After Second Straight Win, J.R. Todd Leads NHRA Funny Car Championship Hunt

Monday, September 17th, 2018 10:28am

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

J.R. Todd is fast on his way to a NHRA championship.

Lawrenceburg, Indiana native J.R. Todd and the DHL/WIX Filters team celebrate career win 100 for Kalitta Motorsports at the 34th Dodge NHRA Nationals on Sunday, September 16. Photo courtesy of Kalitta Motorsports.

(Mohnton, Penn.) – Back-to-back wins could not come at a better time for NHRA Funny Car driver J.R. Todd and his team.

Todd and the DHL/WIX Filters team won the Funny Car title at the 34th Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway on Sunday. The win puts the Lawrenceburg native in top position among the 10 drivers in the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship.

In the final, Todd’s 3.972 second, 319.90 MPH run outran Tim Wilkerson’s 4.196 second, 249.95 MPH pass.

“It's awesome to keep the momentum going, but we still have a long road ahead of us,” said Todd. “These DHL/Wix Filter Toyota guys know how to win. A lot of them were here when Del Worsham won the title in 2015. I just want to keep winning and keep our foot on their throats. We got some gifts early on today with some of the cars in front of us going out early. It was nice to be able to come out of here with a win and gain on everyone in the Countdown. Now we just need to keep it going through St. Louis.”

The victory comes two weeks after Todd and crew wrapped up the regular season by winning the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That win was a repeat of Todd's title at the U.S. Nationals in 2017.

Kalitta Motorsports celebrated its 100th win for team owner Connie Kalitta. For J.R., the win is his fourth in funny car this season and 12th of his career.

Maple Grove was the first of six events in the Countdown to the Championship. The next is September 21-23 at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois.

This is what makes it all worth it! Can’t thank this guy enough for all he’s done! https://t.co/U0qJSXBolh
— J.R. Todd (@JRTodd373) September 16, 2018

Events

Hillforest House Museum
Overlooking the Ohio River in Aurora, the beautiful Hillforest Victorian House Museum was built in 1855 for industrialist Thomas Graff. Its unique shape is said to be inspired by steamboats of the 19th century. The site has been operating as a historic house museum since 1956 and is one of 11 National Historic Landmarks in southern Indiana. Hillforest opens for tours today and hosts many special events throughout the season. Overlooking the Ohio River in Aurora, the beautiful Hillforest Victorian House Museum was built in 1855 for industrialist Thomas Graff. Its unique shape is said to be inspired by steamboats of the 19th century. The site has been operating as a historic house museum since 1956 and is one of 11 National Historic Landmarks in southern Indiana. Hillforest open NOW…Tuesday - Friday, 11 AM - 3 PM (last tour begins at 2:15 PM) and Saturday and Sunday, 1 - 5 PM (last tour begins at 4:15 PM). (Closed major holidays). Available for special events and teas!
2nd Oct at Hillforest Victorian House Museum
One Room Schoolhouse Museum
The One Room Schoolhouse Museum has been completely restored as it was in the 1800's. We are open four tours each Sunday afternoon 2p-4p September and October. It is located 4 miles west of Dillsboro on St. Rd. 62 next to St. John's Lutheran Church (1843) in Farmers Retreat. The historical school and church are both listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Come visit us in Sept./Oct. or by appointment. Please call 812-432-5401 or 812-667-5330. We also entertain 4th grade students for field trips. Teachers please call us at the above phone numbers for more information. This is a beautiful area to take a Fall drive and visit a very Historical Area
2nd Oct at One Room Schoolhouse
Costume Swap at the Dearborn County Recycling Center
The Dearborn County Recycling Center’s Costume Swap was created as an annual event offering customers the chance to share and reuse costumes that would otherwise only be worn once. Last year over 800 individuals used the program. The program saves money and reduces waste by reusing items that otherwise would only be used once. Over 1,000 costumes for adults and children are available. Masks, wigs, makeup, accessories, treat bags and décor are also available. All available costumes are clean and in good condition, with many being brand new. The sizes of costumes range from infant and toddler to adult sizes. Costume Swap even has a small selection of pet costumes. Participants are asked to bring a costume that is clean, in ready-to-wear condition, and free of rips, tears, and stains. To be considered for exchange, all costumes must also be complete with original items, including masks and accessories that came with the costume originally. Those without a costume to exchange are asked to make a cash donation to the reuse program. Shopping times and the number of guests allowed to shop at a time will be limited. Visit dearborncountyrecycles.com for more information. Participants should be prepared with a donation in case their costume is not accepted. The program does not operate as a charity. Costume Swap is open to everyone; it is not exclusively for Dearborn County residents.
3rd Oct at Dearborn County Recycling Center