CHICAGO (June 24) - With momentum on his side, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton is ready to make his Chicago debut this weekend at the O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals, June 26-29, at Route 66 Raceway.
After adding another semifinal appearance under his career belt last weekend, Crampton is looking to continue the success and capture another event win. And racing at a track where the GEICO/Lucas Oil team has had much success, the possibility of his second career victory coming in Chicago is highly possible.
"The entire team is pretty excited to get to Chicago," Crampton said. "Last year as a team we qualified No. 1 with Morgan Lucas. Unfortunately we lost in the first round that day, but nonetheless we qualified No. 1, which is definitely an accomplishment.
"This is a racetrack that Aaron (Brooks, crew chief) has some good history with in the past, especially recently. I think we have a really good chance to do well there, especially after how this past weekend went. This whole experience is still so surreal for me, but I keep reminding myself to stay focused and take it one round at a time."
Despite the excitement from his recent success, Crampton has already began to preparing for this weekend's race.
"It's going to be a hot race day from what we can see right now," Crampton said. "It may end up being similar conditions to how it was for race day in Epping (N.H.) or a little bit hotter. We will have to be prepared for that. I can't wait to get there and keep making some more runs."
Crampton will be ready to go when qualifying sessions are held at 5:15 and 8 p.m., Friday, and 5 and 8 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all qualifying and elimination action, including live coverage of the final two rounds.
