>>BACK
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dave Densmore, denswood@aol.com / 214-244-0008, mobile
TORRENCE SHINES IN DENVER QUALIFYING
Texan Sets Speed Record, Starts from No. 2 Spot in Mopar Mile-High Nationals
July 19, 2014 -- Steve Torrence lost his Bandimere Speedway track record Saturday but the Texan found something far more crucial to his bid for the Mello Yello Series championship.
Torrence, who briefly held the record Saturday before it was eclipsed by seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher, will start from the No. 2 qualifying position Sunday in the elimination phase of the 35th annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals, first race in the critical Western Swing that precedes the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship.
Nevertheless, no one was more consistent during the qualifying phase than Torrence and that’s something that had been missing since earlier in the season.
“Confidence is high, for sure,” Torrence admitted after guiding his Capco Contractors Top Fuel dragster through the 1,000 foot course in a best time of 3.831 seconds, second only to Schumacher’s record 3.823.
Even though he lost the record, Torrence’s four-run qualifying average (3.854 seconds) was the quickest in the category and his finish line speed of 322.96 miles per hour on his second attempt was the fastest ever at Denver’s mile-high altitude.
The 31-year-old Texan, a four-time winner on the NHRA tour, will take on No. 15 qualifier Steve Chrisman of Anaheim, Calif., in Sunday’s first round, trying to end a winless streak that has stretched beyond one calendar year. He last celebrated in the winners’ circle in May, 2013, at Bristol, Tenn.
Although he Schumacher got the No. 1 starting spot, Torrence grabbed the bulk of the qualifying bonus points. The former Top Alcohol Dragster world champion was quickest in the first and final sessions; second quickest in the second and third. That earned him all but two of the maximum points available.
Sunday’s eliminations will be televised live on ESPN starting at 1:30 p.m., Texas time.
# # #
 |
