J.R. Todd and DHL Camry Race to Quarterfinals in St. Louis

Memphis, TN – The DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car team continued to battle at World Wide Technology Raceway during the NHRA Midwest Nationals as they chased a second NHRA Funny Car world championship. During Friday’s qualifying session Todd landed in the middle of the field with a 5.801 second run at 184.98 mph as most of the Funny Cars struggled to make impressive runs in the cold temperatures. The 2019 Midwest Nationals Funny Car runner-up qualified No. 7 and faced a tough first round race against veteran Tim Wilkerson.

With lane choice and the confidence of previous success at World Wide Technology Raceway Todd rolled to the starting line with an eye on victory. The DHL Camry took an impressive lead off the starting line and never trailed in the race. Todd’s winning time of 4.641 seconds advanced him to the quarterfinals and a race against fellow Toyota teammate Alexis DeJoria.

The Toyota Funny Car showdown was anti-climactic at the starting line as Todd’s Camry shook right off the starting line. The 2018 Funny Car world champion pedaled his race car and got it to hook back up and began racing towards the finish line. He did not close the gap but as DeJoria was crossing the finish line her Camry experienced a massive incident shredding her carbon fiber race car body. She got the win and Todd was relieved she escaped serious injury.

“We are going to stay and test tomorrow,” said Todd. “We didn’t give it enough power on the starting line. I am glad Alexis is OK. That was a pretty big issue she had. There is a lot of safety in these Toyota Funny Cars.”

With three races left Todd and the DHL Toyota team will be looking to finish the season strong. Currently No.6 in points and within striking distance of the No. 4 spot gives Todd and the team something to shoot for as they head to Dallas for the NHRA FallNationals.

“We have three races left and there are guys we can go around in the points with some round wins on Sunday. These guys are busting their tails to give me a good race car and we just need a couple things to go our way,” added Todd.

Quotable:
J.R. Todd on heading to the Texas Motorplex: “Billy Meyer built a great race track outside of Dallas. That is where the Toyota headquarters is now so we want to put on a good show. There will most likely be a lot of Toyota people and fans at the race so that will make it fun.”

Statistics:
Qualified: No. 7 (5.801 sec., 184.98 mph)
Bonus points:  0

Race Details:

First Round
Driver                          Qual    R/T      ET        MPH
J.R. Todd                     7          .078     4.641   290.88 (W)
Tim Wilkerson             10        .101     10.643 102.54

Second Round
Driver                          Qual    R/T      ET        MPH
J.R. Todd                     7          .080     6.559   99.33
Alexis DeJoria             2          .086     3.918   322.96 (W)