Paul Lee secured his first-ever NHRA Funny Car victory at the 2025 NHRA Arizona Nationals, driving the McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Dodge Charger to a commanding win. Overcoming four grueling rounds of competition, Lee and his team—led by Jonnie Lindberg and John Medlen—clinched the coveted Wally Trophy, marking a career milestone for the veteran racer.
With the victory, Lee now sits atop the NHRA Funny Car points standings, setting the stage for a strong campaign as he heads into the NHRA Winternationals this weekend.
A Hard-Fought Road to Victory
Sunday’s elimination rounds put Lee’s skills and his team’s precision to the test. He faced and defeated Gainesville winner Chad Green, Blake Alexander, Bob Tasca III, and reigning NHRA Funny Car World Champion Austin Prock in a thrilling final round. This victory not only highlights Lee’s perseverance but also validates the years of hard work and dedication he has poured into the sport.
“I’ve been working towards this since I was 13 years old,” said Lee. “Winning this Wally means everything. All those 50 years of hard work—it’s worth it. And today was special. We lost Eric Medlen on this day (March 23, 2007). His father, John Medlen, leads our team prayer every Sunday, and today he asked Eric to watch over us. There was this unshakable calm in our pit all day, and I think Eric was with us.”
Momentum Heading into Pomona
While the celebration was well-earned, the McLeod Racing/FTI Performance team now shifts focus to the upcoming NHRA Winternationals at Pomona. With momentum on their side, they aim to keep their Dodge Charger Funny Car at the top of the standings.
“After taking a few days to celebrate, it’s back to business,” Lee added. “Our team is working like a Swiss clock, and we’re bringing that momentum into Pomona. Jonnie (Lindberg) is dialing in what this new car likes, and we’re ready for another strong weekend.”
Celebrating the Win with a Special Offer
To commemorate Lee’s first NHRA Funny Car win, McLeod Racing and FTI Performance are offering an 11.6% discount—a nod to Lee’s competition number 116. Contact them today to upgrade your clutch or torque converter and get race-ready for summer!
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