CONCORD, N.C. — Billy Torrence, 66, is familiar with his designation of being the “oldest Top Fuel winner in NHRA history.”
He’s held that status for three years, since triumphing at the Pep Boys Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa., in 2021. But every time he’s reminded of it, Torrence can’t help but wonder, “What am I doing out here? What I am I thinking?”
Torrence, who turned 66 on Sunday, is five events into his rookie season as a full-time Top Fuel driver. Keep in mind, there should really be an asterisk next to his “rookie” title.
Father of four-time Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence, Billy Torrence has been racing on and off since 2013. During that time, he’s collected eight Wallys in the professional NHRA ranks. But this year marks his first time taking on the entire 20-race schedule.
And it kind of happened by accident, believe it or not.
“I asked Bobby Lagana if he could get me a crew and (if he did), I’d race a bunch of events. He said, ‘Well, it’d probably be easier just to get a crew for a full gig.’ And I kind of put my foot in my mouth and said, ‘OK, well go ahead,’” Torrence said.
That was his first mistake.
“He calls me up later and says, ‘OK, I got it done.’ And I said, ‘Got what done?’ He goes, ‘I got you a full crew. You’re racing them all,’” Torrence said, cracking a smile.
So, here he is, running the Capco Contractors dragster alongside his son.
That spawns a logical question. Why hasn’t Torrence made this leap before? He’s already proven that he can win, so why not chase a championship?
“I have a thriving business and Steve and I work six, seven days a week all the time,” explained Torrence, founder and CEO of the Capco brand. “It’s just a grueling schedule and it becomes work after a while.”
While it might’ve not been his intent, Torrence’s transition has gone smoothly.
During his first race out — the NHRA Gatornationals at Florida’s Gainesville Raceway — he finished runner-up to Shawn Langdon. Since then, he’s been to the semifinals, quarterfinals and recently made a first-round exit at the Four-Wide Nationals in Concord, N.C., at zMAX Dragway last Sunday.
“It’ll be a work in progress for a while, but I think at the end of the day, we’ll really do well,” Torrence said humbly. “It’s difficult to get in this thing at this point (in my life) and have to think about everything you have to do and concentrate on. There are a few parameters I need to meet to keep the car in the groove and all that stuff.”
While his crew chiefs Jason McCulloch and Joe Barlam focus on the car, Torrence is working on improving his concentration and cutting better lights on the Christmas tree.
Though there are boxes to check off, he has little doubt in the team’s capabilities.
“I come expecting to win. All the parts and pieces are there to prevail, and I’ll need to do my job and it’ll all come together. We’ve won a lot and I think that we’ll get there again,” Torrence said.