NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Cory Reed was named the winner of the 2016 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future award, presented annually to the season’s top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Reed was awarded a $20,000 prize along with a trophy at the annual NHRA Mello Yello awards ceremony at Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland.
 
“I watched a lot of you in this room when I was a kid going to the races with my mom [Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Annie Whiteley] and stepdad [Pro Mod driver Jim Whiteley],” Reed said in front of a ballroom of his racing peers. “Thank you to all of you that showed me how to become a racer and show me the drive and passion for what we love to do.”

Reed became a fan favorite as a tough competitor when he turned on win lights against class veterans like Steve Johnson, Eddie Krawiec, Hector Arana Sr., and even teammate Angelle Sampey. Reed scored an impressive 12 round wins in his rookie season, more than the other rookie contenders combined, and was the only one of the award nominees to reach the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Reed will be forming his own team in 2017 with his current teammate Sampey, forming team to be known as Team Liberty Racing. Despite starting a new venture next season, Reed thanked George and Jackie Bryce of Star Racing for their help in his first year in the sport.

“George and Jackie, you two did a lot for me these last two years,” he said. “Thank you guys very much for everything you’ve shown me about Pro Stock Motorcycle. You two showed me the ins and outs and showed me what to do. You let me in on every single bit of information that you could and I thank you guys. I’ll never be able to replace that.”

Reed went on to thank his parents and his crew Ken Johnson, Jerry Cooper, Kaleo Freitas, and teammate Sampey.
 
“Angelle, thank you for coming with me next year,” he added. “Thank you also for being a great mentor.”