Norwalk: Melanie Troxel Saturday notes

GOTHAM CITY RACING CAR DISQUALIFIED IN NORWALK

NORWALK, Ohio (June 28, 2008) - The ProCare Rx Dodge Charger R/T nitro Funny Car driven by Melanie Troxel was disqualified following the first round of qualifying in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio because NHRA Officials identified unsecured ballast in the car.

An NHRA official release stated that Troxel and another driver, Gary Scelzi, were disqualified from the event after Officials discovered loose ballast in their cars following their qualifying runs.

According to page 74 of the NHRA Rule Book, "any material used for the purpose of racing must be permanently attached to the car's chassis. No liquid or loose ballast permitted. Discovery of loose or disguised ballast will result in disqualification from the event, regardless of whether infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations."

Troxel said, "It was never our intention to make a run under the legal weight, in fact, our car was 25 pounds over the minimum required by NHRA. The car was, however, found to be in violation of a rule concerning unsecured ballast, and therefore we are not participating in the remainder of the event."

Troxel and Team Gotham will compete at the next scheduled national event, the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 11-13 in Denver, Colorado.

-credit: gcr