NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series reached the midpoint over the weekend during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, race 12 of 24 on the 2017 schedule, and the rookie class continued to add to its round-wins total, as well as reaching bests in qualifying. Four of the five rookies in contention for this year's Auto Club Road to the Future Award -- Top Fuel's Troy Coughlin Jr., Funny Car runner Jonnie Lindberg, Pro Stock newcomer Tanner Gray, and Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Joey Gladstone -- were in competition at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Lindberg was the rookie star of qualifying, recording a new career-best e.t. of 3.922 en route to his highest starting spot (fourth). On Sunday, Gray and Gladstone each recorded a round-win to add to their season tally.

Also in contention for this year's award is Top Fuel's Shawn Reed, who did not attend the Norwalk event. Following are the season-to-date stats for all five Road to the Future Award candidates.