Anthony Troyer earned his first career Top Alcohol Dragster victory in dramatic fashion during the 65th NHRA Winternationals at historic Pomona Raceway. Piloting the Fendt McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster, Troyer showcased exceptional skill and consistency throughout the weekend, ultimately taking home the Wally and claiming an early-season points lead in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
After initially qualifying seventh on Friday with a 5.338-second pass at 266.58 mph, Troyer improved to a 5.277-second run at 272.06 mph but dropped to ninth. He secured the 11th qualifying position after posting a solid 5.278-second ET at 274.16 mph on Saturday’s final qualifying attempt.
On race day, Troyer and the McPhillips Racing team found their groove and delivered exceptional performances. In the opening round, he defeated Melanie Johnson with a 5.225-second pass at 275.62 mph. Troyer continued to gain momentum in the second round by outrunning Garrett Bateman, clocking in at 5.218 seconds at 276.35 mph.
The semifinal was a critical turning point, with Troyer facing Jamie Noonan, who had recorded a 5.14 ET earlier. Troyer rose to the occasion, overcoming a traction-challenged run with a 5.918-second pass at 274.05 mph to edge out Noonan and advance to the final round.
In the finals, Troyer delivered his best run of the weekend—a 5.193-second pass at 276.86 mph—to defeat Joey Severance’s 5.389 ET. Troyer’s consistent reaction times throughout eliminations (.049, .022, .010, and .050 seconds) were key factors in his victory, out-performing opponents in three of the four rounds.
“This weekend has been like a dream that I haven’t woken up from yet,” Troyer said. “Pops (Rich McPhillips Sr.) and Rich (McPhillips Jr.), the crew and everyone involved, made sure I had the car to go rounds. Watching everyone work so hard to get this Fendt car running great like it did was very rewarding. I wanted to make sure I was ready to chop the tree down, especially in the semifinals against the (Jamie) Noonan car that ran a 5.14 ET (elapsed time) in the previous round.”
Team owner Rich McPhillips Sr. added, “The Fendt team had a great weekend. I’m proud of how Anthony wheeled the car in his second national event. We can tell early on that he is dedicated and committed to being a good driver. Thank you to everyone at Troyer Brothers Florida Inc. for letting Anthony step away from a busy time at the potato farm to come race. We’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Troyer currently leads the Top Alcohol Dragster championship standings by 53 points over Jackie Fricke.
Next up, Anthony Troyer and the Fendt McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster team will compete in the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, April 25-27, at zMax Dragway near Charlotte, North Carolina.
This story was originally published on April 1, 2025. 
