Billy Torrence qualified in his first attempt in TF. Along with Curt Steinbach in Pro Stock, they are the first two to make their first start at the U.S. Nationals since 2007.

Spencer Massey has a career first-round record of 67-19 and he is 6-3 in first rounds at this event.

In his first race and first start, Torrence got his first round win in a close race that was decided when Massey's engine grenaded with a big fireball at the 660-foot marker, knocking the supercharger askew. The engine damage left oil on the track and Massey will lose ten points for the oildown.

Massey was off the line first and led to the 660-foot mark, slowly stretching his lead until the engine let go. Torrence made his quickest run of the event and had no apparent problems during the run.

Billy Torrence's incremental margins (negative if behind): 60ft(-0.015), 330 ft(-0.019), 660ft(-0.031). MOV: 0.1367 seconds (approximately 47 feet).