If Melanie Troxel was looking for a way to trump Ashley Force’s monumental victory in Atlanta, she did so in Bristol. Not only did Troxel beat Ms. Force in the second round, she went on to become the first female to win in both NHRA-sanctioned nitro categories.

Troxel defeated Force, 4.820 to 4.863, in a race in which she clearly had to manhandle her ProCare RX Dodge Charger in the second-half of the run.

Troxel downplayed the gender hype in their match.

If Melanie Troxel was looking for a way to trump Ashley Force’s monumental victory in Atlanta, she did so in Bristol. Not only did Troxel beat Ms. Force in the second round, she went on to become the first female to win in both NHRA-sanctioned nitro categories.

Troxel defeated Force, 4.820 to 4.863, in a race in which she clearly had to manhandle her ProCare RX Dodge Charger in the second-half of the run.

Troxel downplayed the gender hype in their match.

“It's funny that everyone wants to make a big story about Ashley and I running against each other,” Troxel said. “And, for me it’s not about the other female out here. I think that's pretty sad if we have to just compare ourselves against each other. I'm happy to get a round win against them because they are a tough team and tough competitors and anytime you can get a round win that's a good day.”

Force echoed Troxel's remarks.

“I’m just relieved to get that done with,” Force added. “We really just want to win our rounds regardless of who is in the other lane. Regardless if it is my father, a female or a male and I know she feels the same way. We come out here to win. We didn’t come here to just beat girls or we are in the wrong sport. We came here to beat whoever is in the lane next to us. That is our goal and that is my team’s goal. It is a girl in the seat but it is a team of guys I am racing against and it is the same with her. It is two females in the seats and it is exciting for the fans but I am sure there will be plenty of more times we’ll race each other this season, I hope. It wasn’t our time this time and hopefully it will be next time.”

ONLY ONE OF FOURTEEN – With her win at Bristol, Troxel became the 14th driver to have won in both a Top Fuel and Funny Car. She also is the only woman in the group. Her gender aside, Troxel prefers to be one of a select few than in a list all by herself.

“For me its more important to be one of 14. I have never liked to judge myself against only the females out there. Hey, we are out here competing against all these guys. How about, are we better than all these guys? I like to set my bar comparing myself against everyone.”

LESSONS NOT FORGOTTEN - Some lessons are not easily forgotten. You can ask Melanie Troxel and she’ll confirm.

The day before the Thunder Valley Nationals, Troxel attended a gala dinner honoring those who have earned the highest award of valor the United States rewards their military personnel. The four-time Top Fuel national event winner heard story upon story of brave individuals facing various challenges and exhibiting valor on the battlefield.

Troxel will never compare winning a drag race with the incredible acts of heroism exhibited by those who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, but simply put, one cannot help but learn the importance of challenging adversity when they’ve heard those true stories.

When faced with the challenges of broken concentration, uncooperative weather and the reality she was totally winless in the first seven national events, Troxel borrow a page from the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

In other words, she didn’t hesitate – she just did what she had to without thinking. Not only did she win her first round, but also added three more en route to becoming the first female drag racer to win NHRA national events in both nitro categories.

“We came into this event knowing we couldn’t afford to fall any further back, and the fortunate thing for us is there are really not a lot of dominant people out there right now,” Troxel said. “The top 10 is not pulling away from everybody. I mean every race is a different person that doesn't qualify or that goes out early so we've kind of been falling behind, but not so far behind that we couldn't make it up.

“There was a feeling like this the time we had to do it, win, not only to get caught up in the points but just as a team we needed that confidence builder that yes we can make the top 10, we can get it done.”

Troxel wanted to win. She needed to win. Faced with the prospect the final round could have been a solo was something which was not to her liking.
The Force operation had problems raising the body on Neff's ride so that they could charge the timing mechanism. Troxel didn't know the reason for the deal and admitted she didn't want to know.

“You just try to sit there and keep your calm and I knew we had plenty of fuel in the cat,” Troxel admitted. “The only thing that came to mind was that I didn’t want to win this way.”

By the time Troxel reached the final round, she could handle any situation. Her first round run showed the strength of her team and the determination of the driver.

Troxel and opponent Tony Pedregon were shut-off three times due to rain and twice forced to return to the pits for refueling and clutch adjustments.

“Anytime you have to get in and out of the car like that, it can mess with your head,” Troxel said. “I tried to remain positive with the whole situation. After going through all of that, I was already rid of my first round jitters by the time we did get to run. You’re always a little tense in the first round and I just chose to laugh off the experience.”