NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 race at Houston Raceway Park was shifted to October and served as the penultimate race of what was a trying year for all parties. 

But when the stars arrived in Houston with championship implications, they put on a show.

That was certainly evident in Top Fuel, where Tony Schumacher and eventual world champion Steve Torrence put on a duel for the ages in an incredible final round. In what ended up as the second quickest side-by-side run in history, Schumacher slipped past Torrence, going 3.669 at 330.63 to get past Torrence’s 3.687 at 330.07. It also gave Schumacher his third Top Fuel win in Houston, tying him for the most in class history at the track. 

“I've done this and lived these moments and been part of some cool stuff, and these guys were able to dig deep,” Schumacher said after that monumental final round. “That final round, those are epic battles. I've been on both sides of that. I beat Torrence in Indy by .0006 and lost the same way to him. You've got two badass teams battling it out, and that was the best race we've seen all year. It was a team effort, and everybody did a great job."

The weekend also belonged to rising star Aaron Stanfield, who enjoyed a magical weekend in Texas. He claimed his first career Pro Stock victory on Sunday, but that was just the start for the young driver. In just the span of a few hours, Stanfield collected two more Wallys that day, finishing the weekend with a remarkable three trophies. 

To get there, Stanfield also added a win in Factory Stock Showdown on Sunday, which helped him clinch the world championship in the category. It was his first world title in the class, capping off one remarkable, memorable day.

"I definitely can't put this into words," Stanfield said at the time. "I remember listening to my dad race, and I've dreamed of the day that I could hold up a Pro Stock Wally ever since I was a little guy watching my dad race. It's always been at the top of my goals. I tried to stay as calm as I could, but I knew my guys had my best interests in mind. I stayed focused, we did our job, and we got it done. To be honest, this whole day has been crazy, just accomplishing huge, huge dreams. I haven't had time to soak it all in, but what my dad has taught me is to clear your head and focus on what you need to do. That's what I was able to do today." 

To purchase tickets to the final NHRA SpringNationals at Houston Raceway Park, call 281-383-7223 or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.