NHRA: Moon dragster graphics on Dunn Funny Car at Finals

November 07, 2016 -- Jim Dunn Racing will sport a unique design on the team’s nitro Funny Car at this weekend’s Auto Club NHRA Finals, displaying graphics on the side of the Mooneyes Funny Car body are derived from the famous Mooneyes dragster of the 1960s.

The design features the Dragmaster chassis with a small block Chevy engine, Moon/Potvin front-mounted supercharger, and Hilborn injection.

The Mooneyes dragster originally raced at NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis in 1961, and won the A/Dragster class on a 9.52 elapsed time at 153.06 mph during the 1962 Winternationals in Pomona. The Mooneyes dragster was piloted by famed drivers such as Dante Duece and Gary Cagle. In 1963, while sponsored by Revell, the Mooneyes dragster was among several other race cars that toured in England and recorded a 9.99 elapsed time at 164 mph.

The original Mooneyes dragster is housed at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Florida, while a replica will be on display for all fans to see at the Finals.

ARTICLE

Hale “over the moon” headed to Pomona in the 3 second club

ADDISON, TX (Nov. 3) – It’s always amazing to look back at the entire season and realize, with all the highs and lows that come with competition, there’s nothing like this sport. Entering Pomona in the 3 second club is a huge accomplishment for our team. We certainly have reason to celebrate as we wrap up the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. 

We were hoping to see a bit more of Lady Luck in Las Vegas but you know how fickle she can be! We did have some great runs, minimal damage in Q3, so overall it was a great weekend.

Friday, during Q1, we had a clean run and ever so briefly were seated in the second spot. Q2 wasn’t nearly as kind to us. Got pushed out of the groove and had to back off the throttle early.

We certainly have had a thing with our burst panel this season. Went up in smoke at the hit, backfired and knocked out the burst panel before even getting 100 feet out. Q4 was a redeeming round, thankfully! It was another smooth run and the car went right down the groove. With that pass we made it in to the show in the 15th spot. We had the 4.04 bump making it the quickest field ever in Funny Car history.

First round of eliminations Hagan got off the line first. The Circle K Funny Car made up for it a little at the 330 mark. However, Hagan pulled ahead to get the win light against our 4.38 at 201mph.

Speaking of Funny Car history, we’re going to be delivering a little nostalgia to Pomona for the final race of this season.

The weekend kicks off with FanFest at Lordsburg Taphouse and Grill on Thursday from 6:00-8:00PM. The City of LaVerne shuts down “D” Street in support of the event each year. There will be a variety of cars on display lining the area outside the taphouse. The autograph signing session will run from 7:00-7:45PM. If you’ve never been to this location, it’s a pretty laid-back tavern with sports on TV and a patio that offers pub food paired with tap beers and a full bar.

Friday we will be delivering a treat to the fans of our sport. We will honor the nostalgia that exists as we celebrate the 50th year of Funny Cars in the NHRA. To be a part of events like this is truly a dream come true.

So thankful to all of our fans who have come out to the track and supported us through the season, as well as all of the fans who drove the FOX Sports viewing numbers to an unprecedented number. Reading posts on social media and having fans drop by to wish us well…that’s what keeps us going when the numbers are off, when I just have a bad run, or when we have a mechanical issue that keeps us from doing what we know we can do.

Really looking forward to wrapping up this season on a positive note with our inclusion in the three second club, a nostalgia treat in Pomona, and a forecast without rain!

Photo Credit: Charles Anderson

Photo Credit: Auto Imagery

Las Vegas Summary
Q1:  4.056/311.77 
Q2:  4.833/166.85
Q3:  20.880/160.90
Q4:  4.031/318.62
Qualified #15
E1:  4.38/201

For more information please visit John Hale Racing.