Melanie Simmons has been drag racing more than half her life. Starting in the Junior Dragster class when she was 11 years old, Simmons progressed into quicker and faster cars to her present race car, a Top Dragster capable of traveling down the quarter-mile from a standing start with times in the six-second range at speeds over 200 mph.
The Orillia, Ontario resident has raced at many tracks in Canada and the United States, but considers the Grand Bend Motorplex in South-Western Ontario her “home” track.
For 2012, Melanie and her Toyrific Racing Team will be regular competitors in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, which features Top Dragster class cars and Top Sportsman class cars competing in their respective eliminations and then the top two from each class vying for the event championship.
The Toyrific Racing Top Dragster is a 267-inch Mike Bos Chassis Craft dragster powered by a supercharged 509 cubic-inch big block Chevrolet engine. A 14-71 Littlefield Supercharger & Enderle Fuel Injection deliver the methanol fuel into the power plant. Along with driving, Melanie’s team duties include car preparation and maintenance with her Crew Chief and father Roger Simmons, a former racer and crew chief on the Toyrific Racing entry.
Some goals Simmons has for 2012 include developing a more consistent tune up and driving style that are compatible with the updated dragster. “We would really like to keep our team qualifying in the top 5 spots in the field and continue to be consistent enough to go rounds each event.” Melanie explained. She also has some goals for off of the track as well. “I plan to continue to operate the Toyrific Racing team on a professional basis, which includes promoting my sponsors and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series by ensuring participation in any media opportunities that are available,” she noted. “I also want to continue to provide a processional and friendly atmosphere in the Toyrific Racing pit for my sponsors, family, friends and fans.”