FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Torrence Chasing More History at Indy
POINT LEAD RECORD, SECOND WIN PROVIDE MOTIVATION
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Reigning Mello Yello Champion and runaway point leader Steve Torrence rolls his Capco Contractors Top Fuel dragster onto the concrete-and-asphalt at Lucas Oiil Raceway this week with a chance to add another chapter to his growing legacy.
The 36-year-old not only is on pace to add his name to the list of those who have won the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals on more than one occasion, he also is poised to complete 18 races with the largest point lead in NHRA history.
When qualifying begins in the world’s biggest drag race, Torrence will lead 2017 series champion Brittany Force by 635 points, roughly the equivalent of 32 racing rounds. In the Countdown Era, the largest margin enjoyed by any driver in the 18-race regular season, regardless of category, was the 567 points by which Tony Schumacher led Top Fuel teammate Antron Brown in 2008.
In a season in which he’s won almost half the races (eight of 17) and in the midst of three years of total domination during which he has compiled a 161-38 record, Torrence is almost certain to eclipse that mark. However, he also is in position to break the record for the biggest margin through 18 events, ever.
That would be John Force’s 618-point lead over Funny Car teammate Tony Pedregon after the first 18 races of the 1996 season.
The difference is that after 18 races in 1996, Force still could build on that margin. He actually finished the season 636 points ahead and that’s one record Torrence won’t be able to eclipse. That’s because regardless of the point differential at the conclusion of racing on Monday, he still will start the Countdown only 20 points ahead of whomever is No. 2, the result of NHRA’s manipulation of the points in an effort to assure that more drivers remain in contention until season’s end.
After being burned by that system in 2017 when he finished second after winning the first of his record three straight regular-season titles, Torrence laid waste to the “adjustments” and to the competition a year ago when he swept all six playoff races. He actually finished the season with a margin 116 points greater than the one he enjoyed in the regular season, finishing the 304 points clear of the second place Schumacher.
Nevertheless, that’s another story. This week, the talented Texan isn’t worried about the playoffs; only about the 65th U.S. Nationals. He won the race two years ago and has been to the finals four times in his last six appearances. His goal this week is to become just the 36th pro driver with multiple wins in the biggest race on the planet.
“I’ve got a really good team, a really good group of guys,” Torrence reiterated, as he has all season long. “They are the reason for the success that we have. When you see teams that go out and do well and continually win, it’s usually because the guys have been together for years and they just work well together. That’s what we have with these Capco cars.
“(Crew chiefs) Richard Hogan and Bobby Lagana Jr., they’ve made all the right moves,” Torrence continued, “and the guys putting my car together, they just don’t make mistakes. It’s an exceptional group. I’m very blessed and very thankful to be the guy in the car. It’s been an awesome ride even if we were to quit tomorrow.
“If it’s a little hot this week, that’ll be just fine with me,” said the only driver to have won NHRA championships in both the Alcohol and Fuel categories. “Richard does a really good job of navigating tracks that are a little ‘iffy’ because of the heat of whatever and I’m just glad that he’s my guy.”
While Torrence is trying to close out a record-breaking regular season, dad Billy will resume his bid for a Countdown berth in the second Capco Contractors dragster. The founder of Capco, a Texas-based oil and gas pipeline construction and maintenance business, has won twice this year despite a limited schedule and enters the race just 41 points behind defending U.S. Nationals champ Terry McMillen, who currently occupies the 10th and final qualifying spot.
The Champ at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapoolis:
Last year at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals: The No. 5 qualifier, Steve beat Pat Dakin before being upset by Terry McMillen in round two.
Starts/Final Rounds/Wins/No. 1 Qualifier: 9/4/1/0
Steve’s quickest time at Lucas Oil Raceway: 3.673 seconds, Sept. 2, 2017
Steve’s fastest speed at Lucas Oil Raceway: 329.75 mph, Sept. 4, 2017
Steve’s won-lost record at Lucas Oil Raceway: 15-8
Steve’s best moment(s) at Lucas Oil Raceway: In 2017, after runner-up finishes in two of the three
previous seasons, Steve finally won drag racing’s biggest event, beating Ashley Sanford, Antron Brown,
Leah Pritchett and Kebin Kinsley from the No. 3 starting position. It was a clean sweep weekend insomuch
as he also won the last running of the Traxxas Nitro Shootout bonus race.
