Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA Topeka Post-Race Report

ASHLEY GROWS POINTS LEAD WITH TOPEKA RACE WIN
Todd continues strong performance with fifth consecutive semi-final or better finish

TOPEKA, Kan. (August 13, 2023) – Justin Ashley continued his season dominance with his sixth win in 13 starts this year. Ashley was stellar behind the wheel with reaction times in the .030 range in the last two rounds against former champions Antron Brown and Brittany Force. With the win, Ashley expands his points lead to 83 points over Steve Torrence.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd continued his performance surge as he advanced to his fifth consecutive Funny Car semi-final or better in Topeka. Todd defeated Chad Green and Ron Capps, before coming up just short to points leader Matt Hagan

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Heartland Motorsports Park
Race 13 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS 

NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
Justin AshleyPhillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel DragsterWinnerW. 3.753 v. 5.259(J. Hart) W. 3.755 v. 3.794(L. Pruett) W. 3.726 v. 3.711(Holeshot Win –A. Brown) W. 3.702 v. 3.709(B. Force)
Antron BrownMatco Tools Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSemi-FinalsW. 3.810 v. 4.874(M. Salinas)
W. 3.811 v. 4.008(A. Prock) L. 3.711 v. 3.726(Holeshot Loss –J. Ashley)
Steve TorrenceCapco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSecond RoundW. 3.786 v. No Run(T. Totten) L. 3.766 v. 3.781(Holeshot Loss – B. Force)
Shawn LangdonKalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFirst RoundL. 3.853 v. 3.787(B. Force)
Doug KalittaMac Tools Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFirst RoundL. 4.465 v. 4.260(A. Prock)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS 

NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
J.R. ToddDHL Toyota GR Supra Funny CarSemi-FinalsW. 3.963 v. 4.119
(C. Green) W. 3.960 v. 4.977(R. Capps) L. 3.945 v. 3.933(M. Hagan)
Ron CappsNAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny CarSecond RoundW. 4.337 v. 5.828(D. Richards) L. 4.977 v. 3.960(J. Todd)
Alexis DeJoriaBandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny CarSecond RoundW. 4.029 v. 4.867(J. Force) L. 4.046 v. 4.025(B. Tasca)

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Maynard Ashley Racing

TF Final Result: Winner

How will you tell the story about this Wally on such a unique day?

“Just like that – it was a unique day. This track has a lot of history for me. My father won here in 2007, and then Jim Epler was the first person to go 300mph here in Topeka and this is the last race in Topeka. To do it at night like this – I was getting in the car, and I was talking to Dustin Davis, and I said ‘this is pretty cool isn’t it?’ He said ‘yeah, I think this is pretty cool, Justin.’ I was along for the ride, and what a ride it has been. Phillips Connect has done so much for our team and everybody on the whole Phillips Industries side – I’m so grateful for them, Toyota, Kato, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools – this team made four incredible turnarounds. I have so much gratitude for everybody. Thank you fans for sticking it out today, and thank you to my family watching at home.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

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