After capturing his first No. 1 qualifier during his last trip to the birthplace of drag racing, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton is looking to repeat his success when he returns for the season-opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals, Feb. 5-8.
Richie Crampton
“We haven’t changed a thing really in the off-season on the race car,” Crampton said, “and that’s largely because we had a fantastic run at the last race of 2014 in Pomona. It’s always a great feeling to be able to take that same car back to the same racetrack and try doing it all again.”
Entering his sophomore season on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, the reigning Rookie of the Year is displaying more confidence than usual and has already made big plans for success in the upcoming races.
“Last year I was an unknown rookie and I felt like I had a lot to learn,” Crampton said. “Starting out the 2015 season with a year under my belt is pretty exciting. I’ll be on the front foot instead of the back foot when this year starts. Hopefully I can help this GEICO/Lucas Oil team contend for a championship right from the get-go.”
Looking to kick off his championship in style this weekend, Crampton thinks Pomona could hold great potential.
“I’m really comfortable in Pomona,” Crampton said. “That’s a racetrack we get to race at twice a year, so I already have that extra experience under my belt. There’s also the fact that it’s one of our favorite races to compete in being in Lucas Oil’s backyard. It gives us a lot of confidence to go out and run well at that race, especially with it being the season opener.”
(Photos courtesy MLR)
