After a temporary setback in his recovery from back surgery, Brandon Bernstein is going to sit out this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, which means J.R. Todd will be back in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAVTV Top Fuel dragster for this event.

"It's a bummer because we really want to get into the top 10 and make the Countdown to the Championship," Bernstein said. "In situations like this you have to err on the side of caution, but I do plan to race in Denver in two weeks."

Todd drove the ProtectTheHarvest.com entry at the first two events of this four-race swing, and while he doesn't like the circumstances that have given him the opportunity to drive, he's ready to do his best for his temporary teammates again.

After a temporary setback in his recovery from back surgery, Brandon Bernstein is going to sit out this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, which means J.R. Todd will be back in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/MAVTV Top Fuel dragster for this event.

"It's a bummer because we really want to get into the top 10 and make the Countdown to the Championship," Bernstein said. "In situations like this you have to err on the side of caution, but I do plan to race in Denver in two weeks."

Todd drove the ProtectTheHarvest.com entry at the first two events of this four-race swing, and while he doesn't like the circumstances that have given him the opportunity to drive, he's ready to do his best for his temporary teammates again.

"I wasn't planning on going to Norwalk this weekend," Todd said. "I was thinking about catching a sprint car race around Indy. It's worth blowing off your plans to drive a Top Fuel car.

"I'm glad to be back standing on the gas, but I just wish it was a better situation. The car has been running really well the last few races."

Todd is always happy to return to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park because it's where he accomplished a major milestone as a driver.

"It's where I got my Top Fuel license," Todd said. "I drove Bruce Litton's car for that in 2000. I've run there a few times while competing at IHRA and NHRA races. I also used to run there with Jr. Dragsters quite a bit, so it's almost a home away from home for me."

Todd said it's easy to get swept up in the atmosphere the Bader family has created at the facility.

"It's a cool track to go to and there are always big crowds," Todd said. "It's one of the nicest places on the tour with some really passionate, knowledgeable fans."

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