This weekend’s running of the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park not only marks the first time Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence will compete under the Vis Viva “Living Force Energy” drink banner, but will also be the first time Torrence competes at the New Jersey area track.
“E-town is all new for me,” Torrence said. “I’ve never raced there even as a sportsman. It’s one of those tracks on the circuit with a lot of history and I’m excited to finally have to chance to race there.”
Torrence spent the early part of the week being fitted for the Dexter Tuttle owned racecar and had a great time getting to know the crew, affectionately referred to as “Team Vis Viva.”
“I’ve fallen into a team that has been working together for awhile now,” Torrence said. “They have great chemistry together and we were all cutting up, laughing and joking around while they fitted me to the car. Dexter’s theory is that with all the hard work the team puts in, everyone should also be able to have some fun too. That philosophy is a good fit for the way I like to race.
“We did have some comic relief at the shop,” Torrence continued. “There are already two crew guys named Steve on ‘Team Vis Viva,’ so adding me into the mix made it three. Whenever someone yelled out for ‘Steve’ we all turned and looked. It became a running joke at the shop.”
Torrence has realistic expectations for his debut this weekend at E-town.
“This is a very competitive bunch so sure we are going there with the goal to win,” Torrence said. “If that happens it would be icing on the cake to be sure. But remember, I haven’t driven a Top Fuel car since 2006 so I really just want to get some seat time and get re-acclimated to going 300 plus mph. As drivers we always put extra pressure on ourselves to perform and I’m sure that will kick in once I’m at the track. The biggest thing that I keep reminding myself is that I’m living my dream of racing Top Fuel thanks to Dexter Tuttle and Vis Viva. Considering I was sitting at home a few weeks ago, to be back out and racing is good enough for me for now.”
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