For NHRA Drag Racer Joe Morrison, there is only one thing cooler than the legendary pound of ice cream in Norwalk, Ohio, and that’s driving a nitromethane powered Funny Car. And at this year’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Morrison’s cool meter is about to jump off the charts.
The longtime Nostalgia Funny Car and Fuel Altered pilot from Flemington, New Jersey, will make his competitive debut in the ultra-competitive NHRA Nitro Funny Car division, driving for legendary Funny Car Driver, Owner, and Tuner Paul Smith at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, June 27 through June 30, in Norwalk, Ohio.
Morrison, who last competed in NHRA Top Fuel in 2022, wrapped up his NHRA license cross-grade process in July 2023 with Smith at Virginia Motorsports Park. This expanded his diverse NHRA competition license to an impressive 11th active class, ranging from Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car to Super Comp and Super Gas. However, the exclusive 1B FC grade is one that Morrison has been hunting for since he fell in love with the nitro floppers while attending events at Englishtown Raceway Park in his youth.
“I’ve wanted to drive a NHRA Nitro Funny Car since the 1970’s, watching legends like Jungle Jim, Snake, Mongoose and of course Paul Smith at E-Town,” said Morrison. “To make my competitive debut driving for Paul Smith not only is exceptionally humbling, but it just feels right. Many experienced nitro pilots have gotten their feet wet with Paul Smith for a reason, and I’m happy to join that list.”
After making his NHRA Top Fuel Dragster debut in 2020 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Morrison entered 17 NHRA National Events during a part-time campaign over a period of three years. While driving the Kings of the Sport was exciting, educational and humbling, it was a steppingstone for the 20-year nostalgia drag racer, known for his expertise wheeling AA/Fuel Altered and Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars.
Morrison said, “It’s been my goal to compete in the NHRA Nitro Funny Car division. However, these things are wild, quick, and unpredictable. It made sense to start my accelerated learning curve in Top Fuel, and those 17-events were exceptionally educational.”
Morrison continued, “Funny Car licensing last year in Virginia was great. Working with the entire Smith family was seamless and professional. Paul gave me a great car to drive during the licensing process. I honestly think he could get a funny car down a dirt road if he wanted.”
Morrison will be competing at Norwalk thanks to the support of The Glockner Oil Company, PennGrade 1 High Performance Oils,and Dawn D’Agostino. The Nitro Funny Car division will receive four qualifying attempts, two sessions on Friday evening and two more on Saturday. NHRA Drag Racing fans can stream the event live via NHRA.tv or watch it on Fox Sports One and the FOX Network throughout the weekend.
