Todd has solid runs to prepare for the hot, muggy race.

Memphis TN (8/19/06) -- So far, the stifling hot, humid conditions haven't slowed J.R. Todd and the Skull Shine Top Fuel team. Todd will start Sunday's O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals from eighth qualifying spot at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Todd's best run came Friday night following a five-hour rain delay, but he had runs of 4.745 and 4.704 seconds Saturday to get prepared for Sunday's competition.

Todd, whose hometown is Lawrenceburg, Ohio, had his best run -- 4.656 seconds -- Friday night following a five-hour rain delay.

"We were looking for more on our 4.70 run, but the car still went down the track," he said. "We didn't have any more left in it that time. Fortunately for us because we do get lane choice. That could be a factor in eliminations..

"We can't really complain. Our car got down the track and ran pretty good in all the heat and humidity."

Todd, 24, has won twice in the past four races and is the hottest Top Fuel driver on the tour. He races fellow rookie Morgan Lucas (ninth, 4.676 seconds) in the first round.