Funny Car’s J.R. Todd Gears Up for Thrilling Bristol Weekend

Funny Car driver J.R. Todd broke through for his first win of the 2025 NHRA season at Epping, ending a 25-race winless streak. Now, he’s hoping to put together back-to-back victories as the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals arrive at Bristol Dragway.

Fresh energy surrounds Todd and his Kalitta Motorsports crew this week. Dickie Venables, who became crew chief in the offseason, helped the 12,000-horsepower DHL Toyota GR Supra find its stride after early struggles.

Todd, who has 22 career wins, is determined to finally claim his first career victory at the scenic Tennessee track. In recent years, he has made several deep runs at Bristol, finishing in the final rounds but falling short of the win.

He feels confident in the car and his team’s momentum, saying they have a strong chance to back up last week’s results. The field in Bristol is stacked again.

Reigning Funny Car champ Austin Prock leads the points and will be aiming for another win after taking the Bristol race in 2024. Former world champions Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, and Cruz Pedregon are also part of the lineup, along with Bob Tasca III and Daniel Wilkerson.

This week’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday will see Todd face Alexis DeJoria in a rematch from Epping, while rookie Spencer Hyde takes on Jack Beckman.

The event marks the eighth of 20 races on the 2025 NHRA schedule. In Top Fuel, Tony Stewart has become a major force, making five consecutive final rounds and taking the points lead.

Brittany Force, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, and Antron Brown have all scored big results so far and bring strong entries to Bristol. Last year, Jeg Coughlin won his third Bristol Pro Stock final, besting Greg Anderson, who currently leads the standings with three 2025 victories.

Dallas Glenn, racing with KB Titan Racing, has also tallied three wins. Bristol has also become a favorite stop for fans of Pro Stock Motorcycle, where Gaige Herrera won in 2024.

Each year since 2021 has produced a first-time winner at the track, with Matt and Angie Smith, Richard Gadson, and Chase Van Sant eager to make their mark this season.

Fans at Bristol Dragway can count on much more than just the pro classes. The weekend features the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Pro Mod Racing, Factory Stock Showdown, and the Mountain Motor Pro Stock division.

Driver autograph sessions, a fanfest, and special ceremonies are planned, while Nitro Alley offers hands-on activities like meet and greets and Nitro School. Bristol’s pre-race driver introductions and the SealMaster Track Walk are crowd favorites, with a winner’s circle celebration capping off the action on Sunday.

Qualifying begins Friday, June 6, with two rounds starting at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET. Saturday brings two more sessions at 12:30 and 3 p.m., followed by the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.

Eliminations launch at noon on Sunday, June 8. Fans can catch qualifying and eliminations broadcast on FS1, with coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and eliminations at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Todd currently sits sixth in the Funny Car standings, trailing his Top Fuel teammates Doug Kalitta and Shawn Langdon, who have swept all six Saturday specialties in their category so far this year.

He’s focused on adding a Bristol win to his résumé and closing the gap to the leaders. With another strong showing, Todd and the Kalitta Motorsports crew could make Thunder Valley a turning point in their 2025 championship campaign, much like strategic moves seen in other competitive motorsport scenarios such as the Ferrari Plan B.