Texas NHRA FallNationals Stampede of Speed Preview

Ennis, TX – Todd Looks To Join Elite Club…With a victory this weekend, J.R. Todd would become just the third driver in history to win at the Texas Motorplex in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, joining racing legends Don Prudhomme and Kenny Bernstein. Todd won in Top Fuel at the track as a rookie in 2006, as well as in 2014 on the way to a second-place championship finish.

Winning At The Motorplex…Three current Toyota drivers have previously won at the Texas Motorplex. Antron Brown leads the way with three wins (2009, 2012 and 2017), while J.R. Todd has a pair of victories (2006, 2014) and Doug Kalitta recorded a triumph in 2010. Previously, Cruz Pedregon won in Funny Car in 2013, while competing in a Camry Funny Car.

Toyota Drivers in the Countdown…All five Toyota drivers are still in the hunt for a championship with four races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. In Funny Car, J.R. Todd is currently fifth, while Austin resident Alexis DeJoriais ninth. Three Toyota drivers qualified for the Top Fuel playoffs with two-time world champion Antron Brown in seventh, Shawn Langdon in eighth and Doug Kalitta in tenth.

Quotes:

Antron Brown Matco Tools/Toyota Top Fuel Dragster: “We’re excited to get to Ennis early for the Stampede of Speed and take some batting practice swings on Wednesday. We’ll get it back together and bring out the ‘Tools for the Cause’ pink Matco Toyota dragster. We’re excited about the activities and the 15 grand up for grabs on Friday night in Ennis.”

J.R. Todd, DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car: “The Funny Car class has been close all season. Since the start of the Countdown, it seems like there is a new points leader after every race. There are four races left and we need to go deeper on race day to be in the mix in Pomona. This DHL Toyota team is definitely battling.”