Two years ago, Melanie Troxel was runner-up at Route 66 raceway just outside Chicago behind the wheel of a Top Fuel Dragster, and this year, now driving the ProCare Rx nitro Funny Car, she's hoping to take win one more round than 2006 and put her Dodge Charger in the winner's circle at this weekend's Torco Race Fuels NHRA Route 66 Nationals.

 
In just her first season behind the wheel of a nitro flopper, Troxel has gained momentum in the past several events, moving up in the points chase and proving her mettle in a Funny Car. Troxel won the event in Bristol, Tenn. just three weeks ago, made a quarter-final finish last weekend in Topeka, Kan. and moved closer to breaking into the all-important top ten in order to make the NHRA's Countdown to One playoffs.
 

 

 

Two years ago, Melanie Troxel was runner-up at Route 66 raceway just outside Chicago behind the wheel of a Top Fuel Dragster, and this year, now driving the ProCare Rx nitro Funny Car, she's hoping to take win one more round than 2006 and put her Dodge Charger in the winner's circle at this weekend's Torco Race Fuels NHRA Route 66 Nationals.

 
In just her first season behind the wheel of a nitro flopper, Troxel has gained momentum in the past several events, moving up in the points chase and proving her mettle in a Funny Car. Troxel won the event in Bristol, Tenn. just three weeks ago, made a quarter-final finish last weekend in Topeka, Kan. and moved closer to breaking into the all-important top ten in order to make the NHRA's Countdown to One playoffs.
 
"We are absolutely getting done what we need to," Troxel said.
 
"We have been keeping track of the points that we need in order to get into the top ten, and I believe we have nine races left that we can accumulate points to make the countdown, and now we're at just 69 points out.
 
"Last weekend wasn't a great weekend, but certainly it wasn't bad either. We made some progress in the points race and the car is running good. We qualified in the top five and I think we are doing all the things we need to do in order to make the Countdown," she said.
 
Troxel said she loves coming to Route 66 Raceway "because it's one of the premier facilities on the tour. It can be really fast if the weather cooperates, so, we're all looking forward to this weekend. Brian [Corradi, crew chief] and the team really have things running well."