David Rampy

While the sport of drag racing provides ample opportunities for competitors in the pro ranks to earn their livelihood doing what they love, there are precious few chances for sportsman racers to do the same. 

- Bill Holland

You can probably count them all on one hand. One of the lucky few is known as “Rambo” David Rampy.

For nearly 35 years, the Piedmont, Alabama, resident has been traveling the NHRA circuit (plus IHRA in the ’80s) in search of the winner’s circle. He’s found it an astounding 95 times at NHRA national events, plus at 55 divisional titles and assorted other major events.

It all began in 1973 when David transitioned from an occasional illicit participant in “contests of speed” to the preferred environment of a sanctioned drag strip—Sylacauga in particular. His weapon of choice was a four-speed ’66 Chevelle.

Rampy first struck pay dirt in 1983, winning Super Stock Eliminator at NHRA’s Cajun Nationals. His mount was a Pontiac GTO owned by his future father-in-law, Sonny Ray. He and Sonny’s daughter, Kelly, tied the knot in 1986, and she’s been an important part of the equation ever since, tending to the administrative needs of a full schedule. Meanwhile, Rampy has plenty on his plate maintaining a variety of race cars, including a ’93 S-10 bracket racer for 26-year-old son Chase.