By Mike Haag, Raceday San Antonio
ENNIS, Texas – Steve Torrence grabbed the No. 1 position with a track-record run of 3.636 at 336.62 in his 11,000-horsepower Capco Contractors/Toyota dragster after an epic day of qualifying runs on Saturday at the 38th annual Texas FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.
Torrence, who will face 16th qualifier Buddy Hall in the opening round on Sunday, trails points leader Doug Kalitta by 49 points going into the elimination rounds. It was Torrence’s 37th No. 1 of his career, his third this season and his third at the Motorplex. He won here in 2020 after winning from the No. 1 position.
“It’s definitely morale boosting to go out and go low ET. But more importantly, today we went out and ran (3.66) on the first lap, (3.67) on the second lap,” Torrence said. “When you have a car that’s consistent, it’s always a confidence booster but especially when it’s consistently quick and you’re picking up points and something that very potentially could be the deciding factor in winning or losing a championship.
There were 12 Top Fuel drivers who posted qualifying runs in 3.60s, which ended up being the second-quickest qualifying field in Top Fuel history. Points leader Kalitta recorded a run clocked at 3.642 at 334.70 on Friday and Mike Salinas went to third with a 3.655 at 333.73 pass.
“(Qualifying No. 1) is really special because I take great pride in being a Texan and this is the premier track in Texas,” Torrence said. “I have to thank the Meyer family (developers and owners of the Motorplex) for all they have done with the Stampede of Speed and the Texas Fall Nationals. This is a critical time in the playoffs and this race is a great event, top-to-bottom.”
Torrence added, “At this point I’m probably more confident in my car than any other time in the season. We’re making really good strides at the right time, and I’m very confident going into tomorrow. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a hometown crowd.”
Elimination rounds begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.
