NHRA: Sitting third in points, Crampton hopes to get first Phoenix win
Making his debut in the NHRA Top Fuel class in 2014, Richie Crampton and his Morgan Lucas Racing team have made it to the winner’s circle in both the 2014 and 2015 seasons. However, the Australian-born racing driver is still looking for his first win at Phoenix.
The 35-year-old will have his chance this weekend as the stars of NHRA head to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona for the second event of the 2016 season.
Crampton heads into the event in third in the points after making it through to the semi-finals at the season-opener two weeks ago at Pomona.
"I'm really looking forward to going to Phoenix and trying to win there," said Crampton, who took five wins en route to finishing third in the Top Fuel points in 2015. "That's obviously the objective, rolling out of Pomona after a semifinal finish. That's pretty neat."
Crampton lost in the first round in Phoenix in 2014 in his second career race, and only made it to the second round there in 2015.
Temperatures similar to those at Pomona are expected this weekend, however, which Crampton believes is a boon for his chances.
"Hopefully the weather will be similar to Pomona when we get back there," Crampton said. "It was unseasonably cool when we tested there a couple of weeks ago. Everything being equal and us having our data from last week, we should be looking good.
"Phoenix is a tricky track for crew chiefs, but I think (crew chief) Aaron (Brooks) and the Lucas boys will get it figured out.
"I love Phoenix. I've got some family there, and it's a fun city. We're excited about seeing the impact FOX Sports makes on our sport as we move forward. It should be a good show for the fans."
FS1 and FOX Sports GO will broadcast qualifying from the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in a one-hour show beginning at 10 p.m. ET Saturday night. Three hours of finals coverage will follow at 5 p.m. ET Sunday.
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