Billy Torrence will return to a full season of Top Fuel competition in 2026, piloting the CAPCO Contractors dragster for Torrence Racing beginning with the NHRA Gatornationals. The event opens the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season at Gainesville Raceway.
The eight-time Top Fuel winner last competed full-time in 2023, qualifying for every event he entered that season. Torrence made one appearance in 2025 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, advancing to the semifinals.
His return coincides with NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. It also restores one of the sport’s most successful family-based programs to a full-time presence in the Top Fuel ranks.
“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to race a full season of Top Fuel again this year,” said Torrence. “The team is eager to get back out and compete, and hopefully bring home some Wallys in 2026. There’s no better way to celebrate NHRA’s 75th season than being part of it.”
Torrence, father of four-time Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence, has built a reputation for consistency and composure in the category. Steve Torrence’s 2026 competition status was not included in the team’s announcement.
The CAPCO Contractors team will again be led by crew chief Richard Hogan, assistant crew chief Bobby Lagana, and car chief Justin Crosslin. The trio played key roles in four consecutive Top Fuel world championships from 2018 through 2021 and were part of the only team to sweep every race in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship.
Billy Torrence founded CAPCO Contractors, Inc. in 1995, growing the Henderson, Texas-based pipeline infrastructure company into a global operation. The family-owned oil and gas business remains the backbone of the race team’s identity.
“It’s amazing to see Billy get back behind the wheel,” said team owner Kay Torrence. “He has already proven himself in this sport, and we’re proud to continue supporting him in his racing career. We’re confident his experience will be an asset both on and off the track.”
Torrence Racing plans to test the No. 474 CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel dragster during the PRO session in Gainesville ahead of the March 5-8 opener. For Billy Torrence, the objective is clear: reestablish the team as a contender in Top Fuel during a milestone year for NHRA.
