Oct. 9, 2008 - LDN Hosts Three Top NHRA Drivers at AAPEX Reception
BETHESDA, MD – Oct. 9, 2008 – The Leadership Development Network (LDN) will host three top National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drivers at its annual reception during AAPEX in Las Vegas, Nev., Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Venetian Hotel in rooms 701-702. Melanie Troxel, Tommy Johnson, Jr. and Tony Pedregon will be on hand to mingle with guests during this social networking event.
Melanie Troxel began competing in NHRA’s Sportsman categories almost 20 years ago. She won two races in Top Alcohol Dragster in 1999 before spending six years in Top Fuel. Troxel switched categories this year, and earned her first Funny Car victory at Bristol, Tenn. She was the 14th NHRA driver to record wins in both Top Fuel and Funny Car and the first woman to do so. She was the first female to ever be named a quarterly winner of the prestigious Driver of the Year award. Troxel is married to Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr.
Tommy Johnson, Jr., currently a driver for Kenny Bernstein Racing (Monster Energy Funny Car), with nine career victories to his credit, has previously driven for Super Bowl champion coach Joe Gibbs, Helen Hofmann Racing, and spent seven seasons driving a Funny Car for drag racing legend Don Prudhomme. He started his racing career as an eight-year-old, competing on a mini bike in a local drag racing series.
Tony Pedregon rocketed to the 2007 Nitro Funny Car World Championship in his own Q Horsepower car. The title is Pedregon’s second NHRA driver’s championship, but his first as a team owner and the first for the Q Horsepower.
The LDN reception is open to all. AAPEX attendees are encouraged to bring business cards to the event since door prizes will be awarded.
For more information about the reception or LDN, contact Marcella Tilli at 301-654-6664 or e-mail marcella.tilli@aftermarket.org.
About LDN
The Leadership Development Network (LDN) consists of individuals who help junior-to-mid-level aftermarket professionals grow professionally through networking, educational and philanthropic endeavors. LDN is a standing committee of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.