The Contenders: Nikko Reger

Eighteen-year old Nikko Reger from Houston, Texas is Copeland Motorsports' breakout star this season, but despite his success, Reger is a relatively new competitor in the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup series. Last year, he secured a third place finish in the Skip Barber class before moving up in 2016, but don't let his inexperience fool you. Reger is determined, dedicated and focused to winning.

Reger has claimed the most wins this season with three first place finishes at Watkins Glen International, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America. Despite his success at the top, he has also experienced some short falls. With a penalty in the first race of the season which left him with no points from the race, Reger had an early uphill battle to catch those ahead of him.

Despite this, Reger would come back in an unprecedented way with multiple wins and constant podium finishes. However, his luck would run dry mid-season as an unfortunate racing incident at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park left him with a DNF, which dropped him lower in the championship hunt, but he isn't giving up. He will need a near flawless race weekend in the upcoming doubleheader event as he trails Nathanial "Sparky" Sparks by 103 points.