McPhillips Racing has announced that Anthony Troyer will pilot their second Top Alcohol Dragster (TAD) during the 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series season. Troyer is slated to participate in seven events, with the possibility of adding more races throughout the season.
Hailing from Ft. Myers, Florida, Troyer began racing in 2020 behind the wheel of a Factory Stock Showdown COPO Camaro, powered by Ray Barton Racing Engines. Together, they achieved much success. In 2022, Troyer advanced to the final round at the Gatornationals and finished runner-up. He completed the 2022 season in the Top 10 in points out of 38 competitors in his class. In 2023, Troyer made the switch to Stanfield Racing Engines. He most recently earned a sixth-place finish in the Factory Stock Showdown championship standings in 2024.
Troyer is new to the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, having recently completed his license with McPhillips Racing in Bradenton, Florida. While Troyer is the first drag racer in his family, he will be keeping their history alive on the racetrack with sponsorship from Fendt. Troyer is a third-generation potato farmer that utilizes Fendt equipment on their farms in Florida and Pennsylvania. Troyer Brothers began in the 1940s when two brothers, Vernon and Clayton Troyer, traveled from Nebraska after the rough years of The Dust Bowl to Ohio. A few years later, they eventually settled in Pennsylvania in search of a better life and more opportunities. Today, Troyer Brothers is proud to bring non-GMO-certified products to your family’s table.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to drive for McPhillips Racing,” said Anthony Troyer. “It’s not every day that you get the call to drive for a highly successful TAD team. I can’t thank Fendt enough for following me in my racing journey.”
Troyer joins an all-star lineup at McPhillips Racing, with third-generation racer Melanie Johnson piloting their other nitro-injected Top Alcohol Dragster this season. McPhillips Racing was formed in 1969 by Rich “Pops” McPhillips Sr. and has earned nearly 100 wins and nine regional/divisional championships during their 56 years in competition (Rich McPhillips Sr. – 3, Troy Coughlin Jr. – 2, Matt Cummings – 2, Mike Coughlin – 1, Tony Stewart – 1). Joining Pops is Richie McPhillips Jr., who co-owns the team, with the pair serving as crew chiefs on both Top Alcohol Dragsters.
“We’re looking forward to Anthony joining McPhillips Racing this season,” said team owner Rich McPhillips Sr.. “He brings a strong work ethic to the team and has shown how talented he is behind the wheel while getting his license. We’re honored to have Fendt on the side of his dragster. They are the official tractor of the NHRA, so we look forward to bringing them even more awareness through the sport of drag racing. We couldn’t do what we do without all our partners. A big thank you to NGK Spark Plugs, Lucas Oil, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Boninfante Friction, Simpson Race Products and MAHLE for all of their support.”
Troyer’s season begins February 28-March 1 for the NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Regional Baby Gators in Gainesville, Florida. He is currently slated to run these additional events in 2025 – The NHRA Gatornationals March 6-9 in Gainesville, Florida, the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals March 27-30 in Pomona, California, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals June 26-29 in Norwalk, Ohio, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals August 14-17 in Brainerd, Minnesota, the NHRA U.S. Nationals August 27-September 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana and the NHRA Finals November 13-16 in Pomona, California.
This story was originally published on February 24, 2025. 
