Catch up on the latest exploits of our Aussies overseas.
Aussies Abroad
NITRO RAT READY FOR HISTORIC BAKERSFIELD MARCH MEET
Aussie racer Mathew Leonard has converted his NitroRat altered from the normal alcohol configuration he runs AA/AM in comp on the NHRA tour back over to Nitromethane for the 6.0 AA/FA class ready for this weekend’s historic March Meet at Famoso Raceway (Bakersfield, California, March 7-10). M…
AA/FA OR AA/AM: WHY NOT BOTH, SAYS LEONARD BROS RACING
Aussies Mathew Leonard and his brother Warren travelled to the Boise Nightfire Nationals recently all the way from Adelaide in South Australia. Now, after a quick change from running nitro back to alcohol, they are preparing for more racing this weekend at Salt Lake City’s RMR Raceway.…
LEONARD BROTHERS TAKE ON NIGHTFIRE NATIONALS
Australia’s Leonard Brothers will compete this weekend against the US’ best Fuel Altereds at the Nightfire Nationals. The 11-14 August event is being held at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho (US). “We have converted the NitroRat Altered from alcohol to nitromethane and will be raci…
TUCKER SEEKS REDEMPTION AT ROUTE 66
Auzmet Architectural Chevrolet Camaro driver Shane Tucker could be seen as a little apprehensive. After hurting two engines in Epping one month ago, Tucker’s team has been burning the midnight oil to repair them and return to competition. Tucker began his Route 66 Nationals with an honest 6.827-se…
Benny Stevens’ Coming To America Campaign a Hit With The Fans
Photo by Roger Richards/Competition Plus June 19, 2017: In the highly explosive, high horsepower sport of drag racing, anything can happen. Just ask Perth Top Fuel Harley racer Benny Stevens who was ready to give it his all at Round 7 of the Mickey Thompson Top Fuel Harley Series at NHRA’s Thunder…
Benny Stevens Is Ready To Rumble at NHRA’s Thunder Valley
Photo by Phil Luyer/Hi-Octane Photos This coming weekend at the NHRA Thunder Valley race, Australian Top Fuel Harley-Davidson rider Benny Stevens is set to have the ride of his life racing against some of the best nitro-burning Harley racers in the world!…
Noonan Expands USA Operation
Noonan Race Engineering is expanding its USA operations with the purchase of a new facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.…
NHRA’s New England Nats Disappointment for Shane Tucker
Shane Tucker at Mello Yello autograph signing session – Photo by NHRA The last time Pro Stock fan favourite Shane Tucker arrived at New England Dragway, he qualified No. 4 and went to the second round of eliminations after defeating John Gaydosh in 2014. …
Shane Tucker’s NHRA Southern Nationals Report Card
Australian Shane Tucker continues to improve, develop and live the dream of racing against the best in the US. Along with his father Rob Tucker, the team made their second appearance on the 2017 NHRA tour at the Southern Nationals at Atlanta, GA running their own powerplant. Here is the re…
Shane Tucker to Race at Atlanta for First Time in Career
After racing last weekend at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Shane Tucker and his Auzmet Architectural/Rob Tucker Racing team will travel a mere four hours down the road and compete for the first time at Atlanta Dragway for the 37th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals.…
Shane Tucker Locks In #15 at NHRA 4-Wide
In his 2017 American Pro Stock debut, Shane Tucker outlasted the competition and will have his chance to claim victory at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on Sunday.…
Australia’s Shane Tucker Returns to NHRA Pro Stock
Pro Stock favorite Shane Tucker will return to the states to compete this weekend at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Tucker currently plans on attending 14 races in 2017 and running their own engine program all season.…
Aussies Abroad: Taking on the NHRA World Finals
Another large contingent of Aussies were in action at the 52nd Annual Auto Club NHRA World Finals in Pomona over the weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Invasion of Las Vegas
A large Aussie contingent gathered to take on the best in Las Vegas at the 17th Annual Toyota Nationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Is this the biggest Aussie contingent ever?
