The completion of NHRA’s demanding Western Swing is usually a cause for celebration – and relief – for drivers and teams that have been diligently pursuing POWERade Series points in three back-to-back races. It began with stops at Denver and Seattle and will wind up at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., in the heart of California’s famous wine country.

Troxel Disappointed with First-round Loss at Seattle

SEATTLE, July 19, 2008 -- The sun, absent from Friday's opening qualifying rounds, returned to Pacific Raceways Saturday and slowed elapsed times. But it didn't make any difference to Melanie Troxel and the Gotham City Racing Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car team. They stayed eighth over all and she races Tony Pedregon in Sunday's opening round of the Schuck's Auto Supply.

Gotham City Dodge Charger R/T Ruins 4.096 Seconds

SEATTLE, July 18, 2008 -- Melanie Troxel improved her 1000-foot performances Saturday as qualifying began for Sunday's Schuck's Auto Supply Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

The track name has changed along with some of the topography, but that hasn’t altered Melanie Troxel’s feelings for Pacific Raceways, nee Seattle International Raceway.