GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 8) -- Morgan Lucas arrives at this weekend's 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals a tried and true winner in the Top Fuel ranks. He's coming off a career-best season that included three national event victories and a deep playoff run for his GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster team.
It's made for some very happy times at Morgan Lucas Racing, which includes the Lucas Oil/Speedco dragster of teammate Shawn Langdon.
But Lucas knows past success assures drag racers of nothing and he arrives at Gainesville Raceway intent on starting a new string of victorious moments.
"We feel like we can go to any race and win with either car," Lucas said. "We haven't always been able to say that, especially this early in the season. You never want to have too much confidence but I'm really excited about our program right now.
"The Gators is a huge event for drag racers. You look at the guys that have won here before and all the legends are on that list. You want to be a part of it. Yet, for whatever reason, success at this particular race has been elusive for me. I've won rounds here, but never punched through for a win. We'd really like to change that this year."
A former Sportsman racer with deep ties to the amateur ranks due in large part to his father and mother's company, Lucas Oil, sponsoring the entire Sportsman series, Lucas knows the pits will be packed with lots of old friends.
"Everyone from the east coast seems to make it to the Gators, which is part of the reason why it's so hard to win," Lucas said. "All the big hitters will be there. Of course, the pro ranks will be stacked as well. Everyone wants to be a part of history and if you win this race, it's special."
Lucas and crew chief Jimmy Walsh hope for mild spring break-like weather so they can show off all of the 8,000 horsepower their hot rod makes.
"Mid to low 70s would be ideal," said Lucas, the youngest professional in the nitro ranks at 26 years of age. "The track is near sea level and the conditions can be great, which is good for putting down the power. We've been working real hard on getting this car ready to win. We're coming in with the goal of winning the race."
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