Top Fuel: Torrence Tops Charts with Blistering Speed at Brainerd
Four-time Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence showcased his power and precision at the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, seizing the provisional No. 1 spot with an impressive 3.688-second run at 335.32 mph at Brainerd International Raceway on Friday. Torrence edged out Tony Stewart, who clocked an identical 3.688s but with a slightly slower speed of 332.18 mph, leaving him in second place.
This marks Torrence’s potential third top spot of the 2024 season and the 40th of his career. Fresh off a win in Seattle, Torrence, currently third in Top Fuel points, credited his team’s focus on maximizing power in challenging conditions. “At the end of the day, power is speed,” Torrence stated, emphasizing the difficulty of harnessing power at Brainerd’s unique track conditions.
Stewart, with a career-best run, follows closely behind, while reigning world champion Doug Kalitta sits in third with a 3.703s run at 335.40 mph.
Funny Car: Blake Alexander Eyes First No. 1 Qualifier
In the Funny Car category, Blake Alexander delivered a standout performance, securing the provisional No. 1 position with a 3.874s run at 331.61 mph in his Head Racing Ford Mustang. Should this hold, it would be Alexander’s first career No. 1 qualifier, capping off a season where he’s consistently reached the semifinals in recent events.
Alexander expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete with larger outfits, stating, “It feels pretty good to be able to run with them.” Alexis DeJoria follows closely in second with a 3.882s at 332.84 mph, while Bob Tasca III, fresh from his win in Sonoma, is third with a 3.884s at 332.59 mph.
Pro Stock: Greg Anderson Leads at Home Track
Duluth native and five-time world champion Greg Anderson took the provisional No. 1 spot in Pro Stock with a 6.641s run at 207.08 mph in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Racing at the track where he grew up, Anderson is in prime position to secure his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the year and third in the past four races.
Anderson, who hasn’t won at Brainerd since 2011, expressed optimism for the weekend, noting that his team has room to improve and will push harder in the remaining sessions. Aaron Stanfield, currently second, is close behind with a 6.642s at 206.26 mph, followed by Matt Hartford in third with a 6.643s at 204.66 mph.
Photo from Steve Torrence Instagram
