Steve Torrence is a stubborn, ditch-digging, pipe-laying, and self-described “loose-lipped” Texan who was so determined that he would not allow the NHRA Top Fuel championship to slip away from him like he did on the final day of last season that he went on a merciless tear, crushing all of his competition in the Countdown.

The Capco Contractors Dragster driver used a 3.751-second, 326.32-mph 1,000-foot pass to win Sunday’s Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway about an hour after he had clinched that title that had eluded him less than a year ago.

The 2019 schedule for the thrilling E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service has been announced and will feature 12 stops across the country during the busy season.

“The E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service series features intense racing action at each event during the year,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president, and chief development officer. “The competition level is second to none and even making a 16-car field is a feat unto itself. Hoisting the Wally trophy on Sunday in the category is a worthy accomplishment for any of the racers.”

As good as nitro Funny Car driver Robert Hight had been in the first four races of NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship, J.R. Todd wouldn’t go away.

The talented Todd continued to battle and when he won the Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday he took over the points lead with just one race remaining this season at Pomona, Calif. (Nov. 8-11).

Bo Butner, the reigning NHRA Pro Stock world champion, announced prior to the Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway he was stepping away from the class next season and returning to his Sportsman racing roots.

Butner didn’t lose any of his competitiveness in the Pro Stock ranks as he won the Wally at The Strip Sunday thanks to holeshot in the final round.

Hector Arana Jr. started the season in 10th place and immediately dropped to 13th place.

But he has improved steadily, and with Sunday’s Pro Stock Motorcycle victory at the Toyota Nationals at Las Vegas from the top qualifying position, he has pulled to within 64 points of leader Matt Smith.

Steve Torrence won his first Top Fuel world championship during eliminations on Sunday at the NHRA Toyota Nationals and raced to his 10th victory of the year at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
 
J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Bo Butner (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also winners in their respective categories at the fifth of six playoff events during the 2018 Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship

Mike Janis won his first E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by J&A Service world championship at the season ending event during the NHRA Toyota Nationals. This weekend’s Pro Mod racing is presented by Trask Performance.

Janis was the points leaders entering the weekend but was defeated in the first round of eliminations by Mike Caruso. Rickie Smith, who was second, advanced to the quarter finals and had an opportunity for him to win his fourth championship if he advanced to the semifinals. Smith was defeated by Rick Hord allowing Janis to claim the crown.

Point standings (top 10) following the 18th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 23rd of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series -

Final round-by-round results from the 18th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 23rd of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series:

Sunday's final results from the 18th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race is the 23rd of 24 in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series: