Tue, 04 Nov 2025, 18:05 PM Talkin' Funny Cars with Buddy Hull Talks Tuning and Racing with Mike Neff

Courtesy of Elon Werner, Werner Communications

DALLAS --- The fast-paced world of Funny Car racing takes center stage once again as Talkin' Funny Cars with Buddy Hull debuts episode eight of season two, this Wednesday, November 5, at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT on the NHRA FAST Channel. This week, host Buddy Hull welcomes one of the sport's most respected figures, Mike Neff, a former Funny Car driver for John Force Racing and the current crew chief for Alexis DeJoria at JCM Racing.

Buddy Hull (left) and Mike Neff talked about Neff's career path from crew person to world champion Funny Car crew chief and US Nationals winning Funny Car driver. Photo credit Werner Communications

In the episode, Hull and Neff dive deep into Mike's remarkable progression through the drag racing ranks, starting from his early days as a bottom-end crew member to becoming one of the most successful crew chiefs in NHRA competition. Neff reflects on his experiences driving for the powerhouse John Force Racing team, where he captured two U.S. Nationals titles, and shares the lessons learned from balancing the mechanical and mental sides of the sport. The conversation also explores his passion for off-road racing with his son, offering fans a look at the family side of a life built around speed, strategy and teamwork.

"Mike Neff is the kind of guy who's done it all, turned wrenches, tuned engines, won significant races and championships and driven one of the most iconic Funny Cars in the sport," said Hull. "I've always loved how Funny Cars bring the heat, but sitting down with Mike really opened my eyes to just how much skill and precision goes into every run. Fans are going to love hearing his story straight from the source."

For Neff, joining the show was an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime in racing.

"Going from grabbing wrenches in the trailer to driving at the U.S. Nationals and now calling the shots for Alexis DeJoria, this sport has given me every kind of thrill," said Neff. "It was great to sit down with Buddy and talk about my career, both as a driver but also as a crew chief."

NHRA fans can watch the episode on the NHRA FAST Channel, available free on 13 platforms including The Roku Channel (USA & Canada), Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Sling Freestream and others. After the show airs on Wednesday, it will be uploaded to the Talkin' Funny Cars with Buddy Hull YouTube channel.

Every Wednesday throughout the rest of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, a new episode of Talkin' Funny Cars with Buddy Hull will air at 8 p.m. EST and 8 p.m. PST. The season finale will feature Funny Car fan-favorite Tim Wilkerson.

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