26/07/2026
Jim Dunn Racing Builds Momentum After Strong Sonoma Performance
Jim Dunn Racing wrapped up an encouraging weekend at the 38th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge, showcasing steady progress while representing longtime partners Lescure Mechanical Services and ALO Drink in front of a three-day sell out crowd.
Jeff Arend and the Jim Dunn Racing team continued to build consistency starting on Friday. The team's strongest qualifying pass came during qualifying session 2 showed significant promise, recording a 4.01-second run despite the engine shutting off before the 800-foot mark because of broken blower studs. Even with the mechanical issue, the run suggested the car had the potential to dip into the three-second range.
The NHRA Sonoma Nationals attracted sellout crowds on all three days, creating an electric atmosphere as fans packed the facility for one of the biggest events of the season. Next, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to Kent, Washington, for the NHRA Northwest Nationals, the second stop of the prestigious WestCoast Swing. The event will also feature a special celebration honoring Jim Dunn as part of the NHRA's 75th Anniversary season.
Following the race, Jeff Arend expressed confidence in the team's recent progress.
"The Dunn team is optimistic after putting together consecutive strong runs in qualifying and on race day in Sonoma," Arend said. "The Lescure MechanicalServices car performed extremely well, and our best qualifying run had the potential to reach the three-second zone before the blower studs failed. Beyond the racing, it was a fantastic weekend spending time with our fans, sponsors, and guests. We enjoyed hosting the Lescure Mechanical family and our friends from True Brand, and we're excited to carry this momentum into Seattle for next weekend's race."
Fresh off a strong showing in Sonoma, Jim Dunn Racing heads to the Pacific Northwest with renewed momentum and plenty of positives to carry into the next round of competition. the team is focused on building on its recent progress.
The event also holds a special place in Jim Dunn Racing history. In 2008, the team captured the Pacific Northwest title at Pacific Raceways with driver Tony Bartone behind the wheel, as Bartone defeated Ron Capps in the Funny Car final to earn his first NHRA Funny Car victory. That historic win made Bartone the 83rd different winner in the Nitro Funny Car category in NHRA history, marking a memorable milestone for both the driver and the Jim Dunn Racing organization.
Now, the team returns to the Pacific Northwest looking to build on its recent Sonoma success and maybe win another Northwest Nationals Title.
July 23, 2026
by Andrew Morales
