Cruising to the desert, Crampton plans to conquer Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ – With an emphasis on getting his 2015 campaign off to a fast start, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton is determined to find success at this weekend’s CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

“We are looking pretty good for Phoenix,” said Crampton, the reigning Rookie of the Year. “We tested in Vegas just before the season opener and of course we ran really well in Pomona (Calif.). We should be right up in the top half of the field again in Phoenix.”

Looking to improve off of last year’s finish at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Crampton wants to add another NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series win to his developing collection.

“It’s one of the places where I really want to do well,” Crampton said. “I lost in the first round last year, so I want to make that right and try to put this dragster in the winner’s circle for GEICO, Lucas Oil, and Toyota.”

Heading into only the second race of his sophomore year, Crampton is hitting his stride inside the cockpit of his GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster.

“Having a full season under my belt, I’m obviously a lot more comfortable and confident inside the race car,” Crampton said. “I feel like I belong out here, too. Getting two national event wins in my rookie year helped me feel like I belong racing with these guys and girls, who are the best drag racers in the world.

“It’s pretty exciting for me to be confident and to be driving such good equipment. We know we have the capability to win rounds and definitely have what it takes to win races.

“I’ll continue to learn more and more and get better and better, I hope.”

Qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2 and 4:30 p.m. PT, Friday and Saturday. Eliminations will start at approximately 11 a.m., Sunday, with both qualifying and elimination action broadcast on ESPN2 on tape-delay basis.