The daughter of 1988 NHRA Alcohol Dragster world champion Mike Troxel, Melanie grew up at the races. While still in high school, she received class credit for rebuilding the engine she would use in her first race car. Coming up through the ranks, she competed in 5 different NHRA sportsman classes, culminating in a number 2 finish in the NHRA national points standings for the Top Alcohol Dragster class with numerous event wins and track titles. Since turning pro in 2000 Melanie has won 5 national events in just 3 full seasons of competition. Melanie is married to Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. who also competes on the NHRA circuit. Career Highlights  5 wins and 12 Runner up finishes as a professional driver 1 of only 14 drivers to win in both the Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car classes Melanie owns and operates MTI Inc., a manufacturer of tools designed specifically for racing Women's Sports Foundation's "2006 Sportswoman of The Year" Nominated for ESPN ESPY'S "Female Athlete of the Year" and "Driver of The Year" 2000 "AAA Road to The Future award" winner and Rookie of the year nominee Racer Magazine's "Most Promising Driver" award 1999, 2nd place finish in the TAD championship as well as Division 6 champion and 8 time winner in the class