Steve Fossett World Land Speed Racing (LSR) Team has announced that NHRA Top Fuel & Funny Car driver Melanie Troxel has made their short list of possible drivers for their newest land speed record attempt. The organization’s newest car is a 48 foot long streamliner powered by a 40,000 HP S&S Turbine jet engine. The team’s goal is to set a new Absolute Supersonic Land Speed Record of more than 800 MPH and they want a woman to pilot the vehicle.
In addition to Melanie, two other NHRA drivers made the short list as well. Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Peggy Llewellyn and newly licensed Top Fuel racer Jessie Harris are also candidates. The list of other potential drivers includes drivers from other motorsports and two pilots.
The selected candidate will have to be available for the team’s test and run schedule for 2008, which may not fit with Melanie's current NHRA racing schedule.