TEAM REPORTS (POMONA, CA.) - HARROWING START TO THE NHRA SEASON FOR J.R. TODD

J.R. Todd’s initial outing driving the Torco/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster for Morgan Lucas Racing proved to be quite the harrowing experience as Todd smacked the retaining wall just past the finish line during his qualifying attempt of the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Thursday.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just upset,” said a disappointed Todd. “It was either the A-Arm or the front wing that collapsed and it just took off to the right. I could feel it move after passing the finish line when something broke, but now watching the video something did collapse. It’s just unfortunate. It was a good car and we’ll just have to pull out the backup car and see what we can do from here.”

Todd’s teammate and personal good friend, Morgan Lucas felt for his colleague in his demise and now Lucas’ biggest concern is for Todd with three qualifying rounds remaining. Lucas recorded a time of 4.557 seconds at a speed of 322.42 mph, placing him in the No. 8 position.

“Our run was fine, but that’s irrelevant to be honest with you right now,” said a sympathetic Lucas. “J.R. is one of my best friends. When it’s someone you’re that you’re that close to; it hits home. It was his first run with us and testing went great for him in Phoenix. Now we’ll have to get his backup car out and start from scratch. We have some great data on it and our plan is to get on the track as soon as possible. My biggest issue is making sure he’s fine.

“It was very much like the situation when I flipped the Baja car on its side in Mexico and felt like I could have done something else very much different. J.R. got my head back into the game and I will try to do the same thing for him. He’s such an amazing driver, and I don’t want him to worry about it. We’ll get it all back together as long as he’s okay.”

Todd’s run will be included in the lineup as per NHRA rules states the mishap occurred past the finish line placing him in the No. 11 qualifying position with a time of 4.575 seconds, 294.18 mph.

Qualifying continues at the 48th annual CarQuest Winternationals on Friday with another Top Fuel session beginning at 2:30 p.m. PST, followed by two more on Saturday at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m.