Morgan Lucas returns to Atlanta Dragway with E3 Spark Plugs as primary sponsor
ATLANTA – Top Fuel veteran and past Atlanta champion Morgan Lucas will enjoy his second NHRA drag race of the 
season this weekend when he competes at the 35th annual Summit Southern Nationals in the E3 Spark Plugs/Lucas Oil dragster.
“We are thrilled to showcase E3 Spark Plugs at their home track,” Lucas said. “E3 Spark Plugs is a longtime corporate partner that’s been in integral part of Team Lucas as they’ve worked to fill a void in so many different markets. Like everyone at Lucas Oil, they’ve worked really hard and had some phenomenal growth and it’ll be a lot of fun to spend a weekend with those folks and hopefully have some success together.”
The son of Lucas Oil Products founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Morgan has raced on a part-time basis the last two seasons as he learns the family business. But despite competing in just seven races last year, the 22-time national event winner is no easy mark for his opponents, having won two national events and reaching two more semifinal rounds in his limited time on track.
“We seem to have found a way for my part-time crew to mesh really well with our full-time guys that work on the dragster Richie (Crampton, teammate) drives and we’ve had some great results,” Lucas said. “Most of the guys have worked together for many years so the familiarity is there, which helps a bunch. Aaron Brooks and Rod Centorbi (tuners) also have the cars set-up very similarly so the data transfers well.
“Winning two times last year in just seven races says a lot about this group. I continue to be very proud of them for the hard work they put in when we call on them.”
Returning to action at Atlanta Dragway also has Lucas fired up as he can look back to his inaugural win in the Top Fuel category, which took place at this facility in 2009.
“You never forget your first win and for me Atlanta Dragway was where it happened so the track will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “I remember waiting out some pretty good rain before we got to run for the title that year and the diehard fans who stayed there to celebrate with us made it so cool.
“I do get asked a lot if I miss racing every weekend and while the easy answer is ‘yes’ I actually have been so busy with the company and all the things I need to learn that I haven’t had a bunch of time to think about it. Fortunately, I do get chances like this to come out and have some fun and it would be great to win again and share the trophy with everyone at E3 Spark Plugs and back home at Lucas Oil. We’re sure going to try.”
Qualifying rounds will take place at 4:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, and 1:30 and 4 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at 11 a.m., Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all the action.
