Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas considers his father Forrest as his hero and admits to being a bit of
a momma's boy at times, so it's not surprising that the driver of the GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil
dragster considers his 2004 win at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway
as one of his all-time favorite memories.
"Mom and Dad put so much into this race because it's a Lucas Oil race," Morgan said. "It's
important to them that this event is one of the best on tour and they always make sure all the
racers and fans are having fun. For me to win this race is like icing on the cake.
"In 2004 I was fortunate enough to win both of the races we sponsored -- Brainerd and Reading (Pa.)
-- in my Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster. To see how happy my parent's were to hand me the trophy at
the top end was so cool. Those two wins rank right at the top of anything I've ever done in drag
racing."
It was at that same Brainerd race in 2004 when Morgan made his Top Fuel debut, taking the seat in
Joe Amato's Lucas Oil dragster that had once been occupied by the late Darrell Russell.
"It was a dream weekend for me," Morgan said. "Our Top Alcohol team was clicking right along and
the car was running so strong. Then we came out with Joe's team and I made my professional debut.
Without question, Darrell Russell was my No. 1 racing idol and meeting him when I was a kid was one
of the big reasons I feel in love with the sport. It was an awesome privilege to take over what he
started with Joe Amato."
In all, Morgan has won 11 national events, including the Southern Nationals in Atlanta earlier this
year. He's on pace to have his best season ever as a professional and he knows a second victory at
BIR would help his cause tremendously at this point in the season.
"I'd love to give my parents another reason to celebrate," Morgan said. "We certainly have the car
to go rounds. There have been a lot of rounds lately where we've had the quickest car and that
really boosts your confidence. I truly think we just need everything to fall into place like it did
in Atlanta for us to win again.
"No matter what, you always go into Brainerd knowing you're in for a good time. The fans are crazy
and the parties they have out there in the Zoo are legendary. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and
laidback. It's a race we all enjoy going to, for sure."
Friday's first two qualifying sessions are scheduled for 3:30 and 6:15 p.m.