The 17th Annual NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will see possibly the biggest Aussie contingent ever, and certainly the largest collection of Aussies this season, competing on track or behind the scenes.…
Aussies Abroad: Tucker, Rapisarda, Crampton, Pac Performance
Shane Tucker’s perfect light propels him into Round 2, Crampton and Rapisarda Autosport exit in Round 1 and Pac Performance runner up at Sport Compact World Challenge.…
Aussies Abroad: Shane Tucker to compete at AAA FallNationals
Pro Stock driver Shane Tucker will be driving close to his United States’ home as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series arrives at Texas Motorplex this weekend for the 31st annual AAA FallNationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton, Rapisarda go down fighting
Richie Crampton and Rapisarda Autosport with Larry Dixon behind the wheel both went down fighting in close Round 1 encounters at the 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals this past weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Rapisarda US Odyssey Continues with Dixon
Three-Time NHRA champion Larry Dixon will be reunited with Rapisarda Autosport International at the 32nd annual Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, Pennsylvania this weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton into semis, Newby out Round 1
The Aussies swapped roles this week in St Louis with Richie Crampton making the semi finals while Wayne Newby exited in Round 1.…
Aussies Abroad: Newby, Crampton, Tucker, Niki Z
There were contrasting results in Top Fuel as Wayne Newby reached the semis while Richie Crampton bowed out in Round 1 of the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway. Shane Tucker improved despite an early exit in Charlotte while Niki Zakrzewski was a semi finalist in the Manufacturers Cup over the…
Aussies Abroad: Tucker To Bounce Back at Carolina Nationals
Pro Stock driver Shane Tucker is headed to the ninth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend with a rebound in his sights. Tucker unfortunately didn’t make it into the top sixteen to race on Sunday at the U.S. Nationals but that DNQ did nothing but motivate Tucker and his Auzmet Architectural…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton Welcomes Autumn With Open Arms
The Fall Equinox may officially take place in a few days after the conclusion of this weekend’s ninth annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, but Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton of the powerful Lucas Oil Racing team is hoping autumn arrives a few days early.…
Aussies Abroad: Rapisarda Autosport to race Carolina Nationals
Rapisarda Autosport International will be seeking redemption when they race at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at z-MAX Dragway, on September 16-18.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton frustrated at Indy
After running quicker than the established Lucas Oil Raceway track record on two different occasions during last week’s pre-race test session, Top Fuel pro Richie Crampton was sky-high entering this weekend’s 62nd annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Aussies flying the flag at the U.S. Nationals
Several Australians were in action over the weekend at the 62nd Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.…
Aussies Abroad: Rapisarda Autosport Return to U.S. Nationals
Rapisarda Autosport International and team driver Wayne Newby return to the NHRA Mello Yello series at the 61st Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, held at Lucas Oil Raceway Indianapolis on August 31-Sept 5.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton smokes ’em all in testing
Richie Crampton, the 2014 Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals winner, posted the quickest time in Top Fuel Wednesday at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis during the opening day of testing for the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton’s Brainerd title defense surrendered early
As Richie Crampton sat in his Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster awaiting his turn to run down Brainerd International Raceway, he was dreaming big as car after car posted big numbers on the scoreboards. But when he finally got a chance to race good friend JR Todd towards the end of the first round, his dre…
Brothers in arms at the U.S. Nationals
When the 62nd Annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals roll around at the end of the month, most Aussie fans will be looking for names like Richie Crampton, Wayne Newby and Shane Tucker.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton puts up noble fight in Denver
Sometimes in drag racing you’re in the right place at the right time. Other times, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster driver Richie Crampton found himself in both positions at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Bandimere Speedway.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton upset in Chicago eliminations opener
Richie Crampton, driver of the Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, celebrated his 36th birthday Saturday by qualifying in the top half of the 16-car field in the No. 8 position.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton up in smoke Round 1
The best part about the NHRA New England Nationals this weekend at New England Dragway for Lucas Oil driver Richie Crampton is that the next race is only four days away.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton reaches semi finals
Fortunes are looking up for Richie Crampton and the Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster team after they raced to the semi finals of the NHRA Kansas Nationals on Sunday at Heartland Park Topeka.…
Aussies Abroad: Cantankerous race car robs Richie Crampton
After qualifying a lofty fourth for Sunday’s 29th annual NHRA SpringNationals, third-year Top Fuel pro Richie Crampton was hoping for a busy day at the drag races. Instead, his Lucas Oil dragster got out of shape early in his run against Scott Palmer, and the deficit was enough to cancel the rest of…
Aussies Abroad: NHRA 4Wide Nationals
Richie Crampton, Shane Tucker and Stever Harker all participated at the NHRA 4Wide Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina this past weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton, Russo Motorsports exit at 1st Round
Aussies Abroad: Crampton upset by 84-year old veteran
The NHRA season is only three races old, but drag racing fans may have already witnessed the biggest upset of the year as No. 1 qualifier Richie Crampton lost to 84-year-old part-time pro Chris “the Golden Greek” Karamesines when his Lucas Oil dragster smoked the tires at the hit of the throttle.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton stellar at tree but comes up short
Richie Crampton was up to the task in the first round of the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Sunday at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, but his Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster wasn’t able to carry him to the second round.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton fast start, Ham out early