Track records: 3.663 seconds by Clay Millican, Sept. 1, 2017; 330.31 mph by Tony Schumacher, Sept. 3, 2016.
2019 NHRA MELLO YELLO POINTS
TOP FUEL
(After 17 of 18 races leading into the Countdown to the Mello Yello Championship)
1. Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, Capco Contractors dragster1650
2. Brittany Force, Yorba Linda, Calif., Advance Auto Parts dragster1015
3. Doug Kalitta, Saline, Mich., Mac Tools dragster1013
4. Clay Millican, Drummonds, Tenn., Parts Plus dragster1009
5. Antron Brown, Pittsboro, Ind., Matco Tools dragster 998
6. Mike Salinas, San Jose, Calif., Scrappers Racing dragster 986
7. Leah Pritchett, Danville, Ind., Mopar Dodge dragster 903
8. Austin Prock, Indianapolis, Ind., Montana Brand dragster 826
9. Richie Crampton, Brownsburg, Ind., DHL/Kalitta Air dragster 785
10. Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., Amalie Intimigator dragster 708
11. Scott Palmer, Cassville, Mo., Cat Spot Organic Absorbent dragster 701
12. Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, Capco Contractors dragster 667
* * * *
So far, so good…. (A season summary)
Feb. 10Pomona, CA1. Beat Steve Faria, bye, Mike Salinas; lost to Doug Kalitta. 2nd
Feb. 24Phoenix, AZ14. Lost to Antron Brown4th
March 10Gainesville, FL3. Beat Dom Lagana; lost to Doug Kalitta3rd
April 7Las Vegas, NV2. Lost in 2nd Quad3rd
April 14Houston, TX2. Beat Kebin Kinsley, Austin Prock; lost to Antron Brown3rd
April 28Charlotte, NC6. WINNER over Clay Millican (Terry McMillen, Leah Pritchett)1st
May 5Atlanta, GA2. Beat Luigi Novelli, Scott Palmer, Shawn Reed
1st
and Brittany Force
May 19Richmond, VA4. Beat Todd Paton, Scott Palmer, Billy Torrence
1st
and Antron Brown
June 2Chicago, IL3. Beat Terry McMillen, Richie Crampton, Antron Brown
1st
and Mike Salinas
June 9Topeka, KS1. Beat Terry Totten, bye, Antron Brown and Billy Torrence
1st
June 16Bristol, TN3. Beat Pat Dakin, Clay Millican, Don Lagana; lost to Mike Salinas1st
June 23Norwalk, OH5. Beat Jordan Vandergriff, Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force
1st
and Pat Dakin
July 7Epping, NH9. Beat Austin Prock, Terry McMillen, Richie Crampton
1st
and Scott Palmer
July 21Denver, CO1. Bye, beat Richie Crampton, Brittany Force and Clay Millican
1st
July 28Sonoma, CA2. Beat Steve Chrisman, Richie Crampton; lost to Billy Torrence1st
August 4Seattle, WA3. Beat Steve Chrisman, Antron Brown, Shawn Reed; lost to Austin1st
Prock
August 18Brainerd, MN2. Beat Cameron Ferre; lost to Doug Kalitta1st
Looking Ahead
Countdown to the Championship
Sept. 15+35th Mopar Express Lane NHRA NationalsReading, Pa.
Sept. 29+22nd AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest NationalsSt. Louis, Mo.
Oct. 13+12th NHRA Carolina NationalsCharlotte, N.C.
Oct. 20+34th AAA Texas NHRA Fall NationalsDallas, Texas
Nov. 3+19th Dodge NHRA NationalsLas Vegas, Nev.
Nov. 17+55th Auto Club NHRA FinalsPomona, Calif.
