Drag Illustrated Issue 152, January 2020 | Page 66

The Champions of 2019 [ NHRA TOP FUEL ] T his one was vastly different than the first and not nearly as dominant. But in some ways, Steve Torrence’s second straight world championship in Top Fuel showed just how far the Texan had come in two years. Sure, there was a top-end confrontation and shove to Cameron Ferré that Torrence could have easily avoided. Emotions were high and it nearly cost Torrence. The big difference, though, is Tor- rence quickly recognized the error of his ways, apologized and got back down to business. He knocked off Brittany Force, claimed his second straight title and continued one of the most dominant stretches in Top Fuel history. “It’s been really special to be part of a team that goes out and has the success we’ve had,” Torrence says. “It’s really special to win one championship, much less two and to do it back-to-back. The guys prevailed and gave me the race car, and I did the job I needed to do when I needed to do it. Our group of guys has been together for years and that continuity is what has been a key recipe to our success.” Two years ago, Torrence wasn’t able to come through in a pressure situation, losing the ti- tle to Force on the final day of the season. He voiced his displeasure with the Countdown to the Championship format, but mostly responded with incredible performances in 2018. He won 11 races a year ago, swept the playoffs – the first person in NHRA history to do that – and claimed the title in dominant fashion. Torrence remained dominant in 2019 – win- ning nine races to give him 28 over the past three seasons – but the Countdown wasn’t nearly the same as last year’s virtuoso performance. He lost in the playoff opener, lost in the first round again at Dallas and had to hold off a red- hot Force at the end. But that was the joy in this title. Torrence faced adversity and came out on top – albeit $25,000 lighter in the wallet after getting fined for his skirmish with Ferré. Still, Torrence showed championship mettle, adding another impressive layer to a run that shows no signs of slowing down. “I mean, I’m having a wonderful time,” Torrence says. “My dad (Billy) has come out and raced more with us and been very successful. So that’s been fun. We do this as a family.” – JOSH HACHAT DI DI DI DI DI DI DI DI DI DI Jim Howe Jr. 66 | D r a g I l l u s t r a t e d | DragIllustrated.com LIMITED DRAG RADIAL // Charles Hull X275 Issue 152 Steve Torrence