Lucas Oil’s Crampton charged for big 2015

 

Aussie NHRA Top Fuel pilot Richie Crampton is set to back up his award-winning rookie year with a strong performance at 2015’s opening round, the Circle K Winternationals.

Crampton earned his first career number one qualifier slot at the NHRA Finals at Pomona in November, and believes he’s can repeat his performance in the GEICO/Lucas Oil Dragster this weekend.

"We haven't changed a thing on the car in the off-season," Crampton said.

“We had a fantastic run at the last race of 2014 in Pomona. It's always a great feeling to be able to take the same car back to the same racetrack and try doing it all over again.”

The Road to the Future champion is confident about progressing forward in this year’s Mellow Yello Drag Racing Series, and said the knowledge gained last year will be invaluable in putting together a title campaign.

"Last year I was an unknown rookie and I felt like I had a lot to learn," Crampton said.

"Starting with a year under my belt is pretty exciting. I'll be on the front foot right from the start, and hopefully the GEICO/Lucas Oil team can contend for a championship right from the get-go.

"I'm really comfortable at Pomona because it’s a track we get to race at twice a year, so I already have that extra experience under my belt.

“It’s also in Lucas Oil's backyard, so that gives us a lot of confidence to go out and run well at that race.”

Top Fuel qualifying is scheduled at 1pm and 4pm US Pacific Time on Thursday, 5 February with eliminations from 11am on Sunday, 8 February.