John Hale Named As Driver For Jim Dunn Racing In 2014, Will Compete At All 24 NHRA Events – Nostalgia Pilot Hits Big Stage


John Hale Named As Driver For Jim Dunn Racing In 2014, Will Compete At All 24 NHRA Events – Nostalgia Pilot Hits Big Stage

(Brad Klaassen photo) Nostalgia funny car racing standout and part time NHRA Mello Yellow series driver John Hale has been named the new driver for Jim Dunn Racing and will pilot the team’s Grime Boss at all 24 events on the tour in 2015. Hale will replace popular driver Jeff Arend in the seat that Arend had occupied in 2013 and 2014. While the Grime Boss team has not racked up a huge win count, the car is always well prepared, qualifies consistently and is capable of going rounds on race day. Hale has had a myriad of experience behind the wheel of his own nostalgia nitro burning funny car and has been an NHRA Heritage Series player for several seasons.

It was clear that Hale had intentions of pursuing a full time gig at the top level of nitro racing as he had run a few Mello Yellow Series events in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, appearing in the Steve Plueger tuned entry. He more than proved his chops in that car and his resume of nitro action spoke for itself. While we’re sad to see Jeff Arend out of a ride (currently) for 2015, it is always interesting when a new driver gets plugged into the mix of the season as Hale will be starting in Pomona in a few weeks. There are a couple of new nitro faces in 2014 and some old friends coming back.

This is shaping up to be a very interesting year for sure out there on the NHRA tour. Congrats to John Hale for this opportunity, we know he’s super excited about it!

HERE’S THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM JIM DUNN RACING –

JANUARY 5, 2015 – Jim Dunn Racing announced today that John Hale will drive its Dodge Nitro Funny Car for the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series at all 24 events.

“Our goal is to go out and do the best we can for our sponsors and fans, while making it into the Countdown to the Championship,” said team business manager, Jon Dunn. “We’re looking forward to having John Hale behind the wheel to help us achieve those goals.”

For Hale, driving for the Dunn family is an opportunity of a lifetime. The Texas native achieved his Nitro Funny Car license in 2013 and competed in several national events in 2013 and 2014. Hale is a two-time Nostalgia Funny Car champion and actively competes on the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage series, where he won the 2011 and 2013 California Hot Rod Reunions.

“When the Dunns approached me to drive for them in the 2015 season, I knew it was an opportunity I had to take,” Hale said. “The Dunns run a tight, family-based operation, and that’s something I’m really excited to be part of. When I’m at home or on the road with my nostalgia team, we are a family. All I know how to do is race with family.”

Hale replaces Jeff Arend, who has driven for Jim Dunn Racing in 2013 and 2014.

“Our decision to put John Hale in the seat was a business decision.” Jon Dunn said. “Jeff is a great driver and friend to our team. We wish him nothing but the best for him.”  The NHRA Mello Yello season kicks off with the Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on February 5th – 8th.

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2 thoughts on “John Hale Named As Driver For Jim Dunn Racing In 2014, Will Compete At All 24 NHRA Events – Nostalgia Pilot Hits Big Stage

  1. Ron Thomas

    Went to John Hales pit.party at the March Meet a few years ago. He had Great White playing a concert. Ron Capps and Del Worsham were there…just cool dudes at a cool event having a blast. John Hale is always fun to be around.

  2. Haterade

    “When the Dunns approached me to drive for them in the 2015 season”

    I am sure the guy is a fine driver and all BUT the fact is the guy won the lottery in Texas and is buying the ride. Not because he is a better driver than Jeff Arend. If he is bringing any sponsor money it is miniscule compared to what he is taking out of his pocket. He paid Plueger something like $25,000 to license in his funny car so I figure he paying at least that for a weekend with Big Jim.

    Now you know “The rest of the story”.

    And yes, if I won the lottery I would do the same thing so good for him.

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