It is hard to put a price on good advice.

Thrust into the spotlight as a rookie for John Force Racing in the Funny Car class this season, Austin Prock has managed to stay composed despite the immense pressure of representing NHRA’s most successful team, especially following the unexpected absence of its two star drivers.

While many might crumble under such intense pressure, Prock has maintained his poise, largely thanks to the invaluable counsel from a veteran JFR team member. Lanny Miglizzi, a longtime track specialist for John Force Racing, advised him, “No emotions. Just focus on your job, and that’s when you’ll perform your best.”

These words have become a guiding principle for Prock as he strives for his first championship in the sport.

“Getting amped up, getting excited, I’m over all that,” Prock said. “I’m just going to go up there and do my job. That’s my mindset for the rest of the year. It’s just another qualifying run. It’s just another test run. That is when I do my best work, when I’m cool, calm, and collected. When we do that, we can’t be stopped in my opinion.”

Prock put that mantra to good use on Saturday, potentially extending his stranglehold on the Funny Car class in qualifying as the 29-year-old seeks his 10th No. 1 qualifier in 14 races this season. Sitting third after a single pass on Friday, Prock rocketed to the top of the category during Q2 with a class-leading 3.855-second pass at 328.38 mph in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro as he seeks his first top qualifier award at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway.

“I have just been annihilating the Christmas tree so far this weekend, which makes me feel that the hard work that I’ve been putting in is paying off,” Prock said. “The race car is running good and I feel like I’m driving pretty good. I’ve made three really straight, beautiful runs, and I don’t think I’ve been able to say that all year long. Usually it takes me to the fourth or fifth run before I finally get my stuff together.

“I’m so proud of my family and this whole Cornwell Tools team at John Force Racing. We’ve been outstanding all weekend. All three cars are just flying, and it’s a great time to be doing it.”

Bob Tasca moved up to second on the Funny Car ladder on Saturday with a 3.871 at 336.23 mph, while Prock’s teammate Jack Beckman – filling in for a sidelined John Force – is third with a 3.877 at 329.10 mph. Friday night’s top qualifier Blake Alexander slipped to fourth with his 3.890 at 327.82 mph.

In other action, Saturday’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge winner was J.R. Todd, who defeated Chad Green with a 3.953 at 325.22 mph to Green’s 4.151 at 301.87 mph. Despite not featuring in the four-car shootout, Prock sealed the regular season title in the race-within-a-race with his class-leading seven specialty wins.

“It’s been an exciting weekend so far to lock up that Mission #2Fast2Tasty championship,” Prock said. “It says a lot about this race team and how consistent this race car is with the job that they’re doing. Those 23 points will be very valuable going into the Countdown. Everybody is just having fun in this Cornwell Tools pit and I feel like we have a good attitude going into the Nationals and obviously going into the playoffs.”

Prock still has to survive two more qualifying sessions on Sunday, but if his time holds he has the potential to help sweep the No. 1 spot in both nitro categories at the sport’s biggest race alongside his Top Fuel teammate Brittany Force. Force is first after three sessions with a 3.693 at 333.08 mph to lead her category.

“Our U.S. Nationals have been pretty flawless so far,” Prock said. “It’s great to see Brittany really putting the power down. They have a big weekend ahead of them as they try to race their way into the Countdown, but they’re off to a good start. That’s definitely a confidence booster for our entire race team.”