It's no surprise that a Torrence was atop the qualifying ladder at an NHRA Camping World Drag Series event.

The latest Torrence is Billy Torrence, who clocked a 3.744-second elapsed time at 324.98 mph to take the provisional No. 1 position at the Tascaparts.com New England Nationals Friday night in Epping, N.H.

Torrence is the father of reigning three-time NHRA world champion Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence. Steve, who has back-to-back victories in Epping, qualified No. 7 after losing traction right off the starting line en route to clocking an 8.562-second run.

Billy and Steve campaign family-owned Capco Contractors dragsters.

Billy Torrence came to Epping seventh in the points. He has a 4-5 elimination round record in 2021. He was the No. 1 qualifier in Atlanta earlier this season. If Billy keeps the No. 1 position on the qualifying ladder it will be the fifth of his Top Fuel career.

Billy Torrence has competed in 63 career Top Fuel NHRA national events and has six wins and four runner-up finishes.

There are two more qualifying sessions at 1:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Race day Sunday begins at 11 a.m.

Justin Ashley is No. 2 in the qualifying pecking order with a 3.774-second elapsed time at 324.98 mph.