J Gray

[1/2 Hemi]

Anyone feel that young Mr. Gray got hosed by the voters for rookie of the year.
10/0 on Holeshot wins now that's a driver. Left on everyone over 70% of the time now that's a driver. I guess if you ain't a fuel car driver you should just say leave me out of the voting. I'm tired of Pro Stock getting the short end of the media stick.

 

[Greg Hogue]

we all know that Mr. Compton will not allow anyone one to get any recognition unless your driving a Top Oil Down Dragster

looking forward to IHRA 500 inch Pro Stock

 

[Jeremy Tanksley]

Here's how it was decided according to NHRA's website:

"The driver of the GEICO/Lucas Oil dragster received the award based on votes from a panel of the nation’s top motorsports journalists."

Looking at the facts, Gray earned more points both going into the countdown as well as during the countdown. Crampton did win two events as opposed to only a single event win for Gray, which isn't exactly apples to oranges. Gray did finish the season better with a number seven points finish as opposed to Crampton's number nine finish. Overall, from the numbers involved, Gray can be said to have had a better season. As far as exposure, Gray might not have upped Crampton media-wise. Basically, the "panel of top motorsports journalists" didn't make it happen for Gray.

For those who don't know, it was called the, "Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award." It was worth $20,000. A pretty big deal when you consider the money involved.