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Can 'two-in-one' race be kind to Lucas Oil pro Morgan?

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DALLAS (Sept. 17) - Larry Morgan and his Lucas Oil Pro Stock team are ready for a Texas two-step during this weekend's NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events at Texas Motorplex.

Morgan was the No. 15 qualifier for the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte last weekend, but he never got to race No. 2 qualifier Vincent Nobile because NHRA postponed the race.

That event will now be completed this weekend, as will the regularly schedule AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.

"It's two races, two in one," Morgan said. "I've been known to win two-in-ones. I'm excited about going. I couldn't wait to get home and work on my car after Charlotte.

"We're trying to move forward on something that we're just having a hard time accelerating. We'll be all right; I know it."

Morgan was in the staging lanes in Charlotte before the race was postponed. NHRA and track officials were evaluating the track surface after a crash by Vieri Gaines before rain began to fall, and the race was eventually moved to Dallas.

Morgan was philosophical about the decision.

"I hate it for (track owner) Bruton (Smith)," Morgan said. "He gives us a good place to race, and it just wasn't good last weekend. To be honest with you, whatever NHRA decides to do I'm sure is for our best interest. What can we say?

"There's not one person that went to Charlotte and didn't want to race. It is what it is. It's unfortunate we couldn't finish it there but all we can do is press on. We'll do what we have got to do to go to the next race."

After one qualifying session Friday, Morgan will face Nobile in the first round of the Charlotte event, which also serves as Q1 for Dallas.

Q3 and Q4 for Dallas will also be Charlotte's second round and semifinals, respectively, with the final an additional round on Saturday. Sunday's Dallas eliminations remain as scheduled.

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:15 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all qualifying and elimination action.