As a tradition established years ago, CompetitionPlus.com has asked members of the racing community to provide our readers with what they are most thankful for during this holiday season. This year's featured person is JR Todd, the natural driving phenom, who drives the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster for Kalitta Motorsports. 

Todd's drag racing story is one of determination, having worked his way from Junior Dragster to Super Comp and then into Top Fuel. When he was unable to secure funding to continue his fuel racing dream, he volunteered to work as a crewman. He secured various driving gigs most notably with Dexter Tuttle, then Morgan Lucas and Bob Vandergriff Racing. He was on the sidelines when drag racing legend Connie Kalitta gave him a call, and a chance to return to driving full-time. 

Todd joins an esteemed group of drag racing figures such as Jack Beckman, Antron Brown, Erica Enders and Don Schumacher sharing with our readers what they are thankful for. - Editor

I am THANKFUL for ... My health

I've been fortunate enough to live a healthy life with no major health concerns or serious injuries.

I am THANKFUL for ... My family

Pretty much my entire family has always been behind me from playing peewee football to competing as a full time drag racer. A lot of them try to make it to at least one race a year and we always have fun together as a group.

I am THANKFUL for ... My parents

My parents have dedicated themselves and sacrificed a lot for me. They got me started racing Jr. Dragsters and we traveled all over the country doing it. They did everything possible to see that I got to the top and continue to come and support my career as much as they can. They even flew to Qatar to watch me race.

I am THANKFUL for ... My friends

I have made some great friends throughout my life. When times are tough you learn who your real friends are and I wouldn't trade any of mine.

I am THANKFUL for ... The Kalittas

I truly work for the best team in all of racing. Our owner is a living legend and the stories never end with him. He has put together a kick ass organization and I am so thankful that I get to be a small piece of it.

I am THANKFUL for ... What I do for living

Not many people in this world get to do what they love for a living. Getting paid to drive a race car has to be one of the best jobs out there.

I am THANKFUL for ... Nitromethane 

This is clearly the greatest fuel on earth. It produces a sound, smell, and feel like no other. Top Fuel Dragsters and Fuel Funny Cars wouldn't be near as exciting without it.

I am THANKFUL for ... Wally Parks/NHRA

Without Wally Parks and his vision, who knows if NHRA drag racing is around today. NHRA allows us to drive the quickest and fastest cars on the planet, while putting on a great show.

I am THANKFUL for ... The fans

Without our great fans, there is no NHRA. The fans make it possible for us to live out our dream and there's no better feeling than hearing them cheer you on.

I am THANKFUL for ... Thanksgiving meal

This is the one time a year where everybody pigs out on great food and isn't judged for it. The only 2 people not happy about me eating all day/night are probably Connie and my trainer haha. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!