Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
While Top Fuel grabbed headlines at the Professional Racers Organization preseason test in Gainesville, the Funny Car category delivered the week’s most consistent body of work.
From Tuesday at 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Friday, more than 300 test runs were made as teams prepared for the NHRA Gatornationals. When the CompetitionPlus.com coverage team wrapped up its reporting, one theme was clear — Funny Cars weren’t chasing one number. They were building repeatable performance.
At the top of the sheet was J.R. Todd, whose 3.861 at 338.00 MPH stood as the quickest Funny Car run of the session.
Todd’s DHL-backed team, led by Dickie Venables, attacked testing early with two brand-new race cars and methodically built consistency.
“I feel like we're definitely optimistic with the changes that we made this offseason going into '26, with bringing Todd back on to work with Dickie two brand new cars,” Todd said. “That's what we're working out here this week in Gainesville and just hit the ground running. Definitely gives you … a lot of optimism going into the season.”
When asked about juggling two new cars, Todd didn’t hesitate.
“We made some solid gains with the first car, so put it away and we'll get the second one out and run it tomorrow on Thursday and hopefully have same success with it and no headaches. That's the plan.”
Close behind was Jordan Vandergriff, who clocked a 3.866 at 331.69 MPH and completed his Funny Car crossover licensing requirements during his second full run of testing with John Force Racing.
After leading Day Two, Vandergriff said comfort — not pressure — was the priority.
“I think the pressure is decreasing, if I'm being honest,” Vandergriff said. “I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to drive this car well… With each run I feel a little more comfortable and that's taking the pressure off. The focus here in testing was for me to get comfortable behind the wheel of this car. And so far, so good.”
Veteran teammate Jack Beckman followed closely with a 3.867 at 334.07 MPH, reinforcing the team’s depth.
New Tasca Racing addition Austin Prock was fourth quickest at 3.878 (329.91 MPH), and at one point was on track for a potential 3.84 before shutting off early.
“This Prock rocket's back on the prowl,” Prock said. “Worked through some difficult times over the last few months… really proud of this team.”
Ron Capps rounded out the top five at 3.896 (336.32 MPH), with strong supporting numbers from Alexis DeJoria (3.939), Matt Hagan (3.938), Cruz Pedregon (3.941), Chad Green (3.954), Julie Nataas (3.965) and others.
The numbers were tight. The runs were repeatable. And with the Gatornationals two weeks away, Funny Car teams leave Gainesville with data — and momentum.
#NHRA #FunnyCar #PROTest #Gatornationals #DragRacing #JohnForceRacing #TascaRacing #KalittaMotorsports #CompetitionPlusTV #PEAKSquad
While Top Fuel grabbed headlines at the Professional Racers Organization preseason test in Gainesville, the Funny Car category delivered the week’s most consistent body of work.
From Tuesday at 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Friday, more than 300 test runs were made as teams prepared for the NHRA Gatornationals. When the CompetitionPlus.com coverage team wrapped up its reporting, one theme was clear — Funny Cars weren’t chasing one number. They were building repeatable performance.
At the top of the sheet was J.R. Todd, whose 3.861 at 338.00 MPH stood as the quickest Funny Car run of the session.
Todd’s DHL-backed team, led by Dickie Venables, attacked testing early with two brand-new race cars and methodically built consistency.
“I feel like we're definitely optimistic with the changes that we made this offseason going into '26, with bringing Todd back on to work with Dickie two brand new cars,” Todd said. “That's what we're working out here this week in Gainesville and just hit the ground running. Definitely gives you … a lot of optimism going into the season.”
When asked about juggling two new cars, Todd didn’t hesitate.
“We made some solid gains with the first car, so put it away and we'll get the second one out and run it tomorrow on Thursday and hopefully have same success with it and no headaches. That's the plan.”
Close behind was Jordan Vandergriff, who clocked a 3.866 at 331.69 MPH and completed his Funny Car crossover licensing requirements during his second full run of testing with John Force Racing.
After leading Day Two, Vandergriff said comfort — not pressure — was the priority.
“I think the pressure is decreasing, if I'm being honest,” Vandergriff said. “I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to drive this car well… With each run I feel a little more comfortable and that's taking the pressure off. The focus here in testing was for me to get comfortable behind the wheel of this car. And so far, so good.”
Veteran teammate Jack Beckman followed closely with a 3.867 at 334.07 MPH, reinforcing the team’s depth.
New Tasca Racing addition Austin Prock was fourth quickest at 3.878 (329.91 MPH), and at one point was on track for a potential 3.84 before shutting off early.
“This Prock rocket's back on the prowl,” Prock said. “Worked through some difficult times over the last few months… really proud of this team.”
Ron Capps rounded out the top five at 3.896 (336.32 MPH), with strong supporting numbers from Alexis DeJoria (3.939), Matt Hagan (3.938), Cruz Pedregon (3.941), Chad Green (3.954), Julie Nataas (3.965) and others.
The numbers were tight. The runs were repeatable. And with the Gatornationals two weeks away, Funny Car teams leave Gainesville with data — and momentum.
#NHRA #FunnyCar #PROTest #Gatornationals #DragRacing #JohnForceRacing #TascaRacing #KalittaMotorsports #CompetitionPlusTV #PEAKSquad
