He went on to win Rookie of the Year honors in 1996 while finishing seventh overall in IHRA Pro Stock points. The following year would bring even greater success as Stevens captured another two wins and finished third in the series' point standings.
 
   Stevens' accomplishments in the IHRA garnered the attention of many people, one of whom was Virginia businessman Shawn Collins. The ostrich rancher was in the process of building a new NHRA Pro Stock team and saw potential in the young Stevens. Collins decided to hire Stevens to pilot the second car of his two-car team that was scheduled to compete on the National Hot Rod Association circuit. 

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