+Indicates events won by Steve Torrence in 2018
Torrence Chasing More History at Indy
POINT LEAD RECORD, SECOND WIN PROVIDE MOTIVATION
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Reigning Mello Yello Champion and runaway point leader Steve Torrence rolls his Capco Contractors Top Fuel dragster onto the concrete-and-asphalt at Lucas Oiil Raceway this week with a chance to add another chapter to his growing legacy.
The 36-year-old not only is on pace to add his name to the list of those who have won the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals on more than one occasion, he also is poised to complete 18 races with the largest point lead in NHRA history.
When qualifying begins in the world’s biggest drag race, Torrence will lead 2017 series champion Brittany Force by 635 points, roughly the equivalent of 32 racing rounds. In the Countdown Era, the largest margin enjoyed by any driver in the 18-race regular season, regardless of category, was the 567 points by which Tony Schumacher led Top Fuel teammate Antron Brown in 2008.
In a season in which he’s won almost half the races (eight of 17) and in the midst of three years of total domination during which he has compiled a 161-38 record, Torrence is almost certain to eclipse that mark. However, he also is in position to break the record for the biggest margin through 18 events, ever.
That would be John Force’s 618-point lead over Funny Car teammate Tony Pedregon after the first 18 races of the 1996 season.
The difference is that after 18 races in 1996, Force still could build on that margin. He actually finished the season 636 points ahead and that’s one record Torrence won’t be able to eclipse. That’s because regardless of the point differential at the conclusion of racing on Monday, he still will start the Countdown only 20 points ahead of whomever is No. 2, the result of NHRA’s manipulation of the points in an effort to assure that more drivers remain in contention until season’s end.
After being burned by that system in 2017 when he finished second after winning the first of his record three straight regular-season titles, Torrence laid waste to the “adjustments” and to the competition a year ago when he swept all six playoff races. He actually finished the season with a margin 116 points greater than the one he enjoyed in the regular season, finishing the 304 points clear of the second place Schumacher.
Nevertheless, that’s another story. This week, the talented Texan isn’t worried about the playoffs; only about the 65th U.S. Nationals. He won the race two years ago and has been to the finals four times in his last six appearances. His goal this week is to become just the 36th pro driver with multiple wins in the biggest race on the planet.
“I’ve got a really good team, a really good group of guys,” Torrence reiterated, as he has all season long. “They are the reason for the success that we have. When you see teams that go out and do well and continually win, it’s usually because the guys have been together for years and they just work well together. That’s what we have with these Capco cars.
“(Crew chiefs) Richard Hogan and Bobby Lagana Jr., they’ve made all the right moves,” Torrence continued, “and the guys putting my car together, they just don’t make mistakes. It’s an exceptional group. I’m very blessed and very thankful to be the guy in the car. It’s been an awesome ride even if we were to quit tomorrow.
“If it’s a little hot this week, that’ll be just fine with me,” said the only driver to have won NHRA championships in both the Alcohol and Fuel categories. “Richard does a really good job of navigating tracks that are a little ‘iffy’ because of the heat of whatever and I’m just glad that he’s my guy.”
While Torrence is trying to close out a record-breaking regular season, dad Billy will resume his bid for a Countdown berth in the second Capco Contractors dragster. The founder of Capco, a Texas-based oil and gas pipeline construction and maintenance business, has won twice this year despite a limited schedule and enters the race just 41 points behind defending U.S. Nationals champ Terry McMillen, who currently occupies the 10th and final qualifying spot.
The Champ at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapoolis:
Last year at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals: The No. 5 qualifier, Steve beat Pat Dakin before being upset by Terry McMillen in round two.
Starts/Final Rounds/Wins/No. 1 Qualifier: 9/4/1/0
Steve’s quickest time at Lucas Oil Raceway: 3.673 seconds, Sept. 2, 2017
Steve’s fastest speed at Lucas Oil Raceway: 329.75 mph, Sept. 4, 2017
Steve’s won-lost record at Lucas Oil Raceway: 15-8
Steve’s best moment(s) at Lucas Oil Raceway: In 2017, after runner-up finishes in two of the three
previous seasons, Steve finally won drag racing’s biggest event, beating Ashley Sanford, Antron Brown,
Leah Pritchett and Kebin Kinsley from the No. 3 starting position. It was a clean sweep weekend insomuch
as he also won the last running of the Traxxas Nitro Shootout bonus race.
