This has been a busy season for teams in the nitro funny car class and with new entries and drivers, Legends of Nitro announces the inaugural Rookie of the Year program for drivers who compete in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, the United Nitro Funny Car Championship Series, presented by Good Vibrations Motorsports and select independent events in the United States.

Legends of Nitro owner Kevin Stith disclosed the award, “As a fan of all the nitro classes, we are proud to see new entries and performance in the class. After filling out the 260 MPH Club for Nitro Funny Cars, we’ve noticed a surge in drivers moving over the drive these great, fan favorite racecars. With that, I’m always proud to recognize talented, new drivers.”

The winner of the Legends of Nitro Rookie of the Year for 2018 will receive a specially designed letterman’s jacket with $250 cash tucked in the pocket. Early candidates are Billy Morris, driver of the Eddie Knox Racing “Problem Child” Camaro (shown), Elaine Sellers, driver of the “Lady Elaine” Trans Am and Nancy Matter, driver of the “Guardian” Trans Am. The winner will be revealed at the 27th California Hot Rod Reunion at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in October.  

A select group of Legends of Nitro judges will be making the final decision as to which driver will be chosen. Kevin Stith added, “We are also putting together a similar Rookie of the Year program for the 6.0 Fuel Altered class and will make that announcement soon.”