Rookie Report Card after Gainesville
If the start of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season is any indication, this year's battle for the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award is going to be a close, competitive one that could lead to any of the five eligible drivers* walking away with the prize that honors NHRA's top rookie. In the first three races, the Road to the Future candidates have accounted for a runner-up finish, three semifinal showings, placings as high as third in qualifying, and more. Following is a look at stats for Road to the Future candidates Troy Coughlin Jr. (Top Fuel), Shawn Reed (Top Fuel), Jonnie Lindberg (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock), and Joey Gladstone (Pro Stock Motorcycle) through the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.
*Note: The Rookie Report Card includes drivers who at this point have committed to run at least five events this season. Other drivers may be added as the season progresses.
Coughlin | Reed | Lindberg | Gray | Gladstone | |
Events attended | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Best qualifying position | 6 | 11 | 10 | 3 | 3 |
Round-wins | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
Event wins | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Runner-ups | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Holeshot W/L | 0/1 | 0/0 | 0/0 | 1/0 | 1/0 |
DNQs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Points position | 7 | 8 | 14 | 6 | 3 |