Steve Torrence has no delusions of grandeur.

He understands that success in NHRA POWERade Series drag racing doesn't happen overnight, but he also knows he's aligned himself with a very talented racing team.

The reigning Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster champion, who made his Top Fuel debut at last weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Nationals near Richmond, Va., is driving a second car for Dexter Tuttle Motorsports. The team, with driver Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future finalist J.R. Todd, has become one of the more consistent units on the POWERade circuit, winning three national events en route to challenging for a top-ten finish in points.

Steve Torrence has no delusions of grandeur.

He understands that success in NHRA POWERade Series drag racing doesn't happen overnight, but he also knows he's aligned himself with a very talented racing team.

The reigning Lucas Oil Series Top Alcohol Dragster champion, who made his Top Fuel debut at last weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Nationals near Richmond, Va., is driving a second car for Dexter Tuttle Motorsports. The team, with driver Auto Club of Southern California Road to the Future finalist J.R. Todd, has become one of the more consistent units on the POWERade circuit, winning three national events en route to challenging for a top-ten finish in points.

Torrence is excited about joining such a strong, young team, and looks forward to bolstering their overall effort once he settles into his new role.

"We do expect a learning curve to some extent," said Torrence, whose initial fray into Top Fuel racing began when he qualified 11^th in Virginia before losing in the first round to Larry Dixon. "I don't think there is going to be a lot of difference (between driving the A-Fuel car and the Top Fuel car). From the few passes I made, I don't see why we can't perform well. I feel those guys (at Dexter Tuttle Motorsports) have a great operation. With the knowledge they have gained, I feel we should be able to go out and do well from the start. I'm very fortunate."

His rise to the premier class in NHRA drag racing has come remarkably fast for Torrence, who a little more than a year ago was still driving in the Super Comp category. His opportunity for advancement came following the tragic death of popular Top Alcohol Dragster driver Shelly Howard, who was killed while making a test run at a non-NHRA track in Tulsa, Okla.

Torrence, who was recommended by chassis builder Joe Monden, was tabbed by Tom Conway to succeed Howard. The result was one of the more dominating seasons in NHRA history, regardless of class. But Torrence admitted that it was tough succeeding one of the sport's more popular drivers.

"There was some pressure there," Torrence said of succeeding Howard. "There were some really big shoes to fill. Shelly was very well liked, and she was a good competitor in the alcohol ranks. It was a tough situation to step into, because I don't think you could ever fill those shoes. I was just honored to work with that team."

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The feeling was mutual after Torrence won an astonishing nine times in 10 national/divisional events. He scored national event wins at Topeka, Kan.; Brainerd, Minn.; Indianapolis and Dallas en route to the Lucas Oil Series title. He was also runner-up at the season-ending Auto Club of Southern California Finals in Pomona, Calif.

He credits that success for his present situation with Tuttle Motorsports.

"I've been racing for a long time, but all this has happened really quick," Torrence said. "I feel running the alcohol car was a critical factor in my being where I'm at now."

His association with Torco Racing Fuels owner Evan Knoll, who sponsors the Dexter Tuttle Motorsports entries, also didn't hurt.

"I was introduced to those guys through Evan," Torrence said. "I think he was pleased with the way they had been running and with what they've accomplished. I think he thought it would be a good idea for us to finish off the season and then go next year. I'm really appreciative of Evan for giving us this opportunity. Hopefully, we can make him proud."

Everything that will allow Torrence to have a smooth and successful transition to the NHRA's marquee class appears to be in place, including the addition of veteran Mark Oswald as crew chief. The new team will also work very closely with Todd's team and crew chief Jimmy Walsh.

Torrence likes the idea of working with Oswald, who won a Funny Car title in 1984.

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"Mark is a super great guy," Torrence said. "He's been around forever and is a big name in drag racing. I'm really excited about working with him. I'm going to benefit from that, knowing that he was a driver and understands the situations that I will encounter."

There's also his situation with Todd, who at 24 is just one year older than the Texas native. Torrence believes that's a plus.

"I'm excited about driving with J.R. as a teammate," Torrence said. "He doesn't have a lot of experience like some of the other drivers, but I think being two young drivers in the sport - he's 24, I'm 23 - is a big advantage to us.

"If anything, just for our marketability is a big plus. I'm comfortable talking with anyone, but it will be easier to talk to someone the same age. We'll be able to establish a friendship, which might be difficult with someone who was a little bit older."

But Torrence's main enthusiasm comes from just being able to compete in Top Fuel.

"Top Fuel is the pinnacle of drag racing," Torrence said. "It's what I've always strived for. They are the quickest and the fastest, and it's always been my dream to drive (a Top Fuel dragster).

"I can't say if it is like I thought it would be, just yet. I'm not completely there. I guess I could say, 'Yeah, it's everything I thought it would be and more,' but we still got some things we have to do. We just don't want to be someone who is just happy to (make qualifying attempts). I want to make an impression, and hopefully I will be able to do that."

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