The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
41°F
Current Conditions
Broken clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Steve Torrence wins Top Fuel final in NHRA 4-Wide Nationals

In this photo provided by the NHRA, Steve Torrence races in the Top Fuel victory of the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. (Marc Gewertz / Associated Press)
Associated Press

LAS VEGAS – Steve Torrence won the Top Fuel final Sunday in the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Torrence piloted his dragster to a 3.771-second pass at 326.63 mph for the 18th victory of his career and second of the season. He beat No. 1 qualifier Tony Schumacher, three-time season champion Antron Brown and Doug Kalitta in the final round.

“I knew my team was confident coming into today, but going into a final round against Antron, Tony Schumacher and Doug up against you makes it a tough round,” Torrence said. “Our car still isn’t performing at the level it was last year, but we know we just have to work on the car and prepare for the later part of this season when every race really matters.”

J.R. Todd won in Funny Car, and Vincent Nobile topped the Pro Stock field.

Todd ran a 4.041 at 317.05 for the 11th career victory. Jack Beckman was second, followed by Courtney Force and Tommy Johnson. Nobile also raced ti his 11th career victory with a 6.690 at 206.80. He bested Deric Kramer, defending series champion Bo Butner and Chris McGaha in the final round.