NHRA: Troxel Leaves Bristol with a Piece of History

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Melanie Troxel came to Bristol Dragway this weekend searching for her first win of the season.

The first-year Funny Car driver left Thunder Valley with a piece of history and a win in the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

With Sunday’s dramatic decision over Mike Neff, Troxel became the first woman to ever post wins in Funny Car and Top Fuel.

“We were really focused on just going out there and getting some rounds and getting a race win – we really needed that to happen,” Troxel said.

Troxel won four times in 15 final rounds while competing as a Top Fuel driver, including a pair of victories last season.

Sunday, Troxel posted an elapsed-time of 5.066 seconds at 310.27 miles-per-hour, while Neff (6.471, 146.21) was doomed with a blown engine early in his run. It was the second straight final round for Neff.

Among the highlights on the long day, which featured seven rain delays, was the historic battle between Troxel and No. 10 qualifier Ashley Force in the second round. With fans on their feet, Troxel executed a near-flawless pass of 4.820 at 321.73 to edge Force and her 4.863, 314.90.

It was the first time two females had ever faced each other in a Funny Car round.

“Everybody wants to make a big story about Ashley and I running against each other,” Troxel said. “For me, it’s not about the other female out here.

“I think it’s pretty sad if we have to just compare ourselves against each other. I’m just happy to get a round win [against Force] because they are a tough team.”

In the opening round, Troxel (the No. 11 qualifier) posted a very tight win over Tony Pedregon.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Troxel said. “This is the weekend we needed to turn things around. … I think we’re on the right road.”

Meanwhile, in Top Fuel, Tony Schumacher displayed a flair for the dramatic.

Just seconds before a heavy rainstorm hit the dragway, the five-time NHRA World Top Fuel champion earned his 400th career round win by defeating Hillary Will.

With yet another solid run, Schumacher stopped Larry Dixon in the finals with a pass of 4.555 at 306.81. It was the 15th time that Schumacher has won from the No. 1 qualifying position.

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