Championship Drag Racing

Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Chicago, Ill.
(June 5-8)

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Driver Profile
J.R. Todd
Lucas Oil Octane Booster dragster

Todd still in contention for championship

Chicago, pre-race: After the completion of the halfway point of nine NHRA regular season races, J.R. Todd finds his Lucas Oil Octane Booster team 67 POWERade points out of the Countdown and seeing that on the horizon has the Lawrenceburg, Indiana resident thinking more round wins.

Todd, despite having struggled for most of the season, likes the close competition level that has been offered this season knowing he still has time to rebound and receive inclusion in the elite Top 10.

“It’s hard to believe that mathematically we’re still within range of the Countdown,” said a relieved Todd.  “That’s just goes to show how competitive everything has become in Top Fuel.  There’s definitely a possibility with some round wins, we could easily catch back up and put ourselves in position to gain access to the championship. 

“The long hot summer will separate the teams and contenders and by Labor Day at the U.S. Nationals, we hope to be in a solid place to launch our bid for the title.”

In Todd’s two previous outings at Route 66, they have only amassed two quarterfinal finishes, but with his best pass of 4.510 seconds of record last year, the talented young driver knows how to get down the Chi-Town quarter-mile.

“Chicago has a smooth surface that you can really apply the power,” said Todd.  “I’m hearing that it could warm this weekend and that could play right into our hands.  The team has a great handle on the clutch and that could prove to be a key when negotiating a hot track.  Of course, that all depends and with the way the races have fallen this season, it’s anyone’s game.  You just have to be consistent.”


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