Top Fuel pro Richie Crampton hoping to double down in two different ways in Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Knowing full well that past performances mean little in the cutthroat world of NHRA drag racing, Lucas Oil-sponsored Top Fuel pro Richie Crampton still is extremely excited and confident as he heads to this weekend’s 15th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The reason for the likable Aussie’s optimism is twofold: First, he won the spring race at The Strip, proving his race team knows how to get the job done in the high desert. Secondly, Crampton is the sport’s most recent winner, bagging his fifth victory of the season Oct. 18 in Dallas.

“The season isn’t over yet and the way we look at it is there are two more chances to win,” Crampton said. “It’s certainly been a great week back at the shop coming off that big win in Dallas. It may be the end of a long season, but the boys have definitely had a jump in their steps and smiles on their faces.

“Aaron (Brooks, crew chief) had the Lucas Oil dragster on a rail at the Vegas spring race, and I’m sure he’ll be diving into his little black book to see how to set the car up this time through. Plus, we’ve got some good data from Dallas, so it’s hard to think that we could go into a race weekend with more confidence.”

Crampton, the reigning Auto Club Rookie of the Year, has put together a fantastic sophomore season, winning five Wally trophies to go with the two he won last season. He remains perfect in final rounds, posting a 7-0 record in his career when the trophy is on the line.

“Whenever you give Aaron and this crew four chances at a racetrack in a given day, I really like our chances,” Crampton said. “Obviously, that’s proven out with our 7-0 mark everyone is talking about, but I also think the work these guys put in behind the scenes to give me a perfect race car every round is a big factor as well.

“I’m over the moon with this season. To go from being a crew guy two years ago to sitting here with seven NHRA Top Fuel wins, including the U.S. Nationals, having the Rookie of the Year award to our credit, being ranked so well … it’s all just a ‘pinch me’ kind of feeling.”

With five victories this year, Crampton is second only to points leader Antron Brown in the wins column. He is ranked third in the Mello Yello points and could catch second-ranked Tony Schumacher if everything falls his way in Las Vegas. He also needs a good outing to hold off a knot of drivers who are trailing close behind.

“It’ll be a fight to the end,” said Crampton, who receives support from race sponsor Toyota. “We want to finish strong and post the highest finish possible for Lucas Oil and Toyota. It would be great to carry the feeling we’ve had this last week throughout the off-season, so the guys are focused on winning Vegas and Pomona.

“Having these final two races on the West Coast is an added bonus for me because we tend to get more Aussies over for holiday and they always cheer for us. If we can pry them away from the Rugby World Cup final, we’ll show them a good time at a great racetrack.”