Top Fuel teammates Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon finished the opening day of the 12th annual
United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals with a pair of great 1,000-foot passes that placed them
fourth and fifth on the grid, respectively.
After encountering some engine problems in Friday's opening session, Lucas and crew responded with
a superb run of 3.875 seconds at 305.56 mph under the lights in the GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil
dragster.
"We went digging into our log books and found some information that really helped us in Q2," Lucas
said. "That was a big run for us for a number of reasons, but mainly because it lifted everyone's
spirits. People don't think about it but the crew guys work just as hard when the car in hurting as
when it runs good. It's easy to get frustrated.
"One of the things that is really making a difference for us this year is the continuity and
chemistry among the crew guys. Everyone works really well together and having Jimmy Walsh as our
crew chief is great. We're all on the same page and it feels good to put up a number like that so
we can all sleep a little easier tonight."
Langdon opened with a competitive 3.923 at 305.49 mph in his Lucas Oil/Dixie Choppers dragster and
then managed to improve to a 3.881 at 311.27 mph.
"This Luca Oil car is just so reliable," Langdon said. "It makes it really easy for me as a driver
because I know we're going down the track every time.
"The conditions improved when the sun went down and we were able to just finesse the tune-up from
earlier and add a little more power. From what I hear it's supposed to be even better tomorrow so
maybe we'll be able to step it up even more. But you never know. Everyone has told me the weather
here is crazy."
Saturday's final two professional qualifying sessions are scheduled to begin at 1 and 4 p.m. There
are 18 Top Fuel dragsters on the property so two teams will be sidelined for Sunday's action.
