Torrence Racing Announces Billy Torrence as Pilot of the CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel Dragster

The team will compete in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, starting at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Torrence Racing has announced that Billy Torrence, father of four-time world champion Steve Torrence, will pilot the CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel dragster for the 2026 NHRA season. Torrence, an eight-time Top Fuel race winner, last competed full-time in 2023 and will be led by a championship-winning crew chief, assistant crew chief, and car chief.

Why it matters

Billy Torrence's return to full-time Top Fuel competition adds an experienced and successful driver to the highly competitive NHRA Top Fuel ranks, as the series celebrates its 75th anniversary season. Torrence's family-owned business, CAPCO Contractors, will continue to sponsor the team.

The details

Torrence will make his 2026 debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, part of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The team will be led by four-time world champion Crew Chief Richard Hogan, four-time world champion Assistant Crew Chief Bobby Lagana, and four-time world champion Car Chief Justin Crosslin, who have contributed to four NHRA Top Fuel world championships.

  • The team plans to test the No. 474 CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel Dragster during the PRO test session this week in Gainesville ahead of the 2026 season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8.
  • Torrence last competed full-time in 2023, qualifying for every event he entered in the Top Fuel category.
  • The team made a single appearance in 2025 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, where Torrence advanced to the semifinals.

The players

Billy Torrence

An eight-time Top Fuel race winner who last competed full-time in 2023 and will pilot the CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel dragster for the 2026 NHRA season.

Steve Torrence

Billy Torrence's son, a four-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion.

Richard Hogan

The four-time world champion Crew Chief for the Torrence Racing team.

Bobby Lagana

The four-time world champion Assistant Crew Chief for the Torrence Racing team.

Justin Crosslin

The four-time world champion Car Chief for the Torrence Racing team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to race a full season of Top Fuel again this year. The team is eager to get back out and compete, and hopefully bring home some Wallys in 2026. There's no better way to celebrate NHRA's 75th season than being part of it.”

— Billy Torrence (Drag Illustrated)

“It's amazing to see Billy get back behind the wheel. He has already proven himself in this sport, and we're proud to continue supporting him in his racing career. We're confident his experience will be an asset both on and off the track.”

— Kay Torrence, Team Owner (Drag Illustrated)

What’s next

The team plans to test the No. 474 CAPCO Contractors Top Fuel Dragster during the PRO test session this week in Gainesville ahead of the 2026 season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8.

The takeaway

Billy Torrence's return to full-time Top Fuel competition adds an experienced and successful driver to the highly competitive NHRA Top Fuel ranks, as the series celebrates its 75th anniversary season. Torrence's family-owned business, CAPCO Contractors, will continue to sponsor the team, which is led by a championship-winning crew.