NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Tanner Gray has jumped into the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series spotlight with a quick start in his rookie season. But even at 18 years old, the Pro Stock rising star knows his performance is only made possible by the support of a strong team.

Gray, who won his first career Pro Stock race earlier this season in Las Vegas, has credited that strong backing for a seemingly smooth transition into the tough class driving his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro. The next challenge comes this weekend when he takes part in the 8th annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at state-of-the-art zMAX Dragway for the first time.

“Our team has a very special bond,” said Gray, who is fifth in points. “Since my crew is the same crew that my dad has and he’s been racing Pro Stock since 2010, my guys have watched me grow up and develop into the young man I am now. They support me, want the best for me, and would only give me the tools to succeed. Over the last five races, our team dynamic has grown closer. I have high expectations of myself, and when I fall short, my crew is there to pick me right back up. The strength of the support of my crew is what has stood out the most thus far.”

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock), and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of a race that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including a broadcast of the finals on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (ET). It marks the sixth of 24 races during the 2017 season, and Gray is already off to a sparkling start.

His father, Shane, won in Gainesville, and Tanner followed a race later with his first career victory. He followed that with a semifinal showing last weekend in Houston, building on the win with a solid performance. Continuing that impressive pace won’t be easy this weekend in Charlotte, where an immense number of challenges present themselves. That’s especially true for a driver racing the four-wide scenario for the first time, but for Gray, who lives in nearby Mooresville, N.C., this is a race with added appeal.

“I’ve been looking forward to the [four-wide race] since I decided I wanted to race Pro Stock,” Gray said. “This is my home race, so racing in front of my family and friends is always exciting. I anticipate that this weekend is going to be tough, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I have to be focused on what I am doing and not worry about the other three drivers that are racing against me. I’ve been told that if you are not keyed in on your light and your lane, racing the Four-Wide can really mess with a driver’s ability.”

Gray also has to contend with the loaded Pro Stock field, which has produced a different winner at each race this season. The latest was Bo Butner in Houston, joining a list that also features defending world champion Jason Line and points leader Greg Anderson. But Gray contends his sole focus is making improvements each time he steps in the car.

“The continued focus for myself as far as improvements is to continue on with the winning mentality and not to let the bad rounds, races, and performances get me down,” Gray said. “I constantly strive to perform better on the starting line. I practice on the Tree every chance I get. With practice and my ability to drive well, I think we will win some more races.” 

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 29, at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, April 30.