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A Frustration-ending Weekend! Jul 31, 2023 // NHRA Event FC Results // editorJR Todd put together a weekend to remember in Funny Car racing by making a clean sweep at Sonoma Raceway.
The former world champion broke a 52-race winless streak when he knocked off Chad Green with a run of 3.972 at 322.81 in his DHL Toyota GR Supra. Todd, whose last win before this event came at the season-opener in Gainesville in 2021, also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday.
He then used that momentum a day later to collect his 20th overall win and his fourth at Sonoma Raceway.
Todd started the day with round wins against Blake Alexander, No. 1 qualifier Bob Tasca III and points leader Matt Hagan, finishing the day with a victory against Green. After coming close to a victory on the Western Swing, including a runner-up last weekend in Seattle, Todd was thrilled to close the deal in Sonoma and get Kalitta Motorsports back on the winning track.
Todd preceded his Denso Sonoma Nationals title with a win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty FC Challenge event (held Saturday) “It’s been a long road to get here,” Todd said. “We’re getting a good handle on it and the consistency is coming around. When you’re going down the track like we are, it just gives everyone more confidence. I keep saying Funny Car is the toughest class in the sport and it’s definitely not easy. When you go two-plus years without winning, you don’t know if it’s going to happen again.
“This is my favorite track on the tour. I love coming here and anytime you can win here, it’s special. I caught myself going down the track, I don’t think I’ve had the gas pushed down that hard. I was trying to shove it through the floorboard. I was just wanting those win lights to come on and when that win light comes on in the final, it’s just instant relief. To come back and win a week after a runner-up (in Seattle), it’s just awesome.”
Green advanced to his first career final round by knocking off Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee and back-to-back world champ Ron Capps.
Hagan who lost in the semi final round at Sonoma — leaves the Western Swing with a 19-point lead over Capps.
Funny Car Racing Event Summary – Denso Sonoma Nationals
WIN: JR Todd – 3.972 secs 322.81 (Career win #20)
R/UP: Chad Green – 4.039 secs 314.17 mph
Low ET: Robert Hight –3.904 secs
Top MPH: Matt Hagan – 333.49 mph
Bump: N/A Entries – 15 cars
Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
Photos Courtesy of NHRA
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