GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tripp who?
That’s a fair question that was asked repeatedly over the weekend at Gainesville Raceway and also throughout the motorsports world.
Tripp Tatum was not only the top qualifier in the Top Fuel class for the prestigious Gatornationals, but he parlayed that speed into the first victory of his career in only his 12th NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series race.
Tatum, 51, started Tripp Tatum Racing in 2021 and qualified for all four events he attended last year. His team works in conjunction with Steve Torrence’s Capco operation with Dom Lagana serving as his crew chief.
Tatum set the pace during the lone qualifying run of the weekend with a track record run of 3.674 seconds at 331.53 mph.
On race day, he outran Lex Joon, Billy Torrence, Mike Salinas and Doug Foley to hoist his first Wally trophy.
“I never really thought about winning. It is a lot of work. It is hard,” Tatum said. “It’s baby steps. As good as this car has run so early on has been overwhelming. That is all because of the Capco (Torrence) family. It is a lot to swallow and a lot to take in. Six races in this thing and we’ve had career bests in five of them.
Tripp Tatum (Matt Butcosk photo)
Tatum may be new driving a Top Fuel car, but he’s not new to drag racing.
“I grew up around motorsports. My father was involved heavily in motorsports and in some drag racing,” Tatum explained. “A fuel Funny Car used to come stay in our shop in Maryland regularly. That was set the bug in me. I got to watch and was around that for many years. My first time I went down the drag strip was between 75 and 80 in a Mustang. I went to the Hawley school in 1987 and did the drag racing school for two years. I got my outlaw license.
“I’ve been best friends with Tommy Johnson Jr. basically since 1987,” Tatum added. “He’s been a huge mentor, especially with the driving. He was sending me texts all day long, telling me what to do and what not to do. I have been very fortunate to be around so many people that are around now. Bobby Lagana and Dom Lagana gave me a chance to drive a Top Fuel car. They have been instrumental in what my program is today. Without them, none of this would have been remotely possible.”
Funding his team primarily on his own, Tatum doesn’t plan to compete in the next event on the NHRA Top Fuel schedule at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“There are always second thoughts, but Bob has taught me to stay within my means,” Tatum said when asked if he had a change of heart regarding his schedule following Sunday’s victory. “This will help buy a lot of much needed parts. This program is run identical to the Capco program. We’ll see. There is a lot of excitement right now and there may be a few doors open up and that is what we are aiming for. One step at a time, but this is a gigantic step, obviously.
Tatum believes there is plenty of opportunity in the Top Fuel class at this time.
“It is extremely competitive. There is nobody easy out there. It’s taking a big step in the right direction. I am being led by who I feel is the best in the business,” Tatum explained. “They taught me a lot and their model is a good one to follow. There is nothing any one of us wouldn’t do for the other one. I have Donnie Bender working at my shop now. He’s amazing and does a great job.
“Obviously, Bobby and Dom and all the Capco guys are there for whatever we need, when we need it,” Tatum continued. “I’m a lucky guy to have that opportunity. The way Top Fuel is right now, there is going to be more of this.
“I want sponsorship badly, so I can do more of this.”
Keyword: Tripp Tatum, That’s Who!