But the Route 66 crew got the track dried out in time to run the final rounds live on television. (Michael Fischbeck photo)

TOP FUEL

Steve Torrence (left lane) turns on the red light in the final round. (Michael Fischbeck photo)

Antron Brown’s visit to the track just outside of Chicago was a successful one as he leveled Steve Torrence in the final after the latter fouled out at the starting line. Despite the outcome being decided early on, the New Jersey native still stopped the clock in impressive fashion with a 3.784-second run at 322.88 mph.

In pocketing his first career Top Fuel win at Route 66 Raceway, Brown also nailed his 33rd career victory in his 250th professional start (counting his days in Pro Stock Motorcycles).

“I guess that’s definitely something to hang my hat on,” Brown said. “I’m just so blessed to be in the position I’m in. Please understand that I never take anything for granted in life. I just try to work hard every day and be the best person I can be.”

On the way to his meeting with Torrence, Brown had to get by two-time event winner Morgan Lucas, David Grubnic and Shawn Langdon, respectively. The race against Langdon proved to be his toughest test as he posted a 3.794-second pass at 321.04 mph to Langdon’s 3.803-second trip at 319.37 mph.