McLeod Owner Paul Lee to Drive Jim Dunn Nitro Funny car for 2010.

Jim Dunn Racing has announced that Funny Car veteran Paul Lee will drive the Canidae All Natural Pet Foods/Lucas Oil/Wiley X Chevrolet for the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season.

Lee is a four-time winner in the Funny Car categories, scoring three times in 2004 in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car and once in 2008 in IHRA Nitro Funny Car. 

"Paul is an experienced driver with the same kind of passion for drag racing that I have," said team owner and crew chief Dunn. "He's been competing a long time, and his experience will serve him well as he gets up to speed in the Canidae/Lucas Oil car. His company [McLeod Racing] was actually a sponsor of ours last year, so Paul is no stranger to the team, and we're excited to get him behind the wheel."

The 52-year-old Lee finished a career-best fourth in points in IHRA Nitro Funny Car in 2008 with one win, two runner-up finishes, and one No. 1 qualifying effort. He finished ninth in 2007 and sixth in 2006 on the strength of four runner-ups. Last year, he ran a limited IHRA Top Fuel schedule. 

The New Jersey native scored his three 2004 NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car wins in Atlanta, Topeka, and Englishtown and finished in the top 10. 

"I've known the Dunns business-wise for some time," Lee said, "but to get to drive for 'Big Jim' is an honor and a dream come true.  He is a living legend in the sport, so I'm looking forward to working with him and the team."

As a businessman, Lee was CFO of Boninfante Clutches before purchasing McLeod Racing and its Weber Clutch brand last year. His impressive resume includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in business administration and Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University. Currently residing in Anaheim Hills, Calif., Lee is also an expert skydiver with more than 1,500 jumps in 18 years.   

In addition, Jim Dunn Racing will partner with Morgan Lucas Racing in the Team Lucas Corporate Hospitality pavilion, allowing the team and Canidae to entertain guests, customers, and regional employees at all 23 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series races in 2010.