After thrilling Denver victory, FireAde’s Larry Morgan aims to sweep Western Swing

SONOMA, CA – FireAde Pro Stock driver Larry Morgan needs to pack one more item in his team’s hauler as it heads to California for the NHRA Sonoma Nationals this weekend at Sonoma Raceway.

“I’m going to go get a broom,” Morgan said with a chuckle. “I’m going to start using it.”

That’s because Morgan is now the only Pro Stock driver who can sweep the three-race Western Swing after winning in Denver last weekend.

“Boy, what an exciting weekend we had in Denver,” Morgan said. “Now we’re headed to Sonoma on a good note, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Morgan qualified No. 2 in Denver, marking the highest he has qualified since 2007 in Gainesville, Fla., where he was also No. 2.

But the Denver race will be remembered for the epic staging battle in the final round between Morgan and three-time defending race winner Allen Johnson. After both drivers sat in the pre-stage beams for more than 90 seconds, Johnson staged first but then Morgan left first and won the race on a holeshot.

That was Morgan’s second victory of 2015, making it the first time since 1990 that he has won more than one race in a single season. Morgan won four that year.

“Gosh, we had a good day,” Morgan said. “I’m excited for everyone involved: FireAde, Lucas Oil, Streamlight, Gray Motorsports — all the good people I have supporting me. I’m just a blessed guy.”

FireAde joined Larry Morgan Racing as sponsor for the 2015 season, and Morgan switched to Chevrolet while aligning with Gray Motorsports for engines and technical support. But FireAde started it all.

“Putting this deal together and helping (FireAde founder) Ron Thames promote his company has been great,” Morgan said. “Ron stuck his neck out to help us get out here. He’s got one great product, and people need to take note of it. It’s going to be huge, and I’m proud to have his company on my car.”

After Sonoma, where Morgan won in 2002, comes Seattle to complete the Swing. Morgan raced to the final there in 2003 but hasn’t won at Pacific Raceways.

“We’re due to win,” Morgan said. “Let’s do it again. I’m ready to sweep.”

Pro Stock qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:15 and 6:45 p.m., Friday, and 1:10 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon Sunday. ESPN2 will carry both qualifying and elimination action.