DALLAS (Sept. 17) - The goal for Morgan Lucas and the Lucas Oil/GEICO Top Fuel dragster team hasn't changed, even with two national events being run this weekend at Texas Motorplex.
The Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, postponed from last weekend in Charlotte, will be completed in Dallas. Plus, the normal NHRA FallNationals is slated to be run, giving Lucas two chances to help out Morgan Lucas Racing teammate Richie Crampton as a blocker, as well as two shots at victory.
Lucas isn't racing a full schedule this year, but he has been one of the most potent drivers in Top Fuel, winning in Brainerd and reaching the semifinals in two other races.
Lucas also knocked out points leader Doug Kalitta in the first round in Charlotte before NHRA postponed the event.
"That's really nice to see them willing to work with us as team owners," Lucas said of NHRA at the Charlotte race. "We might've ran (second round) and might've been just fine, but you don't drive a car without GEICO insurance. Murphy's Law is tough sometimes, but we'll go to Dallas and try to keep these points things in line and hopefully do some work for (crew chief) Aaron (Brooks) and the guys."
Lucas wasn't originally scheduled to race in Dallas but made the decision to go following the Charlotte postponement. The part-time team has raced five times, including the Carolina Nationals, with Lucas posting a stellar 9-3 won-loss record.
He's hopeful of eliminating some more Countdown to the Championship contenders, both in the continuation of the Charlotte race as well as the Dallas event.
"I love the state, I love the everything about Texas," Lucas said. "It's a long trip and there's a lot of extra miles and extra work for the guys. I hate putting people in situations they weren't planning on being in, but that's the nature of the sport, and our guys will suck it up and move on."
Top Fuel qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3 and 6 p.m., Friday, and noon and 3 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at 11 a.m., Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all qualifying and elimination action.
