NHRA’s most recent winner, Lucas Oil’s Richie Crampton, anxious to do it again
HOUSTON, TX – Fresh off a victory celebration in Las Vegas, reigning rookie of the year Richie Crampton has his 
Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster in position to challenge for the title at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals.
Crampton, who is saluting military veterans in his native Australia this weekend with 100th Anniversary ANZAC Day decals on his 300-mph hot rod, has posted three strong passes in time trials, proving he has a consistently quick machine. His best of 3.758 seconds at 323.66 mph earned him the No. 3 spot on the elimination ladder, the “perfect” starting spot in the young Aussie’s opinion.
“Any of the top three spots are great starting points,” Crampton said. “Top qualifiers seem to have had a bit of a bad run lately, so maybe being two or three is better. You get a good ladder of opponents this way, or should I say a better ladder as they’re all very tough at this level.
“We were the quickest of the final qualifying session, which is great for the bonus points. Plus, the racetrack was hot and it was extremely humid out there, about what we’re all expecting tomorrow. I think we have a real good handle on the race car and the conditions.”
As the No. 3 qualifier, Crampton will open elimination action with lane choice against 14th-ranked Clay Millican, who had a best pass of 3.916 at 309.34 mph.
“Running the Lucas Oil car this year it’s especially important for us to run well at races that are sponsored by partners like O’Reilly Auto Parts,” Crampton said. “They sell a lot of Lucas Oil products at their stores, and it was fun to spend some time with the O’Reilly guests today.
“Really, being in Texas is the most like home for me. I think Australians and Texans are very similar in their attitudes and ethics. Plus, we’re all used to the heat. This is a great home away from home and the fans have been awesome. We hope to bring them all to the winner’s circle with us tomorrow.”
Sunday’s eliminations will be aired live from 1 to 4 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
