Pro Stock’s longest-tenured driver, Larry Morgan, hopes experience pays in Texas

DALLAS – After three decades of drag racing at the top level of the sport, Pro Stock veteran Larry Morgan says his current Gray Motorsports-powered FireAde Chevrolet Camaro is the best race car he has ever driven, and victories earlier this year in Charlotte and Denver along with a runner-up result in Chicago only serve to support his opinion.

Now, on the eve of the 30th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, Morgan says he’d love nothing more than to finish his best season in 25 years with another victory or two, starting with Sunday’s tilt at Texas Motorplex.

“We actually know what we’re doing, imagine that,” Morgan said with a wide smile. “This old man still has lots of fight left in him, and having a year like this really validates all the time we put in struggling to keep up. NHRA Pro Stock is a tough game. It takes a lot of money, a lot of horsepower, and most importantly a lot of talent. Then you have to get all those things working together.

“We’ve had a lot of fun this year, like we do every year, but it’s certainly been more special with Ron and Teresa Thames of FireAde coming along and supporting what we’ve been doing. Through them, we’ve aligned ourselves with Gray Motorsports, and they’ve given us the power we’ve needed. My crew guys have been there through thick and thin. We have the total package.

“The best reward for everyone is to end the day in the winner’s circle. That’s what we’re going to try our best to do tomorrow, and in Las Vegas and Pomona (Calif.), too.”

Morgan’s best pass in this weekend’s four qualifying sessions was a ninth-best 6.507 at 213.16 mph, which pits him against No. 8 qualifier Shane Gray, who posted a 6.500 at 213.33 mph, in the first round of eliminations on Sunday.

“We’re not afraid of anyone,” Morgan said. “They’re all good in this class and certainly if you can qualify, you can win. There’s not that much difference between the No. 1 guy and the No. 16 guy, let alone between me and Shane. Usually, it comes down to the most consistent team that limits their mistakes throughout the day. We’ve been that twice this year. Now we want to do it again.”

Pro Stock eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. All racing action will be shown on ESPN2.