Track records: 3.663 seconds by Clay Millican, Sept. 1, 2017; 330.31 mph by Tony Schumacher, Sept. 3, 2016.
2019 NHRA MELLO YELLO POINTS
TOP FUEL
(After 17 of 18 races leading into the Countdown to the Mello Yello Championship)
1. Steve Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, Capco Contractors dragster1650
2. Brittany Force, Yorba Linda, Calif., Advance Auto Parts dragster1015
3. Doug Kalitta, Saline, Mich., Mac Tools dragster1013
4. Clay Millican, Drummonds, Tenn., Parts Plus dragster1009
5. Antron Brown, Pittsboro, Ind., Matco Tools dragster 998
6. Mike Salinas, San Jose, Calif., Scrappers Racing dragster 986
7. Leah Pritchett, Danville, Ind., Mopar Dodge dragster 903
8. Austin Prock, Indianapolis, Ind., Montana Brand dragster 826
9. Richie Crampton, Brownsburg, Ind., DHL/Kalitta Air dragster 785
10. Terry McMillen, Elkhart, Ind., Amalie Intimigator dragster 708
11. Scott Palmer, Cassville, Mo., Cat Spot Organic Absorbent dragster 701
12. Billy Torrence, Kilgore, Texas, Capco Contractors dragster 667
* * * *
So far, so good…. (A season summary)
Feb. 10Pomona, CA1. Beat Steve Faria, bye, Mike Salinas; lost to Doug Kalitta. 2nd
Feb. 24Phoenix, AZ14. Lost to Antron Brown4th
March 10Gainesville, FL3. Beat Dom Lagana; lost to Doug Kalitta3rd
April 7Las Vegas, NV2. Lost in 2nd Quad3rd
April 14Houston, TX2. Beat Kebin Kinsley, Austin Prock; lost to Antron Brown3rd
April 28Charlotte, NC6. WINNER over Clay Millican (Terry McMillen, Leah Pritchett)1st
May 5Atlanta, GA2. Beat Luigi Novelli, Scott Palmer, Shawn Reed
1st
and Brittany Force
May 19Richmond, VA4. Beat Todd Paton, Scott Palmer, Billy Torrence
1st
and Antron Brown
June 2Chicago, IL3. Beat Terry McMillen, Richie Crampton, Antron Brown
1st
and Mike Salinas
June 9Topeka, KS1. Beat Terry Totten, bye, Antron Brown and Billy Torrence
1st
June 16Bristol, TN3. Beat Pat Dakin, Clay Millican, Don Lagana; lost to Mike Salinas1st
June 23Norwalk, OH5. Beat Jordan Vandergriff, Doug Kalitta, Brittany Force
1st
and Pat Dakin
July 7Epping, NH9. Beat Austin Prock, Terry McMillen, Richie Crampton
1st
and Scott Palmer
July 21Denver, CO1. Bye, beat Richie Crampton, Brittany Force and Clay Millican
1st
July 28Sonoma, CA2. Beat Steve Chrisman, Richie Crampton; lost to Billy Torrence1st
August 4Seattle, WA3. Beat Steve Chrisman, Antron Brown, Shawn Reed; lost to Austin1st
Prock
August 18Brainerd, MN2. Beat Cameron Ferre; lost to Doug Kalitta1st
Looking Ahead
Countdown to the Championship
Sept. 15+35th Mopar Express Lane NHRA NationalsReading, Pa.
Sept. 29+22nd AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest NationalsSt. Louis, Mo.
Oct. 13+12th NHRA Carolina NationalsCharlotte, N.C.
Oct. 20+34th AAA Texas NHRA Fall NationalsDallas, Texas
Nov. 3+19th Dodge NHRA NationalsLas Vegas, Nev.
Nov. 17+55th Auto Club NHRA FinalsPomona, Calif.
+Indicates events won by Steve Torrence in 2018
