Top Fuel points leader Troxel takes No. 12 in Denver qualifying

DON SCHUMACHER RACING
2006 NHRA POWERade DRAG RACING SERIES
Round 13 of 23
Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo.
Race Date: July 14-16, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438;
jstropus@earthlink.net

POINTS LEADER TROXEL TAKES NO. 12 IN DENVER QUALIFYING

MORRISON, Colo. (July 15, 2006) - Top Fuel points leader and Colorado native
Melanie Troxel claimed the No. 12 spot in qualifying for the Mopar Mile-High
NHRA Nationals today, with a 4.785-second elapsed time at 312.42 mph,
established in the first round on Friday.

The Skull Shine/Knoll Gas-Torco Race Fuels Top Fuel dragster team struggled
through the next three sessions in the near 100-degree ambient temperatures
and track temperatures in the high 140s, clocking an 8.361/94.12, a
10.009/85.40 and, finally, a 5.206/221.42.

"In that last pass we made it closer to making it down the track, but we
seem to have a problem with dropping holes (cylinders)," she explained. "I
think that could be our biggest issue. If we could get it to stop dropping
cylinders, then I think we'll be OK.

"This track is tricky, and tomorrow it's supposed to be the hottest day of
the weekend, so it's going to be tough on everybody. Anybody can win
tomorrow," continued Troxel, who is celebrating her one-year anniversary
with Don Schumacher Racing this weekend, in her home state.

"We've struggled. I'm not the most comfortable I've been going into race
day, but Richard (Hogan, crew chief) does a great job figuring things out
for Sunday. We've struggled before in qualifying, and then on race day we
have had one of the best cars. So, I feel like we have a good chance
tomorrow. 

"Tony Schumacher (DSR teammate) laid down a nice number in the last session
(4.731-second elapsed time), so maybe we can lean on the U.S. Army team a
little bit to get some information.

"I've been drinking a lot of fluids to be ready for all of this heat. I
don't normally drink a lot of fluids, but when it's hot it has a cumulative
effect. You have to stay ahead of it, and then it won't catch up to you on
Sunday. It's tough out here for the drivers, crews and fans alike."

Troxel faces No. 5 qualifier David Grubnic in first round of eliminations on
Sunday.

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