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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

J.R. Todd wins NHRA SpringNationals for second straight victory

In this photo provided by the NHRA, Robert Hight drives in Funny Car qualifying Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the NHRA SpringNationals drag races at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas. Hight lost to J.R. Todd in the final round on Sunday. (Randy Anderson / Associated Press)
Associated Press

BAYTOWN, Texas – J.R. Todd won the NHRA SpringNationals on Sunday at Royal Purple Raceway for his second straight Funny Car victory.

Todd powered his Toyota Camry to a 3.955-second run at 313.29 mph to beat defending season champion Robert Hight in the final round.

“It’s nice to have this much momentum early in the season,” Todd said. “We struggled really bad last season and didn’t really turn around till probably the Western Swing. It’s nice as Kalitta Motorsports to come out swinging at these races this year.”

He became the third driver in Royal Purple Raceway history to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car. He has 13 career victories.

Brittany Force won in Top Fuel, and Matt Hartford in Pro Stock.

Force, the defending season champion, beat Terry McMillen with a 3.762 at 299.46. Hartford drove to his first career victory, topping hometown favorite Erica Enders with a 6.552 at 211.36 in a Chevrolet Camaro.