GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- J.R. Todd's victory at the season-opening Gatornationals ended the NHRA's longest winning streak by one juggernaut and spoiled the much-hyped return of another.
Todd beat Robert Hight in the Funny Car finale Sunday at Gainesville Raceway, crossing the finish line first after both drivers had trouble getting traction on a hot and slippery track. Hight was looking to give John Force Racing a dramatic return to the drag-racing series after the team sat out most of last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But it was Todd celebrating with a Wally Trophy in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.