Team Kalitta Pre-Race Report - Las Vegas (1 Viewer)

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Pre-Race Report

Event 04: NHRA Four-Wide Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas
April 6-8​

Kalitta desires a return to the Vegas winners circle
Las Vegas Highlights: Two wins (Fall 2015, Fall 2004); Four finals (Spring 2014, Fall 2007, Spring 2005, Spring 2003); Two no. 1 qualifiers (Spring 2005, Spring 2003)

Last Event Recap (NHRA Gatornationals): Qualified seventh; First round defeat (Lost to Richie Crampton in the first round)

2017 NHRA Las Vegas Nationals Recap: Qualified third; Semifinalist (Defeated Steve Chrisman in the first round and Clay Millican in the quarterfinals, lost to Tony Schumacher in the semifinals)

Quotable: “The Mac Tools team has been hard at work with this time off and we are excited to get to Las Vegas to experience the first four wide event. It is an exciting event and we are ready to be apart.”

Career Stats: 461 starts; 627 round wins (ninth all-time); 44 wins (Fifth all-time in Top Fuel); 92 finals; 49 no.1 qualifiers (tied 14th all-time)

2018 Season: One Win (Pomona-I); Four round wins; fifth in the standings

2017 Season Recap: One win (Charlotte-II); Four finals (Pomona-I, Norwalk, Charlotte-II, St. Louis); Two no.1 qualifiers (Norwalk, Charlotte-II); 34 round wins; third in the standings

Noteworthy: Next no.1 qualifier is 50th of his career, would be the 14th driver to earn that mark​

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Crampton looking for back-to-back wins
Las Vegas Highlights: One win (Spring 2015)

Last Event Recap (NHRA Gatornationals): Qualified 10th; Race Winner (Defeated Doug Kalitta in the first round, Mike Salinas in the quarterfinals, Antron Brown in the semifinals and Shawn Reed in the final)

2017 NHRA Las Vegas Nationals Recap: Did not compete

Quotable: “Four wide is always exciting. The Kalitta Air team is carrying momentum from Gainesville and I would love nothing more than to win the first four wide event in Las Vegas.”

Career Stats: 82 starts; 79 round wins; Eight wins; 10 finals; Five no.1 qualifiers

2018 Season: One win (Gainesville); Four round wins; sixth in the standings

2017 Season Stats: Seven starts; One final (Charlotte-II); Five round wins

Noteworthy: Crampton will join his teammate, J.R. Todd, as part of the pre-race NHRA press conference on Thursday that will include the first four-wide burnout in Las Vegas​

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Langdon plans to continue run of strong performance
Las Vegas Highlights: Two no.1 qualifiers (Fall 2013, Spring 2009)

Last Event Recap (NHRA Gatornationals): Qualified fourth; Semifinalist (Defeated Gary Densham in the first round and Tommy Johnson Jr. in the quarterfinals, lost to Jack Beckman in the semifinals)

2017 NHRA Las Vegas Nationals (Top Fuel): Did not compete

Quotable: “I love racing in Vegas twice a year, but I have never been able to find much success. Hopefully, it will change this year with the new track and lanes and the switch to four wide. I feel good about where we are thus far with the Global Electronic Technology Toyota Camry this season. It is my first four wide in a Funny Car, and I am ready to get to Vegas and hopefully score the win.”

Career Stats: 208 starts; 251 round wins; 14 wins; 30 finals; 18 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: Three starts; Four round wins)

2018 Season: Three starts; Four round wins; seventh in the standings

2017 Season Stats: 20 starts; Two finals (Dallas, Pomona II); 17 round wins; seventh in the point standings​

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Todd ready for first Vegas win
Las Vegas Highlights: Three finals (Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2006); Two no. 1 qualifiers (Spring 2015, Fall 2014)

Last Event Recap (NHRA Gainesville): Qualified eighth; First round defeat (Lost to Del Worsham in the first round)

2017 NHRA Las Vegas Nationals: Qualified ninth; First round defeat (Lost to Alexis DeJoria in the first round)

Quotable: “I always enjoy racing in Las Vegas as all of our Kalitta cars seem to run well there. With the new track surface and inaugural four wide event, the weekend should provide plenty of excitement for the fans.”

Career Stats: 175 starts; 168 round wins; 11 wins; 21 finals; 9 no.1 qualifiers (Funny Car stats: 27 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 19 round wins)

2018 Season: Three starts; One round win; eighth in the point standings

2017 Season Stats: 24 starts; Two wins (Sonoma, Indianapolis); Three finals (Charlotte-I, Sonoma, Indianapolis); 18 round wins; ninth in the point standings​

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All photos are courtesy of Gary Nastase Photography.​