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If there were a single phrase that described Alex Laughlin best, it would be: ‘Have helmet and fire suit, will travel.’ Laughlin’s NHRA license covers pretty much every four-wheeled vehicle under the sun, and that’s earned him another opportunity to drive. Jim Dunn Racing announced that Laughlin will drive the team’s Funny Car at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Buddy Hull, who normally drives the Dunn-owned machine, is still recovering from injuries he sustained at the Seattle event. Laughlin, who won Pro Stock at the 2019 U.S. Nationals, will earn points for Hull as a replacement driver.
“I’m just kind of the lucky guy that has the golden ticket with the license and the relationship with Jim Dunn Racing to be able to do this to help out,” said Laughlin, who will also be racing a Pro Mod during the U.S. Nationals. “It is kind of the right place right time situation I’m happy to help. I’m excited to be back to the U.S. Nationals and I’m thankful to be able to get the call from Jim Dunn Racing. I’m just piloting the Funny Car from A to B for the weekend while Buddy is getting better. I appreciate the Dunns and Buddy giving me this opportunity.”
For the U.S. Nationals, the car will wear the Blaze Exhaust Probes colors as its primary sponsor, and will feature additional sponsorship from Lescure Mechanical Services. Laughlin’s Pro Mod sponsor, Lincoln Welders, will also be added to the Funny Car during the U.S. Nationals.
“This is the U.S. Nationals, the biggest race of the year, and I’m thrilled that we’ve got Alex back in the seat representing our team and partners,” said Hull. “He’s already proven he can win Indy, and with Blaze Exhaust Probes, Lescure, and Lincoln Welders on board, we’ve got a lot to be excited about. I may not be driving this weekend, but believe me, I’ll be bringing the same energy to everything I do. Indy is all about the fans, the competition, and the tradition, and I can’t wait to be part of all of it.”
Laughlin is no stranger to driving a Funny Car. In 2023, he drove the Jim Dunn Racing machine for a full season and finished 10th in the points standings.
