Nitro Dogs Racing

Steve Torrence, the 2005 NHRA Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster champion, will replace Alan Bradshaw as the driver of the Vis Viva Living Force Energy Top Fuel dragster owned by Dexter Tuttle. Torrence will begin his driving duties at the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown June 19-22. Torrence previously drove for Tuttle as teammate to J.R. Todd for the final three events of 2006. The 25-year-old resident of

“I couldn’t be more excited than I am right now,” Torrence said. “Having worked with Dexter in the past, I know the kind of team that he runs, and I can’t wait to get back in his car. I’m also excited to be representing Dexter’s sponsor, Vis Viva Energy. They are a new and upcoming energy drink, and I’m a new and upcoming driver in Top Fuel; what a perfect fit.”

Dan Pikarsky, senior vice president sports and event marketing at Attitude Drink Co. Inc., shared his thoughts on the driver change.

“We are pleased with the job Alan has done for the Vis Viva brand while driving for Tuttle Motorsports, and we wish him well in his racing career wherever it may take him,” Pikarsky said. “We are also fired up to continue our growth with our new driver Steve Torrence in such a fan-friendly environment like the NHRA. As our growth continues day by day, we know Steve will continue to complement and grow with our brand Vis Viva Living Force Energy. Steve is a bright, talented, well-spoken young man who will represent Vis Viva well.”

Tuttle is also optimistic about the change.

“Steve really is the perfect choice for this team,” Tuttle said. “He has driven for me before, and I was pleased with what he did in the car. He is a good kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he will bring to our team.”

When asked about the reason for the change, Tuttle responded, “Every team has chemistry issues from time to time, and I guess it was just our turn. No matter how good a crewmember, tuner, or driver is individually, without synergy it is hard to be successful. We’ve been lacking that.”

Bradshaw cited “chemistry” issues with car chief Tony Shortall. “I really felt like we had huge potential with Dexter’s race program and past successes, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out for either one of us,” Bradshaw said in part and added that he thought there were definitely good things that came out of the short relationship. 

“I am very grateful that Dexter gave me the opportunity to advance my career. I was No. 1 qualifier twice, set my career-best e.t. of 4.52 and top-speed mark of 327 mph, and won a race on a holeshot, which was really exciting.

“I believe our biggest accomplishment as a team, however, is the fact I was able to do the tribute car honoring Darrell Russell, something I feel definitely had to be done. I really appreciate Dexter and Vis Viva allowing me the opportunity to do the tribute as it was definitely the highlight of my racing career in Top Fuel.”

Bradshaw said he is entertaining opportunities with other teams in Top Fuel as well as Funny Car and hopes to have an announcement in the near future. 

“I am in communication with a couple of teams, and we’ll see where this all goes,” he said. “I know God has a plan for my life, and I believe it involves driving race cars, so we will see what he has in store for me. Either way, life is good, and I wish Dexter nothing but the best.”