Torrence wanted to prove he was capable of winning a championship .

He did so by becoming the first driver in NHRA history to sweep the Countdown to the Championship to win his first Top Fuel world title . Two years later , Torrence ’ s legacy has only continued to grow as he skyrockets up the ranks when it comes to Top Fuel ’ s most successful drivers .

He clinched his third straight title in 2020 , winning by a big margin even after not racing the opener in Pomona . That meant Torrence only competed in 10 of the 11 races , but he still left nothing to chance , going to seven final rounds — including the final five races of the year — to become just the third driver in class history to win three straight titles .

Only Tony Schumacher has done it four ( or more ) years in a row , putting Torrence in pretty good company .

“ You can ’ t help but think what this team has

accomplished together ,” Torrence says . “ It ’ s still unbelievable what we ’ ve done and how many races we ’ ve won the last few years . It ’ s been incredible , and it ’ s still kind of hard to believe .”

He ’ s won 32 races over the past four years , getting to the winner ’ s circle four times in 2020 . Torrence took the lead for good with his victory in Gainesville , a race where he honored the legendary Don Garlits with his “ Swamp Rat 14 ” throwback look , and his final win of the year took place at his home track in Dallas .

“ Everybody is on this team because they want to win and do well ,” Torrence points out . “ The more you do well , the more it motivates you to try and do even more . We ’ re constantly wanting to

do better , accomplish more , and everybody shares that same mindset on this team .”

It ’ s certainly brought out the best in Torrence , who has 40 career victories and the potential to grab a whole lot more .

He ’ s become a top driver along the way , becoming one of the best on the starting line , coupled with a deadly combo when it comes to tuners Bobby Lagana and Richard Hogan .

“ The mental fortitude from each and every one of the guys , and just the ability to persevere was just awesome to see ,” Torrence says . “ To see how mentally tough they were and everything , it ’ s big , and for me , you develop that from having those opportunities .”

– JOSH HACHAT DI

PHOTOS : JOE MCHUGH , NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER