McPhillips Racing has announced that Anthony Troyer will serve as the driver of their second Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) for the 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season. Troyer is expected to compete in seven events, with the potential for additional races throughout the season.
A native of Ft. Myers, Florida, Troyer began his racing career in 2020, driving a Factory Stock Showdown COPO Camaro powered by Ray Barton Racing Engines. He achieved notable success, including a runner-up finish at the 2022 Gatornationals, and concluded that season ranked in the Top 10 among 38 competitors in his class. In 2023, he transitioned to Stanfield Racing Engines, eventually finishing sixth in the Factory Stock Showdown championship standings in 2024.
Troyer is new to the Top Alcohol Dragster category, having recently completed his licensing with McPhillips Racing in Bradenton, Florida. While he is the first drag racer in his family, he will honor his family’s agricultural history through sponsorship from Fendt. Troyer is a third-generation potato farmer who utilizes Fendt equipment on their farms in Florida and Pennsylvania. His family’s history began in the 1940s with the founding of Troyer Brothers, which moved to Pennsylvania after initially settling in Ohio to escape the devastation of The Dust Bowl. Today, they are proud to offer non-GMO-certified products.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to drive for McPhillips Racing,” Troyer said. “It’s not every day that you get the call to drive for a highly successful TAD team. I can’t thank Fendt enough for following me in my racing journey.”
Troyer joins an impressive roster at McPhillips Racing, which also includes third-generation racer Melanie Johnson piloting the team’s other nitro-injected Top Alcohol Dragster. Founded in 1969 by Rich “Pops” McPhillips Sr., the team has achieved nearly 100 wins and nine regional/divisional championships over its 56 years, including contributions from drivers like Troy Coughlin Jr. and Matt Cummings.
“We’re looking forward to Anthony joining McPhillips Racing this season,” team owner Rich McPhillips Sr. said. “He brings a strong work ethic to the team and has shown how talented he is behind the wheel while getting his license. We’re honored to have Fendt on the side of his dragster. They are the official tractor of the NHRA, so we look forward to bringing them even more awareness through the sport of drag racing.”
Troyer’s season kicks off at the NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Regional Baby Gators, scheduled for February 28-March 1 in Gainesville, Florida. He is also slated to compete in the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, and several other key events throughout the season, including the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and the NHRA Finals in Pomona.
