Las Vegas, November 1 ,2014 - Although he didn't end up with his first career low qualifier award despite holding that slot through three of four qualifying sessions, rookie of the year front-runner Richie Crampton was all smiles after climbing out of the cockpit of his GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster.
Crampton rode crew chief Aaron Brook's always-reliable cool-weather tune-up to three lightning-quick 3.7-second passes, which is sure to strike fear in the hearts of his potential opponents in Sunday's elimination rounds. His best run of 3.748 seconds at 325.14 mph, which put him on the provisional pole Friday, ended up slotting him fourth on the race day grid.
"Yeah, aside from the first run when we had a mechanical issue, the car's been perfect," Crampton said. "I don't know that too many teams will be happy top see us in the other lane.
"The weather turned dead-solid perfect today and the cars responded. It was mine-shaft conditions, as they say, and Aaron always seems to shine when he can be extra aggressive. From what I understand the weather will remain about the same tomorrow, so we should be in a good position to do well."
Aside from Crampton's run of record, he also posted a 3.762 at 323.97 mph and a 3.764 at 322.42 mph.
"No matter what, those are stout runs," Crampton said. "We were really going for it in Q4 and just missed it by a touch. I wanted the pole for the guys, but a win tomorrow will be even better. We've been lucky enough to win two already this year, including Indy, but to get one of these last two races would be a great finish.
"We're trying to do all we can to impress the voters for the Auto Club Road to the Future award, which goes to the top rookie. Another big day in eliminations will help. It's really been awesome to be considered for that deal because obviously you can only win it once."
Sunday's workload starts with a Round 1 race against No. 13 qualifier Bob Vandergriff Jr., who posted a best run of 3.793 at 320.05 mph.
Eliminations begin at 11 a.m. Action will air on ESPN2.
