High Stakes at the PRO Superstar Shootout
Twelve elite Funny Car drivers and teams will converge for a spectacular showdown, vying for the grand prize of $250,000 at the debut SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout, hosted by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. Among these, J.R. Todd, a seasoned world champion from Florida, is set to make a significant impact at the event scheduled for February 8-10 at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
The Prestige of Winning Among Champions
J.R. Todd, steering the DHL Toyota GR Supra for Kalitta Motorsports, recognizes the monumental opportunity that lies ahead. The event gathers a select group of the sport’s luminaries, including fellow world champions and seasoned contenders, all competing to etch their name as the inaugural winner of the PRO Superstar Shootout. Todd expressed the honor of competing with the elite, emphasizing the prestige of potentially becoming the first to clinch this exclusive event.
Unique Competition Dynamics
In a twist to traditional races, the invited drivers will have four chances to qualify for the elite eight-car elimination round, which disregards previous standings and introduces random pairings through a chip draw. This method ensures no strategic advantages based on qualifying positions, leveling the playing field among the top-tier competitors. Todd, undeterred by the unpredictability, plans to maintain his aggressive racing style, embracing the challenge posed by such a high-caliber field.
A New Chapter at a Familiar Venue
While Bradenton Motorsports Park is a venue where Todd has not competed before, it holds special memories, including where he earned his Super Comp license at age 16. Returning now to compete in a top-tier Funny Car event, with a substantial prize at stake, adds an exhilarating layer to his racing career. Winning here would not only be a personal triumph but also a historic moment in drag racing, setting a precedent for future competitions.
Racing with Teammates for High Rewards
Todd will not be alone in his quest for glory; he will be joined by Kalitta Motorsports teammates Doug Kalitta and Shawn Langdon, both past NHRA world champions in their own right. While they will compete in the Top Fuel category for the same hefty prize, Pro Stock racers will vie for a $125,000 award, underscoring the event’s high stakes across different classes.