PODINGTON, England (May 31) -- Melanie Troxel's competitive day at the FIA Main Event at Santa Pod Raceway was short, but she didn't leave the fans disappointed.
After losing in the first round of eliminations, Troxel returned for an exhibition run where her R2B2 Racing Camaro ran the fastest Pro Mod pass in European drag racing history -- a stunning 5.937 at 242.42 mph. Aside from the historic speed, her elapsed time was just the second five-second run on European soil.
The pass was the cherry on top of an interesting racing adventure for Troxel and team members Al Billes, Jim Elliott, Daren Mayer, Johnny Maguda, Mark Savage, Travis Rice, and Craig Wack, who all made the trip across the Atlantic.
"It definitely took the sting out of losing in the first round," Troxel said. "We finally figured out the track. If we hadn't lost a round or two to weather, we probably could have had a much better showing in eliminations. Maybe next time."
As was the issue with the R2B2 Racing Camaro Pro Mod most of the weekend, Troxel had to pedal and wrestle with her racecar to make it go down the track in Monday's opening session. About 30 feet off the launch pad, the car lurched toward the center-line and although Troxel expertly feathered the gas and heaved the car back into the groove, her efforts weren't enough, with opponent Adam Flamholc running a 6.304 at 218.22 mph ahead of Troxel's 6.601 at 228.90 mph.
"I was surprised, as crossed up as I was, that I was able to run any remotely respectable number," Troxel said.
The car Troxel drove this weekend will stay in Europe with R2B2 part-time teammate Michael Gullqvist for the time being. There are no set plans to race it later this summer, but the idea is being investigated.
Johan Lindberg eventually took the Pro Mod title of the FIA Main Event when he ran an unopposed 6.042 at 236.09 mph.
In other classes, Urs Erbacher of Switzerland, a past FIA champion in both Top Fuel and Top Methanol Funny Car, beat Risto Poutiainen to take the early points lead. Erbacher, who has competed several times on the NHRA tour, did it in style, setting a European speed mark with his winning 4.785 at 314.87 mph. Poutiainen smoked his tires.
Micke Callin took a holeshot win over Michael Malmgren to claim Pro Stock. Callin left with a .032-second reaction time, just ahead of Malmgrem's .040-second start. He held on to beat the hard-charging Malmgren by .004 seconds, with his 6.792 at 203.50 mph just enough to stay ahead of Malmgren's 6.788 at 202.46 mph.
In Top Methanol Dragster and Top Methanol Funny Car, Dennis Habermann and Jurgen Nagel ended the day in the winner's circle.
