Get ready for a blast from the past! A fan-favorite driver is making a triumphant return to a legendary team for the 2026 NHRA season!
It's official: Todd Lesenko is set to take the wheel of the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. This reunion marks a significant moment, as Lesenko, originally hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, previously competed with Jim Dunn Racing in the NHRA Funny Car class back in 2012. So, for 2026, it's a true homecoming for both Lesenko and the iconic racing team.
But here's where it gets interesting: Lesenko wasn't just a participant in 2012; he was a force to be reckoned with! He completed a full season of 23 races and achieved a remarkable feat – he was the only rookie to qualify for every single national event that year. His professional debut actually started in 2011, where he competed in the final three events of that season. Before that, from 2009 to 2011, Lesenko was a prominent figure, owning and driving both the Jolly Rogers Nitro Funny Car and a Top Fuel dragster. His talent was further recognized in 2010 when he secured fifth place in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series for Nitro Funny Car.
Lesenko himself expressed his excitement, stating, "I am blessed to have the opportunity to spend a year of racing with my friends and race family. I look forward to great results and to have a full year of vigorous competition. I’m honored to get to represent so many great partners on the track. We’re ready to get to Gainesville for the first event of the season."
And this is the part most people miss: Lesenko won't be alone. He'll be joined by the seasoned expertise of crew chiefs Jim Dunn and Jon Dunn. As the NHRA proudly celebrates its landmark 75th season in 2026, Jim Dunn Racing is also celebrating an incredible 76 years of success in the thrilling world of drag racing.
Jim Dunn, a true legend, began his drag racing journey at just 15 years old. Now at 91 years old, he's still passionate and plans to continue racing for as long as he can. His immense contributions were recognized in 2024 with the prestigious NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award. He's not only won some of the sport's most significant races but has also provided invaluable driving opportunities for many of the sport's biggest names. Jim's son, Jon, plays a crucial role on the nitro Funny Car team, managing the business side and working alongside his father as a crew chief.
Jon Dunn shared his enthusiasm for the reunion: "We’re looking forward to Todd reuniting with Jim Dunn Racing. We shared some great moments together in 2012. There are so many amazing partners that Jim Dunn Racing has had for many years, so we’re excited to achieve more success together. Also, Jim Dunn Racing is proud to announce team and technical support from AB Motorsports. We look forward to this relationship to increase our racing performance. Jim Dunn Racing will be parked alongside Antron Brown’s Top Fuel dragster throughout the 2026 season."
What do you think about this driver-team reunion? Does Lesenko's past success with Jim Dunn Racing give them an edge in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
The Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car for 2026 will proudly feature primary sponsors Lescure Mechanical, True Brand, Blaze Technical Services, KGC Construction, MOON Equipment, USD Parts, and Crow Safety Gear.
Additionally, associate partners include Lincoln Electric, Compass Facility Services, Wiley X, Gates, XRP, McLeod, CP-Carrillo, Racing Electronics, Darton Sleeves, Manton, ARP, Control Cables, Twin Palms Storage, Koppl Pipeline Services, Hussey Performance, and Frosted Frog. More partners are expected to be announced soon!
This collaboration between Todd Lesenko and Jim Dunn Racing is definitely one to watch in 2026!
