Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Litton unveils new look as team prepares for huge Spring Nitro Jam

NORWALK, Ohio (March 23, 2010) – For the second consecutive year Louisiana race fans witnessed Bruce Litton and the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster visit victory lane at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam and once again it was longtime rival Bobby Lagana Jr. he bested in the Sunday final.

With a packed house in the background Litton defeated reigning World Champ Del Cox Jr. in Sunday's opening round with a 4.753 at 314.13 mph to Cox's losing 5.085, 247 before repeating last year's Mardi Gras final against Lagana. In that final Litton posted the quickest elapsed time of the weekend, a solid 4.741 at 314.79 mph to bring home his first Ironman of the season.

"We are very excited to get a win at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam in back to back years," Litton said. "We've had a great start to the season and we're excited to keep up that trend. The Lucas Oil team is doing a great job on this dragster and really adjusting well to the new Nitro Jam format. So far, it's working really well for us.

"The fans were great at the Mardi Gras Nitro Jam. It's great to run in front of overflowing stands. It's even better to win in front of overflowing stands. Hopefully we'll keep this momentum going."

Litton also debuted a brand new paint job featuring Lucas Slick Mist and new uniforms giving the Lucas Oil team a bright new look to accompany the brand new season.

"That weekend was our first weekend out with the Lucas Slick Mist paint job. We're excited to bring out this great product and let people know that Lucas is not known only as the leader in automotive oil products," Litton said. "On top of producing the world's best oil, they offer numerous products to keep cars running and looking like new. Lucas is the number one source with a wide range of products for street car and motorsports use.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Lucas Oil."

While Litton stole the show on Sunday, Del Cox Jr. brought home the victory Saturday night. Cox bested Lagana for the first time this season in the opening round before defeating teammate Spencer Massey in Saturday's final.

"It is always fun to get to race Spencer and it sure was nice to get back to the winner's circle," Cox said. "I had my first runner-up finish in Top Fuel at Palm Beach and it didn't feel very good. I am here to win so it is always nice to come away with a trophy."

The Spring Nitro Jam is the next stop on the Nitro Jam tour May 1-2 at Rockingham Dragway, a race that is known for bringing out the best in the competition.

"We always look forward to going to Rockingham. It is one of the oldest races and it means a lot to be able to run well there," said Litton, who won the fall Rockingham race in October. "I can't wait to get down there."

The race is especially meaningful for Cox who won his first career Top Fuel Ironman at the spring event last year.

"Rockingham will always be special to me as the place where I won my first race so it means a lot to go back there," Cox said. "That is a huge weekend and everyone knows it. I am really looking forward to it."

Entering Rockingham Bobby Lagana Jr. leads the Top Fuel standings by 10 points over Litton. Cox is third followed closely by teammate Spencer Massey.

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