Melanie Johnson captured her first career NHRA national event runner-up finish in Top Alcohol Dragster at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. Returning to action after a seven-week break, Johnson powered the Speedmaster A/Fuel dragster through eliminations to set up an all-teammate final round against Anthony Troyer.
Johnson opened the weekend qualified third with a season-best 5.193-second effort. She advanced past Jim Lamb in round one with a 5.265 at 272.23 mph. In the quarterfinals, Johnson recorded a 5.305 at 267.69 mph to defeat Todd Bruce. She then secured her final-round appearance in the semifinals after opponent Angelle Sampey fouled at the starting line with a red-light start; Johnson capitalized with a solid, straight-down-the-groove 5.319 at 269.89 mph pass.
In the final, Johnson posted a competitive 5.250 at 274.00 mph, just falling short of Troyer’s winning 5.220 at 276.63 mph.
The event held added family significance as her father, 14-time Top Fuel Championship-winning crew chief Alan Johnson, shared the spotlight by winning the Top Fuel title with Doug Kalitta on the same day.
“We’ve made a 180 since our last race seven weeks ago,” said Johnson. “During that time, Pops and Richie [McPhillips] took the car out for testing in Indy and were able to get it straightened out. A final round with both McPhillips Racing dragsters is a testament to their hard work. I’m so proud of all the guys that worked on these two cars this weekend. I’m feeling very confident going into the second half of our season and with Indy coming up soon, I hope the stars align to get that first win at such a special track! I wish I could have doubled up with my dad today, but I’ll take a runner-up finish. I think we’ll double up at some point, it’s just a matter of time.”
Johnson won’t have to wait long to carry her momentum back onto the track. Up next, the team travels to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the NHRA Regional race at Beech Bend Raceway, August 28-30, 2026.
This success is made possible through the invaluable support of primary partner Speedmaster, alongside Alan Johnson Performance Engineering (AJPE), ARP (Automotive Racing Products), NGK Spark Plugs, and Lucas Oil.
