Optima-Backed J.R. Todd Returns To Winner’s Circle At Seattle

Driver J.R. Todd drove Connie Kalitta’s Top Fueler to the winner’s circle at the 2015 NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle. The win was the first for the Optima Batteries-sponsored team since the 2014 Mile High Nationals in Denver. Todd, an Indiana native, relied on stellar reaction times and consistent performances from his Jim Oberhofer-tuned rocketship.

Todd took out Clay Millican in a tight round one race by posting the quickest reaction time of the round, then defeated Terry McMillen in the second round with another close contest. J.R. then had the quickest reaction time of the round again in the semifinals against Tony Schumacher, though it wouldn’t be needed, as The Sarge smoked the tires, handing Todd the final round berth. In the money round, Todd lined up with Shawn Langdon and once again took the starting line advantage and parlayed it into a trip to the winner’s circle. Todd left first on all but one of his opponents, and was dead-even with the fourth, showing he is doing his job as the driver while Oberhofer and James Riola turned the wrenches and provided a consistently quick hotrod.

With his victory, Todd leapt from the ninth position in points — and likely facing a battle to make the Top 10 points chase — all the way to sixth. This all but assures him a position in the coveted Chase for the Championship and a shot at the season points title. Todd has currently accumulated 876 points, which means he could sit out a race and the number eleven (Clay Millican, 732 points back) couldn’t catch him.

Said Todd, “It’s still so surreal that I’m driving for Connie Kalitta. He’s done so much for the sport as a driver, owner and crew chief. I’m the luckiest guy out here. This is Connie’s personal toy and he takes a lot of pride in this car. I just love to be able to bring him trophies.” With excellent lights and consistent performance, Todd could be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season!

Photos courtesy NHRA/National Dragster