If you’ve been following the National Hot Rod Association for any length of time, you know that history isn’t just written in record books—it’s forged in fire, nitro, and sweat on the asphalt. As we celebrate the monumental 75th Anniversary season, we celebrate the people and the moments that have defined NHRA history.
The final five drivers for the prestigious Top 75 list are Steve Torrence, Larry Dixon Jr., Del Worsham, and the dynamic Pedregon brothers—Cruz and Tony. These guys join the original Top 50 icons from 2001 and the previously announced modern stars to complete a roster that is, quite frankly, overflowing with greatness.
Steve Torrence: The Fighter Who Became a King
You can’t talk about Top Fuel dominance in the last decade without mentioning the Capco boys. Steve Torrence’s resume speaks for itself—a four-time world champion and a 60-time national event winner. But it’s the heart behind the helmet that really gets you.
Torrence didn’t just battle competitors; he battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager and came out swinging. That grit translated perfectly to the track, especially during that unbelievable four-year reign from 2018 to 2021. Remember 2018? The man swept the Countdown to the Championship. That doesn’t happen by accident.
Torrence was humble about the nod, crediting the “Good Lord” and his family. But let’s be honest, to be recognized alongside the entire history of the sport? That’s a career-defining moment for the Texan.
Larry Dixon Jr.: Living the Dream
For Larry Dixon Jr., this recognition hits different. This is a guy who grew up watching the sport’s gods—Garlits, Muldowney, “Snake,” and “Goose”—from the sidelines. He wasn’t just a fan; he was a student of the game who worked his way up from turning wrenches to holding Wallys.
Winning 62 Top Fuel events and three championships is no small feat, especially when you’re driving for a legend like Don Prudhomme. Dixon admits he still feels a bit of impostor syndrome seeing his name next to his childhood idols, but anyone who watched him drive knows he belongs there. He’s a racer’s racer, through and through.
Del Worsham: The Dual-Threat Mastermind
There’s a very short list of people who have mastered both Top Fuel and Funny Car, and Del Worsham is right near the top. He’s one of only three drivers to grab championship hardware in both nitro categories.
Worsham’s story is pure nostalgia. He recalls running around the pits in the late ’70s with a little notebook, hunting for autographs from the very people he’s now listed alongside. It’s a full-circle moment. Whether he was behind the wheel or tuning the car as a crew chief, Worsham’s 39 wins and dual titles prove that he understands these machines better than almost anyone.
The Pedregon Legacy: A Family Affair
The Pedregon name is royalty in drag racing, carrying the torch lit by their father, “Flamin’ Frank.”
First, you have Cruz Pedregon. The man is an iron horse. We are talking about a career spanning five decades. With two Funny Car world championships and over 700 starts—the most among active drivers—Cruz is the definition of longevity. He’s still out there fighting, winning races as recently as 2025. For Cruz, this isn’t about fame; it’s about the work. It’s about the grind.
Then there’s Tony Pedregon. Before he was the voice guiding us through the broadcast on Sundays, he was a force on the track. Tony bagged two world championships and 43 wins, transitioning from a “punk kid” obsessed with racing to a team owner and champion. His reflection on the honor was emotional, thinking back to the days when he and Cruz would beg their dad to get them into the races. To go from pestering crew chiefs to being named one of the NHRA Top 75 drivers of all time? That’s the American dream right there.
Completing the Historic List
With these five titans added, the list is complete. It’s a perfect blend of the pioneers who built this sport and the modern gladiators who took it to new heights.
As part of the 75th Anniversary, fans will soon be able to grab a commemorative book profiling all 75 drivers. If you love this sport, that’s going to be a must-have for the coffee table.
Congratulations to Torrence, Dixon, Worsham, and the Pedregons. You’ve earned your place in history.
