FATHER ROLLS BEST, BILLY TORRENCE TOPS TOP FUEL QUALIFYING

Written by Bobby Bennett, photo by Burghardt Photography    Sun, 2019-02-24 07:00

 

During the PRO Winter Warm-up at Wild Horse Motorsports Park, Billy Torrence seemed to accept playing second-fiddle to his championship-winning son Steve, who was untouchable on the best run grid.

Fast forward three weeks later at the facility outside of Phoenix, the elder Torrence ensured it would be a CAPCO Car leading the Top Fuel qualifying. With Steve off of his usual torrid pace (No. 14, 5.682, 261.88) Torrence rared back and delivered a 3.667, 328.46 to unseat Terry McMillen atop the qualifying list.

The No. 1 qualifying effort marks the second of his career; the first of the two resulted in his only national event victory last August at Brainerd, Minn.

"Hopefully we can do that again," Torrence said with a smile. "We are going to do everything we can to make it happen; turn this green hat into yellow. I think Steve is having a little issue with his car, and they will figure it out tonight."

Torrence understands his role in the two-car team, and whatever it takes to get either car in the winner's circle on Sunday.

"[His team] will get some data from us, and see what worked for us," Torrence explained. "I don't know how the ladder lays out, but I sure would love to race him in the final."

The Torrences met in the semifinals of last year's event, and Steve emerged victorious. All of last season, son beat father in their four meetings.

"I think it's a mechanical issue or a timer issue," Torrence speculated. "Our cars are essentially prepared the same, so that's why it appears to be a mechanical issue."

Gaining momentum, even though he is racing a part-time schedule, is essential for Torrence, who plans to skip Gainesville before returning for the Las Vegas four-wide.

"It would be good to get out of here with a win, and relish that for a few weeks," Torrence said.

Torrence might be part-time, but through guidance from Steve, who went undefeated in last year's Countdown to the Championship, he's become as tough as any full-timer.

"I've had a lot of instruction from Steve and that's helped me a lot as to what I've needed to do, or not do, when driving the car, and I really have a super team," Torrence said. "There's really two super teams because Steve's team works along with my part-time team to prepare the car.

"I have the best of both worlds. I have a car capable of winning any time."

Torrence will face Terry Totten in the first round. No. 2 qualifier Terry McMillen races Richie Crampton, while No. 3 Antron Brown faces Steve Torrence.

 

 
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