanted to share this week,” Hull said. “Any time you have to sit out a race, it’s tough, especially this early in the season. But at the end of the day, making sure everything is right with the car and that our team is safe is what matters most. We’re not going to rush that process. Matt Bynum and the guys are working hard to make sure we return better than ever.”
Preparing for the Unexpected
The team’s preparation for the Gatornationals was extensive, with the Funny Car fully assembled as early as November of the previous season. The vehicle was showcased as part of their FS Performance sponsorship and final preparations were underway before the team departed for Gainesville. Despite the meticulous preparation, the unexpected mechanical failure highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. The team’s quick response in securing a replacement body demonstrates their dedication to returning to the track as soon as possible.
Hull himself sustained minor injuries in the incident, suffering burns to his back and legs. He credited his safety equipment, specifically his Impact firesuit, with preventing more serious harm. “My right hand is healing really well, and I’ve been staying in close contact with the NHRA medical team,” Hull stated. “I had some minor burns from the fire, but honestly, my Impact firesuit did its job. It could have been a lot worse, so I’m grateful for that.”
Looking Ahead to Pomona and Potential Top Fuel Debut
While sidelined for the Arizona Nationals, Hull and his team are already evaluating options for the upcoming Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals. A surprising possibility is a potential foray into Top Fuel racing. Hull noted that current Top Fuel entry numbers are below a full field, and he expressed a desire to support the category while likewise fulfilling commitments to his sponsors. Drag Illustrated first reported the news.
“We’re looking at every option for Pomona right now, including maybe running my Top Fuel dragster,” Hull explained. “We’ve got great partners who count on us, and I also want to do my part to help make sure fans are getting full, competitive fields at these events. We’ll make the best decision for everyone involved.” This potential shift to Top Fuel would represent a significant change for the team, requiring adjustments to both equipment and strategy.
Community Support and Off-Track Engagement
Despite the setback, Hull remains engaged with the racing community and his fans. He recently appeared at a customer event at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in Dallas, showcasing his FS Performance Ford Mustang and interacting with attendees. The team plans to continue these activations throughout the season, strengthening their connection with supporters. The outpouring of support from fans, sponsors, and fellow teams has been particularly encouraging during this challenging time.
“The calls, messages, and offers to help from fans, sponsors, and other teams have meant a lot to us,” Hull said. “This sport is a family, and you really see that in moments like this.”
Next Steps and Fan Engagement
Hull plans to follow the action at the Arizona Nationals remotely, watching every round on NHRA.tv and cheering on his competitors. He hopes for a safe and competitive weekend for everyone involved. The team remains focused on a swift and safe return to competition, with safety and long-term performance guiding every step of the rebuild process. They will provide updates to the NHRA and their fanbase as decisions are finalized leading up to the Winternationals.
Tickets for both the NHRA Arizona Nationals and the Winternationals are available for purchase at www.nhra.com. The team is committed to keeping fans informed about their progress and plans for the future.
The team’s next confirmed update will approach as they finalize their plans for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, with a decision expected regarding participation in either Funny Car or Top Fuel.
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