Pomona, California (February 13, 2016) - The four rounds of professional qualifying at the season-opening Circle K NHRA Winternationals have gone extremely well for Top Fuel pro Richie Crampton.
The affable Aussie has looked solid in the seat of his Lucas Oil dragster as he begins his third year of professional competition, and his best pass of 3.727 seconds at 323.66 mph has him ranked a lofty fourth heading into race day.
"It feels great to get back in the car and make passes that count," Crampton said. "I'm still as excited about driving this race car as I was two years ago when it all started for me, and I look at every run as though it's going to be the best run I've ever made.
"We had an awesome rookie campaign, winning Indy and Englishtown, and I ended up being named Auto Club Rookie of the Year, which was a true testament to the entire team. Then we turn around and win five races last year and finish third in the points, the best this group has ever done. I just keep pinching myself."
In order to maintain his upward track, Crampton knows he'll need to be consistent all season, especially later in the year when the six-race playoffs commence. But he also knows these early races can be equally as important.
"The points you earn this weekend count the same as the ones you earn later in the year," he said. "It seems those later races have more importance, but it's really not the case; they're all big.
"I think we all want to have a strong start and then just maintain it all year. We prefer to be up in the lead group or even out front. Getting the points lead and staying on top of the charts would be a phenomenal accomplishment for us, so right now we'll aim for that goal and try to make it happen."
It certainly appears the Aaron Brooks-tuned dragster is up to the task. Although the track was fairly green to start the race weekend, Crampton has been efficient every time out, with his final qualifying pass of 3.727 seconds the best of the bunch.
"We're pretty pleased," Crampton said. "The car ran well in testing and it's gotten better here. I don't know that you're ever 100 percent happy but that's the nature of the sport. There's always something you could be doing a tiny bit better.
"We open against a very steady car with Troy Buff (the No. 13 qualifier with a 3.843 at 315.64 mph), so we'll need to be up for that battle and any other ones we may earn. I know the boys are excited and ready to race."
Race day eliminations will air live from 2-5 p.m. PT on FOX Sports 1.
