NHRA FMDRS: Kilgore, Texas Racer Changes Seats for Hallsville Event
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 22, 2001Hallsville, Texas- Steve Torrence, who overcame a serious illness to compete in the South Central Division's Super Comp category, hopped into another car this weekend. Torrence, from Kilgore, Texas normally pilots a super comp dragster, along with his father Billy, but had to change cars because the motor broke before Thursday's qualifying session began. This is the first time Torrence has climbed into the 1992 Beretta in competition. The younger Torrence, who recently turned eighteen, jumped behind the wheel on Thursday and earned his super gas license so he could compete here this weekend. He plans to run this car at a few more divisional races in the Super Gas class, while still driving his dragster in the super comp category.
"At this time, the plan is to run this super gas car at a few events and continue to drive the dragster," said Torrence. "I might build myself a whole new car but, that is still undecided."
DISNEY HAS EYES ON ENDERS' SISTERS FOR UPCOMING MOVIE
Hallsville, Texas- Erica Enders and her sister Courtney, sixteen and thirteen respectively, will be featured in an upcoming movie to be produced by Disney and released in the fall.
Erica, a 16-year old sophomore, has amassed 37 career victories in only seven years of competition in NHRA Junior Drag Racing events, including four National Event Championships. Adding to her already impressive resume, was being named 1995 Junior Drag Racing League Driver of the Year. Her first car has been inducted into the NHRA museum in Glendora, Calif. Currently, Erica is racing in the NHRA's South Central Division Super Comp and Super Gas categories.
Asked what Erica's racing future held for her, she replied, "Hopefully, I will be able to race Top Fuel. I learned a lot from my friend, Tony Schumacher, about staging, cutting lights and being a professional." Adding, "Whatever racing holds for me, I will always try and have fun."
Thirteen-year old Courtney is in the midst of her sixth racing season. She has 24 regular season victories to her credit, including three National Event titles. In her first National Championship, she finished in the final four and went on to earn the top 10 status that is needed to qualify for the Junior Dragster National Championships five years running.
NEWCOMER MAKES FIRST EVER APPEARANCE IN FEDERL-MOGUL DRAGSTER
Hallsville, Texas- Nick Copeland, 24, of Magnolia, Texas made his Federal-Mogul Dragster debut in grand fashion. He drove his Texas Heat machine to the number six qualifying position with his elapsed time of 6.137 seconds and 215.62 mph.
After his first round victory over long-time racer, Gene "The Snowman" Snow, Copeland said, "This feels damn good. I have raced in other categories, but this tops them all."
Unfortunately, the excitement did not last long. After his first round win, Copeland was unable to make the second round due to mechanical problems.
"Well, that is racing," said a dejected Copeland. "It can get you up and bring you right back down in a hurry.
Collecting the Sealed Power Low Qualifier bonus money include: Troy Buff of Spring, Texas in Federal-Mogul Dragster and Jimmy Jones of Cleburne, Texas in his '98 Camaro Federal-Mogul Funny Car each receiving $1,000. In Comp Eliminator, Mike Saye of Johnson, S.C., took home $200 from Sealed Power. Brent Johnson of Lecompte, La., is $200 richer after claiming the low qualifier honors in Super Stock. Finally, Jeff Teuton of Houma, La., earned his $100 check for qualifying first in the Stock category with his '97 Dodge Ram truck.
Earning Best Appearing Car honors was the 1957 Super Gas Chevy Driven by R.J. Dorsett of La Porte, Texas. Taking home the All-State R.V. Best Engineered Car award was Dallas, Texas resident Audie Wood in his 1969 Chevelle. Garnering the Best Appearing Crew award was John Brener and the Brener & Metz team from Abita Springs, La.
Text Provided By FMDRS
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