GAINESVILLE, Florida March 10, 2015 - Currently sitting sixth in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series points standings, tying a previous career-high, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton is determined to continue his championship charge at the NHRA Gatornationals this weekend at Auto-Plus Raceway.
Crampton has qualified second and third in the two races this season, winning a round at both races in Pomona and Phoenix, but he'd like to improve on that in Gainesville.
"It's going to be business as usual when we get to Gainesville," Crampton said. "It's going to be all about trying to go as many rounds as we can on Sunday. If we can do that, I'm sure we'll be where we need to be at the end of the day.
"I couldn't be more proud of my guys and the start we have had to the 2015 season. We've definitely showed that we'll be in contention week in and week out and that there was no fluke to the success we had last year."
Looking to back up last year's No. 3 qualifying effort in Florida, Crampton is confident he can continue his recent qualifying upswing. But he is hoping the elimination ladder has a more promising layout this year, unlike in 2014 when he met Morgan Lucas Racing teammate Morgan Lucas in round one.
"We'll definitely be carrying good momentum into this weekend's race in Gainesville," Crampton said. "(Crew chief) Aaron Brooks really likes this racetrack a lot and historically we've done pretty well there as a team.
"Last year we qualified strong for this race, and with how the first couple of races have gone for us this year, I'm sure we can continue that success again."
Qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, and 12:45 and 3:45 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations will start at approximately 11 a.m., Sunday, with both qualifying and elimination action broadcast on ESPN2 on tape-delay basis.
