BROWNSBURG, Indiana – There’s quite a few things that are very fitting about Morgan Lucas winning the Top Fuel class in Monday’s finals of the NHRA’s 61st Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.
First, it the second year in a row that a Lucas Oil team driver has won in Top Fuel (teammate Richie Crampton did it last year).
Second, the 31-year-old Lucas, who defeated Dave Connolly in the final round, is driving only a part-time schedule this season.
And third, both wins came at Lucas Oil Raceway. Lucas’ family owns Lucas Oil, which is the naming rights sponsor of the NHRA-owned track just west of Indianapolis.
“Winning this race is absolutely massive,” Lucas said. “It’s the biggest race win I’ve probably ever had in my life.
“It was a really big team effort this weekend. Last year he (Crampton) won it. So I guess it was my turn.”
MORE — NHRA: Final results, updated standings after U.S. Nationals
The win was the 12th of Lucas’ Top Fuel career and his first since last year’s season finale at Pomona, California.
“This is a special win,” he said. “This is my 11th year in Top Fuel of trying to do this. I’m still not really good at it.
“But to win this weekend is amazing and I’m very blessed and very happy to have done this.”
NOTES: With Spencer Massey’s release from Don Schumacher Racing last week, and Massey’s inability to get a last-minute ride for this weekend’s race, Connolly still came home a winner of sorts, becoming the 10th and final driver for the Countdown for the Championship.
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