J.R. Todd returned to the NHRA winner’s circle for the first time since the season-opener in 2024, when he defeated Canadian rookie class sensation Spencer Hyde in the final round to win the NHRA’s New England Nationals (June 1st). JR was up to the task delivering a standout run of 3.888 at 332.43 in his DHL Toyota GR Supra. It’s the 22nd career victory for the former world champion and this one came at an ideal time, snapping a 25-race winless streak.

This one took some impressive work, too, as Todd and his team suffered an engine explosion during the final qualifying session on Saturday. But they bounced back in stellar fashion, as crew chief Dickie Venables won for the first time since joining Todd’s team in the off-season. To reach the finals, Todd defeated Cruz Pedregon, Phil Burkart and Alexis DeJoria.

In the final round, Todd easily chased down Hyde, who got into tire shake, to get the win, moving to sixth in points in the process. He was 10th entering the weekend.

“I’m just glad we got that win out of the way for Dickie’s sake,” Todd said. “I’m not saying there was pressure, but when you hire a guy of that caliber, people expect you to win. Coming in, I knew this was a good place for us. Dickie and (Matt) Hagan had a lot of success here. I was excited, but we’re still learning. Then Q4 happened and we blew it up. The guys worked until midnight rebuilding the car. Today felt like a fresh start, and we ran super consistently, exactly how Dickie’s won here before.
 
“These guys have been grinding since last season when we had a miserable second half. I think Brainerd was the last time we even made a semifinal. But they never complained, never gave up. Even last night after the fire, they were joking, saying maybe we should catch on fire every weekend if it means we win. They keep it light and the only way to pay them back is with a trophy.”
 
Hyde (from Stratford Ontario) continues to impress in his rookie season behind the wheel of the Jim Head Racing Mustang. At Epping he advanced to his first career final round after defeating Hagan, Buddy Hull and Jack Beckman. Beckman suffered a wild crash in that semifinals match when his car made hard contact shortly after leaving the starting line versus Hyde.

The day prior, Beckman claimed the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory over Matt Hagan in that final going 3.913 secs at 316.52 mph to get his second win in the specialty race this season — driving the JFR PEAK Chevrolet SS.

At Epping, defending world champ Austin Prock (the low qualifier @ 3.860 secs) stayed in the points lead despite a first-round loss.

NHRA New England Nationals – Funny Car Class Summary

WIN: JR Todd – 3.888 secs 322.43 mph (Career win #22)
R/UP: Spencer Hyde – 5.098 secs 161.88 mph
Low ET: Austin Prock – 3.860 secs
Top MPH: Bob Tasca III – 335.40 mph
Bump: 4.190
Entries – 16 cars

Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelis

Link to more Funny Car class photos from New England within our LMLC Media event gallery: HERE