NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

It is easy for Steve Torrence to reminisce when he is in the staging lanes at the Texas Motorplex, the site of the 31st annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, Oct. 13-16. The Top Fuel standout and Kilgore, Texas native grew up racing at the track just two hours from his house and every time he returns it is an opportunity to look back on his rise through the drag racing ranks at the famed facility.

After advancing to the final round at the race last year, Torrence’s next step is his first Top Fuel win at the track, something that would add another memorable accomplishment to his impressive 2016 season.

“It was just a few years ago you’re pulling into the water box in your Super Comp car, just aspiring to be in this position,” said Torrence, who is currently sixth in Top Fuel points and has two wins in 2016. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling to accomplish those goals and be at the pinnacle of the sport you love. It holds all the more meaning to say I grew up here and every aspect of my racing career took place here. It’s always been a special place to me and where I grew up racing.”

Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Del Worsham (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were winners of last year’s event that will air on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) for the first time.  On Oct. 16th, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 2 p.m. (ET).

The race marks the fourth of six events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs. The first half of the playoffs haven’t gone quite as planned for Torrence and his team. He started in third but had a first-round loss sandwiched around two quarterfinal appearances.

Torrence has dropped to sixth while points leader and defending world champion Antron Brown has posted Countdown victories in Charlotte and at Maple Grove in Reading, Penn. Torrence had a strong run of 3.691 in a first-round win against eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher at Maple Grove, but consistency has been an issue in the playoffs. Despite that, a strong finish remains at the forefront of Torrence’s priorities.

“Unfortunately the Countdown has not been favorable for us this year,” said Torrence, who has seven career wins. “We’ve just had small mistakes that have really cost us a lot and it’s compounded. But we’re still marching forward and we’re going to do the best we can to finish strong in what has been our best season as a team and my best season as a driver. We’re trying to finish out this season as strong as possible. We are out here to win and there’s three races left to try to do that.”

The last stretch of 2016 starts in Dallas and nothing would erase the Countdown slump more than a victory at the Texas Motorplex. Torrence’s last win at the facility came in 2005 in a Top Alcohol Dragster, it was a victory that clinched him a championship. Trailing Brown by 163 points, a world title may not happen this year but a Dallas winner’s circle celebration after his Top Fuel victory would be a strong consolation for Torrence.

“Other than winning Indy, winning your home races are probably the highest on anybody’s list, so it would be really special,” Torrence said. “You get to see a lot of friends and family at this race and it would be incredible to win in front of them. I dang sure want to win and get one of those cowboy hats.”

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 12:45 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-668-6775. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com.  Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.