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| JR Todd Completes Top Fuel Licensing; Debut Slated For IHRA
Amalie Summer Nationals This Weekend |
| June 12, 2000 |
| Harley Communications |
 Norwalk,
OH - JR Todd completed his IHRA Top Fuel licensing procedure at
Norwalk Raceway Park and will compete at the Amalie Oil Summer
Nationals at Cordova Dragway Park, this weekend. Todd will be the
first African-American since Maurice Dupont to compete in Top Fuel
since the early 90's.
The 18-year old from Lawrenceburg, Ind., piloted the Bruce
Litton-owned, United Expressline Inc.-sponsored dragster in his
initial licensing runs and becomes the second graduate of the junior
dragster ranks to race in an IHRA professional category since Richie
"The Kid" Stevens drove Pro Stock.
Todd's first attempt netted a .947 sixty-foot and a 2.432 at the
330-foot mark. Impressively, despite a detuned motor, JR recorded a
.488 reaction time.
"I figured it would feel more violent coming off the
line," confided Todd, a graduate of Frank Hawley's Drag Racing
School. "I didn't want to get out of it when I did. I feel like
I could have run farther than I did. I was instructed to get out of
it at the 330-foot mark and I did. It was tempting, but if I ever
want to be a future champion I have to listen to everything my
instructors tell me. I won't second guess them."
The second attempt was postponed until Saturday so Todd could
experience normal race conditions and weather. Todd ran the car to
the 1,000 foot mark and lifted, coasting to a 5.649/181.06.
On the third attempt, Todd was told to run to the 1200-foot mark,
launching hard with a .485 reaction and .916 sixty footer. He lifted
when instructed, and despite smoking the tires carded at
5.312/231.60.
IHRA Top Fuel drivers Bruce Litton and Paul Romine have agreed to
sign off on Todd's licensing, clearing the way for JR to debut at
the Amalie Oil Summer Nationals this weekend.
The Amalie Oil Summer Nationals is the fourth race in the
million-dollar Summit Drag Racing Series. The race will be televised
on Sunday, August 27 at 10:30 (E.T.) as part of TNN's 12 week Summit
Drag Racing Series Championship.
Bobby Bennett, Jr. photo |
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