ceived class credit for rebuilding the engine she would use in her first race car. In addition to working in her dads machine shops, Melanie owned and operated a company that manufactured tools for the performance automotive industry. “I made a pneumatic valve spring compressor and a torque spark plug wrench. Early on, with the income I generated from my tool company, it allowed me the freedom and time to build a successful racing career. And still have an income until I was able to make a living driving a race car. I sold the company about 4 years ago to focus on racing fulltime.� Coming up through the ranks, she competed in 5 different NHRA sportsman classes. Her amateur career culminated in a number 2 finish in the NHRA national points standings for the Top Alcohol Dragster class with numerous event wins and track titles.
Top Fuel By The Numbers And focus Melanie has. In fact, in the past year she worked very hard on getting a sponsor, or sponsors. Either a major full ride sponsor or associate sponsors. As Photos: Melanie has seen great sucess behind the wheel of a Nitro Funny Car. Here, in 2011, she drives the IN-N-OUT Burger sponsored Toyota. While the Pro Modified doorslammer cars she drives put out in the area of 3,000 horsepower, the Nitro floppers kick it up to over 8,000HP each, and are definitely the fan favorite!
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