Richie Crampton dons 2014 colours

Australia's newest Top Fuel driver, Richie Crampton has been seen for the first time in his 2014 Geico/Lucas Oil Products safety gear.

Crampton was photographed in the pits at the Auto Club Finals at Pomona on the weekend by respected US sports photographer Mark Rebilas, giving a hint to the colours of his ride in next year's NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Crompton was the surprise replacement for multi-NHRA event winning driver and team owner Morgan Lucas, who has elected to stand back from driving to concentrate on the family's expanding business interests which include Lucas Oil Products and satellite and cable channel, MAV-TV.

While known in the US as a long-time and respected member of the Morgan Lucas Racing organisation, Crampton has strong racing experience at home in Australia.

The 33-year-old from Adelaide is a two-time winner of the prestigious Mildura Tri State Challenge, and also held the Perth Motorplex class track record for three years, in a car of his own construction.

After travelling to the US in 2002, Crampton earned his NHRA Super Comp, Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car licences before joining MLR as one of the team's founding members in 2007.

Crampton was presented with the opportunity to obtain his Top Fuel licence last year, achieving best runs of 3.85 seconds and 314 miles per hour.