J.R. Todd and DHL Camry Eager to Get Season Restarted on High Note

With the NHRA season rebooting this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway Park outside of Indianapolis J.R. Todd, driver of the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car is looking for a fresh start to the 2020 season as well. After the first two races of the season did not go as planned Todd and his DHL Funny Car team are geared up to make a move this weekend. The team will use the two days in advance of the NHRA National event to dial in Todd’s Nitro Funny Car with the hopes of racing to their third victory at the famed race track.

“We didn’t get off to a great start at the first two races but that is ancient history,” said Todd. “This is a whole new season starting this weekend and I feel good about our chances. We have had some success the past three years here so we are hoping to turn our luck around.”

Last Labor Day weekend Todd was racing to become the first Funny Car driver to win three U.S. Nationals in a row and he almost succeeded. Following his wins in 2017 and 2018 last season he raced to a semifinal appearance. His success behind the wheel of a Funny Car at this track does give Todd some confidence coming into this weekend.

“I know what happened two or three years ago doesn’t impact this season’s race but it still feels good to know that we won here twice and had some success last year,” said Todd. “I am really just focused on getting comfortable in my Toyota Camry Funny Car and making smooth consistent laps. I am looking forward to being at the track with all my guys and especially crew chief Todd Smith and Jon O (Oberhofer).”

With the move of former Funny Car teammate Shawn Langdon back to Top Fuel Todd is the lone Funny Car representing Kalitta Motorsports. The team is eager to show they can succeed in the highly competitive category throughout the Mello Yello season.

“I know Shawn will do great in Top Fuel. I don’t mind being the only Funny Car. We get so much support from Toyota and TRD and I can still talk with Shawn and Doug about the track. The Kalitta teams all work together. We have three great race cars over here and I am excited to get some more round wins with this DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car,” added Todd.

Last Event Recap (2020 NHRA Arizona Nationals): Qual. No. 9; Lost to Ron Capps

Quotable: J.R. Todd on getting season re-started: “I have been working out at PitFit to keep my reaction times sharp as well as some cardio. It is tough to replicate the power of these race cars. I know once I get strapped in everything will come back to me. I can’t wait to make that first run.”

Career Stats: 226 events, 218 starts, 237 round wins, 18 wins, 33 finals, 12 No. 1 qualifiers; in Funny Car: 74 events, 74 starts, 9 wins, 13 finals, 88 round wins, 3 No. 1 qualifiers

2020 Season:
Winternationals: Qual. No. 8; Lost to Time Wilkerson
Arizona Nationals: Qual. No. 9; Lost to Ron Capps