Melanie Troxel Wins Sportswoman of the Year
Written by Sheila Scarborough · October 17, 2006
The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded by tennis phenomenon Billie Jean King, announced yesterday that NHRA Top Fuel driver Melanie Troxel was selected as Sportswoman of the Year, the first honoree from the world of motorsports.
“For more than a quarter century, women have not only been competing, but winning, at the highest levels of NHRA POWERade Series drag racing,” NHRA President Tom Compton said. “This honor serves to validate that performance and it further strengthens NHRA’s leadership position as it relates to women in motorsports.”
Eight women have won POWERade Series events, six have won events in Top Fuel and two have won POWERade Series world championships (three each by Shirley Muldowney in Top Fuel and Angelle Sampey in Pro Stock Motorcycle).
Troxel, who drives the Skull Shine/Knoll Gas-Torco Race Fuels Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing, joined the nine other finalists at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City yesterday for the WSF Awards Dinner. The other finalists include: Annika Sorenstam (Golf), Amelie Mauresmo (Tennis), Cindy Klassen (Speedskating), Janica Kostelic (Skiing), Jessica Long (Swimmer), Chellsie Memmel (Gymnastics), Sanya Richards (Track & Field), Laurie Stephens (Skiing), and Hannah Teter (Snowboarder).
Pretty august company, I’d say.
I don’t have any insider info, but my guess is that the Foundation wanted to make a statement about successful racing women, the NHRA track record is strong for supporting women (thanks to Shirley Muldowney kicking in the door years back) and, DUH, there weren’t female sportswomen to honor in NASCAR’s marquee events.
“It’s really an honor for me to be named the Sportswoman of the Year against a field of such high achievers in a variety of sports,” said Troxel, who was recognized earlier this year for her breakout season with ESPY nominations for Best Driver and Best Female Athlete. “To be the first race-car driver to win this award, to be recognized among these outstanding female athletes, is personally rewarding to me. It also indicates the continuing growth of awareness of the unique sport of drag racing with all sports fans.”
The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded in 1974 by legendary tennis champion Billie Jean King, is dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and young women through sports and physical activity.
“The Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award recognizes athletes who have had noteworthy or career-defining performances within the past year. Melanie Troxel’s 2005-2006 season has certainly earned her this distinction,” Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Donna Lopiano said. “She is making a tremendous impact on the sport of drag racing and in so doing blazing a trail for countless young female athletes. If the past year is any indication, Melanie will continue to set records that both male and female athletes will dream of catching.”
With this award and A&E’s “Driving Force,” who knows what sort of new fans may start showing up to your local drag strip.
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5 Responses to “Melanie Troxel Wins Sportswoman of the Year”
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A well deserved honor. She is one of a precious few ladies in this sport and their time for recognition is long overdue.
THIS MAKES ME WANT TO JUMP UP AND DOWN AND YELL”DANICA WHO”. THIS RACER HAS MORE POISE , GRACE, ABILITY IN HER LITTLE FINGER.
Congradulations Melanie Troxel for the recognition you so deserve. Tho I have the greatest respect for the other nominees & understand the hard work & dedication it takes to be at the top of their field, climbing into the cockpit of a monster capable of going 330mph in under 5 sec. while keeping 7000 horses from driving around her for a 1/4 mile takes more guts & nerve than any other sport I can think of. Well done.
This says so much for the sport. And I have to hand it to the Women’s Sports Foundation for having the open mind to consider all forms of sport and see the accomplishment that Melanie has put forth in drag racing.
I was so proud to see Melanie and the sport of NHRA drag racing finally be recognized as a
Congraulations Melanie ! i was so proud to read of your recieving such a prestigous award ! Maybe now NHRA drag racing through your gracious representation of our sport be finally legitamized to the world as something that merits looking at by others !