NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Kalitta Motorsports named former Rookie of the Year and U.S. Nationals champion Richie Crampton the driver of the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster. He will begin his tenure for Kalitta Motorsports at the historic U.S. Nationals and will remain in the seat for the balance of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.

The Top Fuel pilot takes over driving duties in the SealMaster Toyota dragster for Troy Coughlin Jr., who resigned his position with Kalitta Motorsports on Saturday evening.

"It was a huge honor to get the call from Jim O (Oberhofer) asking if I could finish out the year with the team,” said Crampton. “Connie Kalitta is a legend, and for me to get an opportunity like this is unreal. I am excited to jump into the SealMaster Toyota dragster and see what we can do. I never knew if I was going to be able to drive a Top Fuel dragster again, so I am extremely grateful for this opportunity."

Crampton began his NHRA career in 2007 as a crew member at Morgan Lucas Racing, eventually elevating himself to clutch specialist and car chief. However, Crampton had the desire to drive. Morgan Lucas Racing put Crampton in a Top Fuel ride in 2014, and Crampton had success nearly immediately. Crampton scored the U.S. Nationals win in his rookie season on his way to the Auto Club Road To The Future trophy. In 2015, Crampton earned five victories and finished third in the final point standings. In 72 career events, Crampton has earned seven wins, five No. 1 qualifiers and 70 career round wins.

SealMaster, the pavement maintenance industry’s one-stop source for materials, products and equipment, will continue to back Kalitta Motorsports as Crampton’s primary sponsor. SealMaster has been a valued partner of Kalitta Motorsports family since 2014 and a primary sponsor since 2016. 

"After talking with Connie Kalitta and SealMaster, we decided Richie Crampton would make a good fit to fill the seat of the SealMaster dragster," said Jim Oberhofer, Vice President of Operations, Kalitta Motorsports. "His driving experience as well as his overall knowledge of the dragster will make him a valuable asset to Kalitta Motorsports. We were happy he was available to race in Indy." 

Crampton will make his first qualifying lap in the SealMaster Top Fuel dragster on Friday evening as he begins his trek for his second U.S. Nationals trophy. Eliminations begin on Monday, September 4th at 11:00am EST.