“It was a good weekend, and we had a little luck on our side as well,” commented Torrence. “Consistency was the key on a hot track . . . and we had a very good car that kept going down the track. 

“We were very happy go get into the top 10. We also qualified for the (special) Traxxus Top Fuel race and it was a good Father’s Day for my dad Billy.”

Torrence began eliminations by stopping Leah Pruett, 3.833 at 320.05 to 4.261 at 240.60. He then beat Shawn Langdon, 3.856 at 319.22 to 4.202 at 308.85 before stopping Clay Millican in the semifinals, 3.892 at 314.39 to 4.410 at 195.59.

“I have been racing Spencer for a long time,” said Torrence. “We are both from Texas and we have raced each other in Super Comp and Top Alcohol Dragster, and know I have to be on top of my game to beat him.

“This win gives us a lot of confidence and a morale boost to get us ready for our race next week at Epping, NH.”

Torrence ran 3.871 at 320.13 mph in the final to defeat Massey’s 3.894/317.19.

J.R. Todd's race day was short-lived as he bowed to Brittany Force in the first round of eliminations at Bristol Dragway. The No. 9 qualifier heading into Sunday's eliminations, Todd is racing in place of the injured Brandon Bernstein in the ProtectTheHarvest.com/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster.
  
The 2006 Rookie of the Year got the jump on Force at the starting line and led the way until the eighth-mile marker when the engine of his race car suddenly lost power, allowing Force to get by and win with a 3.872 at 318.09 mph. Todd's final numbers showed a 3.947 at a fading 290.57 mph.

"We were driving away from her," Todd said. "Obviously something broke in the engine, and you see the outcome. I never saw her. It was running fine, and then all of a sudden it just let go, bang! Then I saw her drive off. I tell you, it's a pretty eerie feeling when it blows up like that. You don't know what's happening behind you.

"Either way, I'm just happy to be standing on the gas again. I wish the outcome had been a little different but that's drag racing. The ProtectTheHarvest.com guys busted their butts all weekend, and we gave it a good shot first round. It just didn't happen for us today. We'll get her fixed up, go to Epping (N.H.), and get 'em there."