Mon, 14 Mar 2005, 03:19 PM Don Prudhomme Racing Signs Driver Melanie Troxel

Courtesy of Ted Yerzyk Photo copyright 2005 Auto Imagery, Inc. To Development Contract for New Top Fuel Team

VISTA, CA -- Don Prudhomme Snake Racing announced today that it has signed a development contract with driver Melanie Troxel in its effort to secure sponsorship of a Top Fuel dragster team to compete in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The contract between Snake Racing and Troxel marks the first time an NHRA team owner has reached such an agreement with a driver prior to having secured a primary sponsor.

Melanie Troxel

Troxel, a successful, two-time national event winner in the NHRA's Lucas Oil Sportsmen Series, finished second in the 1999 championship points standings before making the transition to the NHRA 's elite Top Fuel class during the 2000 season. The Colorado native roared on the Top Fuel scene in 2000 driving her Exide dragster to her first career final round at the Texas Motorplex. Since making her professional debut, Troxel has seen limited action over the past three seasons, having most recently driven the Western Rock dragster in 2003. The second generation racer has posted career-best quarter-mile performances of 4.576 seconds at 326.08 mph.

"It's no secret that we are very high on Melanie's talent as a driver and we are very excited about having her as part of our team," said team owner and hall-of-fame driver, Don Prudhomme. "She has all the characteristics needed to be successful on the track, as well as the unique qualities required to play an integral role in a sponsor's marketing efforts."

"I feel that the responsibilities of today's NHRA teams and drivers have changed dramatically over the past few years," said Prudhomme. "While our sport has grown tremendously over the years with the support of such sponsors as Miller Brewing, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the U.S. Army, Budweiser and Oakley, new corporate sponsors such as Ameriquest, Brut, Zantrex-3, and Coca-Cola's "Full Throttle" brand also recognize how to activate their marketing strategies using our sport, drivers and teams in ways we have never been utilized before."

"In today's world, drivers and teams are asked to assist sponsors achieve specific goals by participating in multi-tiered programs such as lead generation, data collection, and product sampling, that can all produce tangible results," said Prudhomme.

"Not only has Melanie shown that she has what it takes behind the wheel, but I feel that she is the ideal candidate to serve as a spokesperson for a company that is looking at motorsports sponsorship as part of its marketing strategy. She is very articulate, attractive and savvy enough to learn about a company's goals and send that message effectively. A large percentage of NHRA fans are female and I believe that they will identify with Melanie not only as a driver, but as a personality."

"This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of Don Prudhomme Racing and I am honored that they have chosen to work with me," said Troxel. "I have long admired Don Prudhomme as a driver, team owner, and for his contributions in bringing the business of the sport to the level that it is today. I am extremely optimistic and look forward to getting back in the driver's seat."

Don Prudhomme Snake Racing's administrative headquarters is located in Vista, California, with racing operations based out of the team's Brownsburg, Indiana facility. Snake Racing's roster of drivers include Skoal Blue Racing Funny Car pilot Tommy Johnson Jr., and two-time NHRA POWERade Top Fuel Champion Larry Dixon and the Miller Lite Team. Snake Racing is proud to represent such racing partners as United States Smokeless Tobacco Company, Miller Brewing Company, Ameriquest Mortgage Company, Lucas Oil Products, Chevrolet and Raybestos.

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