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CAPCO TEAM GOES 1-2 IN QUALIFYING
Billy Torrence Outguns his Son to Earn No. 1 Spot at Lucas Oil Nationals

August 19, 2018 -- Billy Torrence made the most of a weekend off from the family-owned pipeline business Saturday and led Team Capco to a sweep of the top two qualifying positions for Sunday’s 37th annual Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

On the last of his four qualifying runs, the 60-year-old Texan drove his Capco Contractors Top Fuel dragster through the 1,000 foot course in 3.784 seconds at a finish line speed of 326.32 miles per hour to steal the No. 1 spot from son Steve, who earlier had stopped the timers in 3.786 seconds at 328.14 mph in the other Capco car.

Because of their relative qualifying positions, father and son could race for the championship on Sunday. 

When they met last February in the semifinals of the Arizona Nationals at Phoenix, Steve got the better of things and went on to win the race, the first of his category-best five 2018 tour victories.  He has led the Mello Yello points after all but the season opening race this season in a renewed bid to win the Mello Yello Championship.

Billy Torrence will race in the first round against journeyman Terry Totten of Gretna, Neb.  Steve will oppose Bill Litton of LaJolla, Calif.

“I didn’t think it could get much better than racing my dad in the semifinals at Phoenix,” Torrence said, “but I’ve gotta say this was an awesome day for Capco and Torrence Racing.  These Capco boys, Richard Hogan, Bobby Lagana, Dom Lagana, Gary Pritchett, everybody, there’s nobody on this team I don’t love like a brother. 

“We do it the old way.  We race hard, we play hard.  We win as a team and we lose as a team and that’s what makes it so special,” Torrence enthused.  “My old man, he was racing long before me.  He’s not new at this.  He’s won national events and divisional races in Super Comp and he can drive the hell out of that fuel car.  He’s no novice at this no matter what he says.

“If we both go out there and do our jobs tomorrow, maybe there’ll be a Phoenix rematch,” he said.   “If there is, I ain’t cuttin’ him any slack.”

 

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