NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Hull Racing, led by team owner and driver Buddy Hull, will start the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the historic Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals with new sponsor and marketing partner FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford on their Funny Car. 

The design will mirror the 2025 high-performance Mustang GT Premium that the dealership designed at the end of the year. The limited-edition Ford Mustang “Buddy Hull” specialty car is inspired by the same grit, attitude, and adrenaline that drives his Nitro Funny Car program. Over the offseason, Hull Racing, led by crew chiefs Mike Guger and Matt Bynum, have been preparing for the season opener.

“We are taking the opportunity to work with Sam Pack Ford and FS Performance to the next level,” said Hull. “It is one thing to have a car on display, but when you can put that car on the racetrack at the Gatornationals in front of the whole world of drag racing, that will be so cool. I was able to be a part of the Mustang GT Premium design process and give them ideas on the performance levels of the Mustang as well as styling suggestions to make it very personal to my brand. I have been doing the same thing with Mike [Guger], Matt [Bynum], and the team on the big-show Funny Car.”

FS Performance Funny Car will also carry the branding from Red Line Oil, Gates Belts, 360 Wraps, and Hull’s main business, Vertex General Contractors. The team will also be promoting Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, the award-winning television show that will return for its third season in 2026.

“We are building this program with some amazing companies and marketing partners but really Vertex has been a huge part of my business success,” said Hull. “We had a record-setting year last year, and we are off to a great start in 2026. The key will be balancing the racing and the business. It is coming together really well, and I am excited to be working with Red Line Oil and Gates Belts, we have some really cool programs in the works.”

The FS Performance Funny Car will be in Gainesville, Fla., early for some pre-race testing with the rest of the Top Fuel and Funny Car teams. Hull will also be attending the Gatornationals FanFest at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speed Shop on Wednesday, March 4 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. signing autographs and taking photos with fans at this annual free pre-race event.