Mel's in, TJ's out

Melanie Troxel talks to the media after qualifying third in Funny Car at the 48th Winternationals Saturday.

Rookie Funny Car driver Melanie Troxel's biggest worry coming into the 2008 season was the day she had to face husband Tommy Johnson Jr.
Troxel won't have to worry about that Sunday.
Johnson, who moved over to the Montster Energy Drink Funny Car team this season, failed to make the 16-car field for the 48th Winternationals. He struggled throughout the four qualifying sessions and could only muster a 4.917, which placed him two spots below the qualifyinng line.
Mel, meanwhile, nearly set history, just missing being the first woman to qualify No. 1 in Funny Car. She instead settled for the No. 3 position with a 4.810.
"I haven't been home yet," joked Troxel after being asked about Johnson's feelings. "I'm heartbroken for Tommy. It's an incredible frustrating feeling as a driver. It's kind of what we've been talking about. People were making a big deal of us racing each other in the finals. That would be great. If we both make it to the final round, that's a good day for everybody.
"It's time like this when one of us isn't doing well and the other one isn't, it kind of rubs salt in the wound."