We have lost another of the valued "regulars" of the NASCAR Cup garage and pit road this week. He was one of those men you saw every day at every Cup race track around the country.
If you weren't inside the garage and pit area, you might not of heard of Wayne Torrence . For 57 years Wayne worked in NASCAR for the Goodyear Tire Co. If you've never been around the track, you can't imagine how much work the Goodyear crews perform. They're often the first to arrive and last to leave.
The Goodyear tire busters never stop mounting and dismounting tires all weekend.
Did you ever wonder why all the drivers come roaring down pit road during practice, but suddenly stopped for just a moment on pit road before continuing to the garage? That is/was so Wayne Torrence and his Goodyear crew could take the temperature of each of the four tires. Those temps were written down on a little "Goodyear slip" that the driver clinched between his teeth before it was retrieved by the crew chief to plan chassis adjustments.
Over the years there have been so many unsung behind the scenes heroes who made the big racing show go on when the curtain raised for the fans on race day. Wayne was one of those men. Goodyear never tested tires that Wayne Torrence wasn't there in his white, blue and yellow shirt gathering information and making suggestions. Another valued member of our tribe has now passed.
I can't imagine what Wayne must of seen and heard in 57 years on pit road at NASCAR's highest level. Our sport has lost another iconic figure, unknown to the fans in the stands, but valued by every racer.
Rest in peace, Wayne Torrence.
Wayne Herman Torrence
November 2, 1924 - July 25, 2012
Mr. Wayne Herman Torrence, 87 of Concord, NC formerly of Cornelius, NC died Wednesday July 25, 2012 at his residence.
Born November 2, 1924 in Cornelius, NC, he was a son of the late Ralph Alexander Torrence and Zettie Poole Torrence.
Mr. Torrence grew up in Cornelius and in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.
He was employed with Goodyear Tire Co in the NASCAR Division for 57 years.
Memorial services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 28 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening July 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home.
He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Scot Torrence and wife Denise of Albemarle, Rick Torrence and wife Marla of Rock Hill, SC; daughter, Jody Brakefield of Chester SC; stepchildren, Barbara Bastian, Bill Cook, Brenda Patrick; grandchildren, Holly King, Jill Torrence, Katie Hefner, Zach Torrence and eight great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Jewell Torrence and brother, Ted Torrence.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may make condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com .
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
