Driven to Succeed

04/17/2006

By Mike Chambers, Denver Post:

Like the blur Melanie Troxel's 330-mph car becomes, her dream of becoming the next Shirley Muldowney is fast approaching reality.

 A year ago the Denver native was stuck in the pits at National Hot Rod Association events, offering support to husband Tommy Johnson Jr. while yearning for a chance to rocket down the quarter-mile in a top fuel dragster.

 Today, Troxel is on pace to become the first woman to win the championship in drag racing's fastest and most glamorous division since three-time champion Muldowney did it in 1982.

 Five races into the 23-race season, Troxel - who learned to drive at Morrison's Bandimere Speedway - has appeared in every final round, winning two events, and has built a whopping 156-point lead over her nearest competitor. Troxel, 33, has a series-best record of 17-3.

 "A lot of people ask about the role Shirley played in women in drag racing, and nobody can replace Shirley," Troxel said from the Avon, Ind., home she shares with Johnson, a funny car driver. "She has a special place in this sport just because she was a trailblazer."

 But Muldowney isn't cheering for Troxel. The First Lady of Drag Racing is a team and sponsor representative for the StriVectin-SD team's Dave Grubnic, who is second to Troxel this season. Muldowney values the extra challenge she faced while being a pioneer female owner-driver. Troxel has the advantage of driving for Don Schumacher Racing, which has produced the series champion the past two seasons.

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