NHRA has confirmed five eligible candidates for its 2024 Rookie of the Year award in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Those candidates are Chase Van Sant, David Cuadra, Eric Latino, Dan Mercier, and Jerry Tucker.
The candidates comprise three Pro Stock drivers, a Top Fuel competitor, and a Pro Stock Motorcycle rider.
The leading candidate appears to be Van Sant, who sits No. 6 in the national Pro Stock Motorcycle point standings. Van Sant, representing the White Alligator Racing team led by former champion Jerry Savoie, has impressed with four semi-final and four quarterfinal appearances this season.
The three Pro Stock rookies include two Elite Motorsports drivers, including Jerry Tucker, who has qualified for all Pro Stock events, posting a semi-final finish and reaching four quarterfinal round wins.
Tucker’s teammate, David Cuadra, made his debut at the Four-Wide race in Charlotte.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year recipient, Camrie Caruso, raced under the KB Titan banner and was joined this season by team co-owner Eric Latino. He made his NHRA Pro Stock debut in Norwalk this season, and he has successfully qualified for six NHRA races, reflecting his promising potential.
The lone fuel racer, Mercier, has qualified for an impressive six national events in the Top Fuel category this season. Of note is his victorious round against seasoned Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta at the Norwalk race, illustrating his skill and determination.
Recent winners include Dallas Glenn in Pro Stock for 2021, Top Fuel drivers Justin Ashley in 2020, and Austin Prock in 2019.
The NHRA Rookie of the Year award is a platform to recognize exceptional talent and potential in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. An esteemed panel of leading auto racing journalists determines the recipient through a comprehensive voting system. The criteria include assessing the number of events competed in, performance both on and off the racetrack, active participation in NHRA promotions, and the quality of relationships established with fans, sponsors, and media.
