The NHRA’s reigning and defending Top Fuel World Champion Steve Torrence is among four finalists for the Best Driver award. The is to be presented tonight during the 27th annual ESPY Awards at the Microsoft Theater.
“I am honored to represent the NHRA and drag racing as a Best Driver ESPY nominee,” Torrence said. “Especially since I’m in such select company with Formula 1, Indy Car and NASCAR drivers. It’s just a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Capco boys who put a great car under me every week.”
In 2018 the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series was treated to one of the most spectacular seasons in history. Last season Torrence won 11 races, including six-straight in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship. In the process, he captured his first Top Fuel world championship. His undefeated NHRA performance was made as the first driver in NHRA history to sweep the Countdown.
The unprecedented performance is an achievement that can only be tied but never eclipsed.
The 36-year-old Texas native has carried that momentum into the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season. Torrence has appeared in nine of the 13 race final rounds and posting a 7-2 record so far this season. He has also been a No. 1 qualifier two times and has an incredible round win/loss record of 37-6.
Torrence becomes the 10th NHRA professional nominated joining the list of drag racing nominees that includes John Force (2000-2003, 2011, 2014), Tony Schumacher (2007-2009), Erica Enders (2015-2016), Greg Anderson (2005, 2011), Tony Pedregon (2004), Melanie Troxel (2006), Del Worsham (2012), Ron Capps (2017) and Brittany Force (2018).
No NHRA Driver has ever won an ESPY award.
The fan vote is one of the factors in the selection process, the NHRA has created a special site to accommodate drag racing fans who wish to participate.
If you would like to cast a vote for Steve Torrence, go to ESPN.com.
The ESPYS will air on ABC at 8 p.m., Eastern Time with host Tracy Morgan.