With his sights set on a Top Fuel crown, Steve Torrence will go for a zMAX Dragway season sweep when the NHRA’s Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship roars to life with this weekend’s 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at the Bellagio of drag strips.
After an impressive NHRA Four-Wide Nationals victory in April at zMAX Dragway, Torrence expects to keep the momentum going in the Countdown opener.
“That’s been our main objective: Get the car where we want it and don’t change it,” said Torrence, who is seeking his first world championship. “We’ve found a recipe for success and the car has done what we’ve told it to. I’m confident in the car, my team and myself. I don’t mean this in a negative context, but I’m not concerned about anybody but us. The way we’re going, I feel like we’re going to do the best we can and it’s up to them to beat us. It’s a difficult mindset to get into and stay in, but with the way everything has gone, I’m confident in where we’re at.”
Torrence enters with a 20-point lead over back-to-back world champion and defending Carolina Nationals winner Antron Brown. Torrence wouldn’t mind kicking off the playoffs in the same fashion as his last race at zMAX Dragway.
“It really does give you confidence,” Torrence said. “Any track where you’ve got good info and have had success, you enjoy going back to. I’m excited to go back there. We just want to go, keep doing what we’ve been doing and keep the ball rolling. We’ve got the hottest Top Fuel car there is right now and we want to keep that rolling. Everybody is on the same page and we’re going to try to hang onto that lead.”
The NHRA Carolina Nationals also features thrilling competition in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. After Nitro qualifying, fans can witness spectacular jet cars powering down the lanes.
Fans will also want to visit the popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere featuring interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
With a clear weekend forecast, Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:45 and 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Final eliminations are at noon on Sunday, Sept. 17.
TICKETS:
Tickets, camping and upgrades for NHRA Carolina Nationals event are available at the gates, by visiting www.charlottemotorspeedway.
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