NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

A health issue temporarily has accomplished what rivals have not, and that is to slow the pace of Steve Torrence and his Capco Contractors/Rio Ammunition Top Fuel dragster.

Torrence, who qualified No. 1 at six of the season’s first 11 races and won twice in four final-round appearances, canceled his planned participation in this weekend’s 10th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk after a medical issue arose on Wednesday.

“I was feeling bad coming out of the gym and drove myself to the hospital,” explained Torrence, a seven-time winner on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series tour. “I had a procedure last night, and today I’m good to go except for maybe driving a 10,000-horsepower race car. The doc didn’t think that was such a great idea, but I’ll be back in Chicago [for the Route 66 NHRA Nationals].”

His absence this week likely won’t cost him a spot in the point standings, but it will widen the gap between the 33-year-old Texan and front-runners Doug Kalitta and Antron Brown. Currently No. 3 in points, Torrence leads No. 4 Brittany Force by almost 100 points.