Quotes by Melanie Troxel

“Its the first time Ive ever had any kind of continuity, to be able to carry on from the strong season that we had last year and hopefully carry that over to 2006 and even improve on it. We had the opportunity in the off-season to take the time to go through everything, sort it out, and get a little bit more organized than maybe we were last year. Last season we had to put everything together in such a hurry. Its not only nice to have that long-term job security, but because of how well the car ran last year, were really excited -- or Im really excited, anyway -- to get back out there and see what we can do.”

“While being the fastest and quickest female driver in NHRA history is an interesting and noteworthy item, Im more excited that the car is running so well. Our big goal is to be the best team on the track and win some races, and, with any luck, be in the chase for the championship at the end of the year.”

“I think that being teammates with Tony is a very good yardstick to try to measure up to. I think it just makes you try harder to be a better team. I certainly want to be a better driver, and whether we were teammates with the U.S. Army team or not, obviously we would be competing against them on the track. But, being a little bit closer to them than just another competitor, it definitely makes you want to be better. Its a good opportunity to keep you motivated to make everything perfect all the time.”

“Its nice to have somebody whos as passionate about it as you are, and its never a problem with all the demands on my time. He completely understands what Im going through, because hes going through the same thing. Its also nice having somebody who knows when to leave you alone. When youre trying to get ready to race, get your game face on, he knows when youre in that kind of zone and gives you some space. If youve had a bad day, he knows when to kind of leave you alone.”

“I admire what shes done in the sport. She came out and had to fight her way in. She kicked the door open - Not only are we going to be here, were going to win, so get used to it. Now its normal. This is not an issue in drag racing.”

“Im disappointed in not getting the win, but I feel like Im being greedy because were having such a good year.”

“Just a week ago I was thinking that we cant possibly keep up this pace, and I was almost bracing myself for a first-round loss. I thought that this was just too good to be true, fates going to get me back.”

“The Strip is a very nice facility. Its a little bit of an altitude track. I dont know if we expect to see huge numbers here, but certainly well see a lot of really good racing. I think the more passes all of the teams get on this new tire the better the racing is going to be.”

“I dont want to wake up from this. No matter how good a team you have, you just cant think that youll continue to go to the finals every week. Im as surprised as anybody.”

“I think its great for her and for promoting women in motor sports. Shes done a lot of good things to draw attention to women, which is somewhat necessary when youre looking for the funding to run these teams.”