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Don Lampus Pomona Preview

Top Fuel Driver Don Lampus Makes Third NHRA Appearance POMONA, Calif - A new face in the Top Fuel ranks, Don Lampus, returns to the Fairplex in his third NHRA National Event appearance since his mid-season debut last year. A fifth place finish ...

Edited: May 8, 2001, 12:19 PM

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Top Fuel Driver Don Lampus Makes Third NHRA Appearance

POMONA, Calif - A new face in the Top Fuel ranks, Don Lampus, returns to the Fairplex in his third NHRA National Event appearance since his mid-season debut last year.

A fifth place finish in the IHRA Top Fuel points battle and setting several IHRA track speed records during his rookie year motivated Lampus to compete at last year's Winston Finals. Lampus qualified at only his second NHRA National Event, where he faced defending champion Gary Scelzi in the first round.

"I'm excited at having achieved something that I've wanted to do since I started drag racing. Being able to qualify and make the field, especially at Pomona, was a milestone for me," said Lampus.

Racing against Scelzi, Lampus concentrated on cutting a good light and making a clean run. "You know everyone is watching, and I didn't want to embarrass myself or my crew. I just wanted to cut a light and make a clean pass. I didn't think I would beat him unless he smoked the tires, so I focused on leaving and driving the car straight. We made the program, raced opposite the World Champion and didn't hurt any major parts in the process. That was a fun weekend!"

Lampus returns to the track where he obtained a Super Comp license attending Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School in '97. It was his first time in a dragster, and that experience was the launching pad for his entry into the Top Fuel ranks.

"Attending Frank's school and receiving my license lit the fuse," said Lampus. "I just wanted to go faster, and the only way to fill that need for speed was to race the 'rotate the earth' nitro dragsters."

Looking to make the program at this year's Winternationals is one of the team goals. "I want to get the car down the track and qualify, and perhaps even come up with a personal best," said Lampus. "I'm confident we'll step up and improve our performance from last year."

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