J.R. Todd Powers to Quarterfinals and Moves Up in Points

Indianapolis – The DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car and J.R. Todd rolled off the trailer for the NHRA SummerNationals looking to move up the point standings and go rounds on race day. They immediately made an impact during Saturday’s first qualifying session posting one of the three quickest runs of the first round of qualifying and moving into race day as the No. 5 qualifier.

In the opening session today Todd took on veteran Funny Car racer Jim Campbell. Todd and his Camry Funny Car made their quickest run of the weekend on the way to victory. His 4.030 second run was enough to run away from Campbell who was drifting to the centerline and had to lift off the throttle Todd never trailed in the race after the race cars cleared the starting line Christmas Tree.

The round win moved Todd up to the 6th position in the Mello Yello Funny Car standings just two rounds out of 5th place. He advanced to the quarterfinals and a race with the most recent race winner Matt Hagan.

The DHL Toyota Camry was consistent in the quarterfinals posting a slightly quicker 4.028 second elapsed time but it wasn’t enough to outrun Hagan.

“These guys going to the later rounds like Hagan are throwing out big numbers and it shows that the track is capable of holding it,” said Todd. “We’re showing consistency, but we just need that little more to win these rounds and gain some points. The biggest thing is we’re not gaining on the guys in front of us. The DHL Toyota guys have come a long way in these two races. Hopefully, when we come back here for the third race we will be in contention to win. East coast, west coast, I just want to race, but I miss going to those other tracks as well.”

Quotable:
J.R. Todd on seeing more fans at the races: “It is cool to see more fans here this weekend. I just want to keep racing and stay safe.”

Statistics:
Qualified: No. 5 (4.059 sec., 313.73 mph)
Bonus points: +1 (3rd quickest of Q1)

Race Details:

First Round
Driver                          Qual    R/T      ET        MPH
J.R. Todd                     5          .090     4.030   314.68 (W)
Jim Campbell              12        .080     5.325   142.82

Second Round
Driver                          Qual    R/T      ET        MPH
J.R. Todd                     5          .069     4.028   317.19
Matt Hagan                 13        .097     3.949   323.81 (W)