It has been a very strong rookie season for NHRA Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton.

Crampton, who drives for Morgan Lucas Racing and won the U.S. Nationals, added more memories when he set the track record at the historic Auto Club Raceway Saturday with a 3.711-second run at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

It has been a very strong rookie season for NHRA Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton.

Crampton, who drives for Morgan Lucas Racing and won the U.S. Nationals, added more memories when he set the track record at the historic Auto Club Raceway Saturday with a 3.711-second run at the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

“It feels great,” said Crampton about getting his first No. 1 qualifying spot. “We have been so close to being No. 1 at a few other races this season. It’s really good and an awesome feeling to put that on the list of my accomplishments this year and obviously it has been an amazing year. Aaron Brooks (Crampton’s crew chief) and the GEICO team threw everything they had at it and it stuck. It didn’t quite make it to the finish line only making it 316 for speed, so I think there might have been a little bit more in it, but nonetheless we will take it.”

Crampton faces off against Troy Buff in the first round Sunday, his last as a rookie.

“I guess I worry about who I’m racing against too much,” said Crampton about his most common rookie mistake he still makes. “My reaction times suffer a little bit because of it because when I’m up against a world champion or a former world champion, it is pretty intimidating for me. These are the guys I used to watch sitting on a couch on the other side of the world. The intimidation factor and not feeling completely worthy are probably the biggest hurdles I’ve had to get over this season.”

When Crampton saw his teammate Lucas run a 3.738-second lap in front of him, he had high hopes for his lap.

“I think everyone knows when Aaron Brooks has two good race cars what he can do out here,” Crampton said. “I knew if our car could make it past the Christmas tree it would probably be on a mission. I was hanging on and ready for it and it was a heck of a ride.”

Crampton arrived at the season finale 10th in the point standings and he took a moment to reflect on his first season.

“I’m probably the most spoiled rookie in the history of NHRA,” Crampton said. “I get to drive such great equipment for one of the best teams out here. It’s all the team and this great race car and all the great sponsors we have in GEICO and Lucas Oil and the help we get from Toyota, it’s just amazing. I’m just a lucky guy who gets to drive really great equipment in my first season. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I’m trying hard and trying to learn quickly and I’m just having a great time.”

Although Crampton is finishing up his first season behind the wheel, he is well aware of the importance of the NHRA Finals.

“I love this race,” said Crampton, whose hometown is Adelaide, South Australia. “I came over to the World Finals at Pomona in 1999 just as a spectator and sat in these grandstands. I love this race track and World Finals means a huge amount to me and my family as well. I have my parents here from Australia and other friends from Australia hanging out and my girlfriend’s entire family is from Southern California.”

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