Youth Parade Marches On...
23-year-old J.R. Todd Preparing for NHRA Top Fuel Debut ...
By Amy Johnson; Photos by Roger Richards and Brian Wood

NHRA drag racing is really going to the kids.  What?  Move over Morgan Lucas, Eric Medlin and Erica Enders – there’s a new kid on the block and at the tender age of 23 he has already accumulated a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge.  The-younger-the-better movement has picked up a real head of steam in the sport of late, and J.R. Todd is the latest member of the exclusive but growing club. Todd is currently preparing to kick off the 2006 NHRA POWERade season behind the wheel of the Menards-sponsored Top Fuel dragster.

Having started his drag racing career at the age of 10, Todd could very likely serve as “poster child” for the NHRA’s Junior Dragster and Sportsman racing programs.  He began racing a junior dragster when he was 10, and stayed in the program until the age of 17. As is often the case among die-hard racers, after he wrapped up his career in the Junior Dragster ranks Todd had the hunger to drive bigger and faster cars.

With a year remaining in his Junior Dragster career, Todd was already looking ahead, earning his Super Comp license at age 16. He eventually moved up to the 8.90 index class, and it didn’t take him long to determine that a career in drag racing was what he really wanted.

Soon after, Todd attended Frank Hawley’s School of Drag Racing, where he obtained his Top Alcohol license. From there he made the ultimate leap to the pinnacle of the sport, landing a ride in Bruce Litton’s second Top Fuel car. He was just 18-years-old. In 2000, Todd earned a No. 6 finish in IHRA competition, despite running a limited schedule. At the time, Todd credited his experience in Junior Dragster and Super Comp with making him a confident and competent Top Fuel driver despite his age.

Todd’s deal with Litton didn’t last beyond the 2000 season, but since then he has been paying some additional dues and adding to his overall experience by working in the pits with several fuel teams, most recently with Bob Gilbertson’s Funny Car crew.

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Now, five years after his Top Fuel debut, Todd will once again have the opportunity to show what he can do, thanks to Dexter Tuttle and the Menards Top Fuel team. In the highly competitive world of Top Fuel driving, Todd felt his timing was just right to receive a once in a lifetime shot at driving in NHRA competition.  “I sort of knew Jimmy Walsh, the team’s crew chief,” said Todd. “While I was in Las Vegas I heard that [former Menards driver] Jack Beckman was going to pursue a ride elsewhere, so I went to talk to Jimmy in Pomona.  He had me go talk to Dexter Tuttle, the team owner.  When I spoke with Dexter he said that I was about the 20th driver to approach him.  I wasn’t sure anything would come of our talk, but on Monday morning I got a call from the team. They wanted me to come down to the race shop for a meeting, and now here we are today.”

Although Todd may not have been the most experienced driver among those seeking the job, he feels that he can bring a lot to his new team.  “They originally wanted someone with a little more experience, but I guess I’m better than a total rookie.  I think once we get to Vegas and I make a few test laps, maybe get four or five laps under my belt, I’ll feel more comfortable in the car.  I guess it will be like riding a bike, you never forget.  Once I get a better handle on this and get the team’s confidence behind me we will be all right.”

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“I am very excited,” Todd said. “I haven’t raced a Top Fuel car since 2000, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.  I’m kind of an unknown quantity, so hopefully I’ll be the quiet guy who sneaks up on everyone. Really, I just want to go out and qualify every race, go some rounds and be lucky enough to win a race.  I want to gain as much experience as I can, make some good clean runs and hopefully win a few races.”

Having a solid knowledge of the mechanical aspects of fuel cars is something that should serve Todd well in his new venture. The five years he has spent working in the trenches will make him a valuable asset to his new team. “When I first drove a fuel car I didn’t know much about the mechanical side of things. But now, after working on them I have a lot more respect for what happens with the car and the guys working on them.  The late nights at the track after the driver goes out and kicks a rod are just not fun.  So knowing what the guys have to go through helps me to be a better driver.  Also, knowing what the car does helps me out.  Before, all I did is get in and step on the gas.  Now, I have more respect for what is going on with the car in general. 

“With my knowledge as a mechanic I should be able to feel what is going on and be able to go back to the crew and tell them what happened or what can improve.  I have had to learn everything from the ground-up. I did whatever I could for five years, from cleaning oil pans to working on the motor, because I knew it would make me a better driver someday. Look at most of the champions out there today - they know everything about the car and what it does and what it takes to win and that is what I want to be.  I am going to stay on the road full time with the car and stay at the shop and work on the car throughout the week.  Hopefully I can help out where I can at the track.” 

With his successful driving career beginning at a young age, Todd feels his family has played a tremendous role in his success.  “Ever since I started racing, my dad has been my biggest fan.  He has spent a lot of time trying to hunt down sponsors and secure a ride for me over the years.  He and my mom are my number one backers.  They will probably be at every race I’m at next year.” 

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So what advice does JR Todd have for youngsters wanting to pursue a career in drag racing? “Set your goals and stick with it.  When I was racing Juniors I wanted to drive Top Fuel.  It doesn’t matter if you are driving Top Fuel or Super Comp, just do the best you can.  Also, try to surround yourself with good people.  Take time to get to know people at the race track, make as many friends as you can – if you can know the right people it can really help you out in the long run.  Also, take things in steps.  I ran Juniors, then Super Comp, Top Alcohol, and now look where I am.  Just don’t get ahead of yourself and jump into it too fast.  Take your time and work your way though the ranks, it will make you a better driver in the long run.  It may take some time but just be patient with it.” 

Todd also had another bit of very valuable advice. “Stay off the street.  It’s cool to have a fast street car but you don’t need to be out showing off and racing in the street.  It’s a real way to draw attention to yourself and to get in trouble, even worse, get hurt.  Take it to the drag strip.  At just about any track you can race on a Friday night and get as many passes as you want.  Take your buddy out and race where it’s safe.” 

Despite his young age, JR Todd seems to have a good head on his shoulders and a wealth of knowledge to back it all up.  Regardless who the favorites are in 2006 POWERade competition, you can bet J.R. Todd will have a lot to offer the class.  Scheduled to race a minimum of 15 races beginning in Pomona, Todd is out to give it all he has. 

“We are 110% dedicated to going out and doing the best that we can,” he said. “We are not going out to set the world on fire just yet, but we are going to work hard at all of the races we go to and hopefully win some rounds and win some races.  Hey, someday soon we hope to gain more funding and more experience and run for a championship.”  

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