Thursday, March 21, 2024

Crampton picks up his first TF win at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

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By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Englishtown, NJ – Rookie Geico Top Fuel dragster Richie Crampton has had a good win.

On May 20th, his girlfriend Stephanie welcomed the couple’s first baby, Emma, into the world. Less than two weeks later, Crampton won his first Wally at the 45th Toyota NHRA Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey.

Geico Top Fuel Dragster driver Richie Crampton suited up in his dragster before making a pass at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
Richie Crampton suited up in his dragster before making a pass at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park (Photo by Kevin Tuno)

He defeated Doug Kalitta in the Top Fuel final. It was also the 100th different driver to win a Top Fuel race.

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Crampton went 3.819 at 320.51 mph to get the win. Kalitta went 3.848 at 317.34 mph in the losing effort.

“For us to get into the winner’s circle in a Toyota-sponsored car at the Toyota Summernationals, it’s a great deal,” Crampton said. “I had no idea somebody could possibly be the 100th new winner; it’s pretty special to get that.”

Kalitta was 1-0 against Crampton in prior events. This was the first time that the two drivers faced one another in a final round.

The Michigan native had the early advantage. He had the lead until half-track.

That’s when Crampton chased him down and took the lead. The Indiana native then remained in the lead through the rest of the race.

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Crampton won by 0.0098 seconds, or approx. 5 feet.

Kalitta was in his fifth final round of the season in the first 9 events. He is the current Top Fuel leader and hasn’t won at Englishtown since 2003.

Geico Top Fuel Dragster driver Richie Crampton celebrating with the Traxxas women after winning his first race at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
Richie Crampton celebrating with the Traxxas women after winning his first race at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park (Photo by David Rickert)

Crampton’s boss Morgan Lucas was in attendance to see the Australian win. The Lucas Oil car, which was driven by Lucas, went into the semi-finals.

“This is all surreal right now. I’m really just living the dream. I know that’s cliché, but I’m super lucky,” Crampton added.

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Anthony Caruso III
Anthony Caruso IIIhttps://thecapitalsportsreport.com
Anthony Caruso III is the Publisher of The Capital Sports Report. He has been in the Journalism field since August 2002. Since that time, Mr. Caruso has covered many marquee events. This includes 13 Heisman Trophy ceremonies, 2 Little World Series events, and one Army-Navy College Football game.
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