BRAINERD, Minn. – Billy Torrence raced to his first career Top Fuel victory Sunday at age 60, winning the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.
Torrence, the father of Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence, beat three-time season champion Antron Brown on a holeshot in the final round, finishing in 3.756 seconds at 329.99 miles per hour.
Bil Torrence, who was also the No. 1 qualifier for the first time in his career this weekend, won in his 27th start in the division.
"To come out here and be able to win an event, and give back something to those guys who give me a good operation when I come out, that's just a blessing," said Torrence, from Kilgore, Texas. "At this level, there's pressure on everyone to win. I just wanted to win and Antron is a tremendous racer, and you just have to be on your game."
Jack Beckman won in Funny Car, Deric Kramer in Pro Stock and Eddie Krawiec in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Beckman raced to his second victory of the season, the 28th of his career and first at BIR, beating Tommy Johnson Jr. with a 3.961 pass at 325.69 in a Dodge Charger.
Kramer topped Tanner Gray with a 6.652 at 207.56 in a Chevrolet Camaro for his second career victory. Reigning series champion Krawiec won for the fourth time this season and 48th overall, edging Andrew Hines with a 6.897 at 195.14 on a Harley-Davidson.
Associated Press