Richie Crampton and the Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster team got off to a fast start in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, racing to the semifinals of the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.…
Aussies Abroad: Paul Mouhayet sets personal best at SCSN
Paul Mouhayet set a new personal best at the Street Car Super Nationals at the The Strip in Las Vegas this past weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton 3rd place finish, Crowley, Lougheed DNQ
The curtain has come down on another NHRA season with Richie Crampton sewing up a third place finish and Luke Crowley and Rhett Lougheed mixing it up in Pro Stock Motorcycle.…
Aussies Abroad: Luke Crowley to race NHRA in 2016
Native Queensland Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, Luke Crowley made his NHRA debut at the Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas this past weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crowley debuts, Lougheed, Crampton
Luke Crowley made his NHRA debut, Rhett Lougheed made his NHRA return and Richie Cramtpon reached the second round at the NHRA Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas over the weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton wins, Harker, Forbes exit round 1
Richie Crampton secured his 5th Wally for 2015, Steve Harker exited Top Alcohol in Round 1 and in Super Gas Matt Forbes was eliminated in the first round at the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton quarter finals, Harker semis
Richie Cramtpon reached the quarter finals and Steve Harker progressed to the semi finals at the NHRA Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway this past weekend. …
Aussies Abroad: Crampton, Newby exit in first round
A four-time winner in 2015, Crampton ran into one misfortune after another during the AAA Insurance Midwest Nationals this weekend at Gateway Motorsports Park, with the final bit of bad luck coming in Sunday’s first round of eliminations.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton, Harker still in the title hunt
Both Richie Crampton and Steve Harker remain in the hunt for their respective championships with contrasting performances at the NHRA Carolina Nationals over the weekend.…
Aussies Aboard: Crampton, Newby, Harker at U.S. Nationals
Richie Crampton exited the second round, Wayne Newby and Rapisarda Autosport did not qualify and Steve Harker has reached the semi finals at the 61st annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis.…
Aussie Richie Crampton set to defend US Nationals Crown
Australian drag racer Richie Crampton surprised more than a few people last year when the rookie driver piloted his Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster to victory at the sport’s biggest event, the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway, Indianapolis.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton wins again, Harker Round 2 defeat
Australian drag racing star Richie Crampton has claimed his fourth Top Fuel victory of the year, winning the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd, Minnesota and topping off a perfect weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton sets track record, Ham makes debut
Richie Crampton qualified number 1 and set a new track record while Steven Ham made his NHRA debut at the Nortthwest Nationals in Seattle over the weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton holds top-five spot
Richie Crampton maintained his fifth-place position in the points standings with a quarterfinal finish in the NHRA Sonoma Nationals on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway.…
Aussies Abroad: ‘Wild-card race’ not kind to Crampton
The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway is often called a “wild card” of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, but Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster driver Richie Crampton would prefer it be a little less wild.…
Aussies Abroad: Harker wins, Crampton back on the horse
Steve Harker won his first National event Wally of the year while Richie Crampton looks to be back in the groove following the Lucas Oil Route 66 Nationals in Chicago.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton misses field, Harker Rd 1 exit
It wasn’t a great weekend for Aussies at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio last weekend.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton thunders to third victory of 2015
On a hot, steamy Sunday at Bristol Dragway, Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster driver Richie Crampton and crew chief Aaron Brooks stayed cool, and Crampton scored a triumphant victory at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. …
Aussies Abroad: Richie Crampton clinches Kansas win
Australian NHRA Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton has taken his second win of the 2015 Mello Yello Drag Racing season and the fourth win of his short career at the Lucas Oil Kansas Nationals, held at Heartland Park Raceway, Topeka.?…
Aussies Abroad: Atlanta agonises Richie Crampton
Second-year Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton gave away a near-certain victory in the quarterfinal round of the 35th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals when he jumped the start against multi-time champion Larry Dixon.…
Aussies Abroad: Vic Corlett success in Mega Mopar Action Series
Richie Crampton and Steve Harker aren’t the only Aussies winning overseas. WA ex-pat and Westside Drag Racing Association life-member Vic Corlett recently enjoyed success in the Nostalgia Super Stock bracket at Texas Motorplex as part of the Mega Mopar Action Series.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton wins in Vegas
Richie Crampton capped a strong start to his second season with a stirring victory on Sunday at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.…
Aussies Abroad: 4-Wide finals for Crampton and Harker
Richie Crampton and Steve Harker have reached the finals of their respective classes at the 4Wide Nationals held in Charlottle, North Carolina at Zmax Dragway.…
Aussies Abroad: Harker runner up, Crampton 2nd round exit
Both NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car champion and Top Fuel pilot Richie Crampton were in action this past weekend at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton wins RACER Magazine rookie award
As a part of a illustrious group of motorsports rookies in the running for RACER Magazine’s 2014 Rookie of the Year award, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster driver Richie Crampton pulled out one last victory to add to his list of first-year accomplishments.…
Aussies Abroad: Another quarter final for Crampton
Making another strong statement in only his second year on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series circuit, GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel driver Richie Crampton drove to a hard-fought quarterfinal appearance at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.…
Aussies Abroad: Crampton shows plenty of speed at Pomona
GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster driver Richie Crampton had quite the wild day at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals on Sunday in Pomona.…