NASCAR has released this year’s group of emerging stars for the 2018 NASCAR Next Class which includes the Rookies of the Year in both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, as well the ARCA Rookie of the Year, a former USAC Midget Champion and Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year.

In alphabetical order, the 2018 NASCAR Next Class includes:

– Anthony Alfredo, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
– Hailie Deegan, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year
– Riley Herbst, ARCA Racing Series, ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year
– Derek Kraus, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Rookie of the Year
– Chase Purdy, ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year
– Will Rodgers, NASCAR K&N Pro Series
– Zane Smith, ARCA Racing Series
– Tanner Thorson, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
– Ryan Vargas, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Now in its eighth year, NASCAR Next spotlights the best and brightest young stars in racing. Alumni of the program include current Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series stars Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, William Byron, Matt DiBenedetto, Chase Elliott, Gray Gaulding, Erik Jones, Corey LaJoie, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez and Darrell Wallace Jr.
 
The NASCAR Next selection process includes input from industry executives, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Council and media members. Drivers must be between the ages of 15-25, aspire to compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and show potential – on and off the track – to reach that goal.

Since its inception in 2011, 39 of the 51 drivers who have been selected for the program have progressed to compete in one of NASCAR’s three national series, while a quarter has gone on to compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
 
For more information, visit NASCAR.com/Next. Join the social conversation by using #NASCARnext.