A day after the season finale in Pomona, GEICO /Lucas Oil Top Fuel rookie Richie Crampton was named the NHRA Road to the Future Award recipient during Monday night’s NHRA Awards Ceremony.
The NHRA Road to the Future Award honors the top-performing rookie in the sport every year. During his inaugural season, Crampton was the No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Finals and scored wins at the prestigious 60th annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and the 45th annual Toyota NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown, N.J. In addition, his win in Englishtown made him the 100th different winner in Top Fuel class history.
“This whole experience is still surreal to me,” said Crampton, who also earned a $20,000 bonus. “I’ve said it before but I am a truly spoiled rookie. To be able to be in the equipment I am in and surrounded by the people I am, it doesn’t get any better. I am truly blessed and honored to be in this position.”
Taking over the reins of the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster when Morgan Lucas stepped aside to spend more time with his family and take on a more crucial role in the family business, Crampton was free to track the dream that he had always aspired to follow.
“Of course, none of this would even be possible if the Lucas family and all those involved had not put their faith in me and given me this chance,” Crampton said. “I just want to give a huge thank-you to Forrest, Charlotte, Morgan, and Katie Lucas, who gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Also, I want to thank GEICO, Lucas Oil, and Toyota for allowing me to represent them week in and week out on the track. Without any of them and everyone else along the way, I would have never been in the position to follow my dreams.”
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