Todd Exits Chicago Tied for Funny Car Points Lead Despite Second-Round Exit

JOLIET, IL — J.R. Todd’s day at Route 66 Raceway ended earlier than he would have liked Sunday, but the 2018 Funny Car champion leaves Joliet in a first-place tie in the NHRA Funny Car points standings after the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK.

Todd, who qualified sixth with a 3.942-second run at 332.26 mph from his opening session on Friday, opened eliminations with a win over Daniel Wilkerson before running into trouble in the second round against Austin Prock. Todd was first off the starting line, but his DHL GR Supra smoked the tires almost immediately. Prock also encountered tire smoke further down the track, but Todd could not recover in time, and Prock advanced.

Points Position

Despite the early exit, Todd’s consistency through the first six races of the season has him tied with Ron Capps atop the Funny Car standings. The two co-leaders hold a nine-point advantage over third-place Matt Hagan heading into the next event.

Todd on Chicago

“Frustrating end to the day here in Chicago. We had the speed but just couldn’t get it done in round two. We’re still high in points; that shows the strength of this DHL GR Supra team. We’ll learn from today and be ready to throw down in Maryland. Thanks to the Yella Fellas for all their hard work and to all our partners for making it happen.”

Finals Broadcast Replay: Wednesday, May 20, 6–9 p.m. ET on FS2

Photo courtesy: NHRA