Wet and cold conditions no problem for FireAde Pro Stock driver Larry Morgan
READING, PA – Hurricane Joaquin provided the rain and a cold front that resulted in unseasonably cold 
temperatures for the annual NHRA Keystone Nationals, but none of that seemed to bother FireAde-sponsored Pro Stock veteran Larry Morgan.
With just one chance to make a qualifying run after the other three sessions were washed out, Morgan coolly laid down a 6.561 at 213.03 mph to earn a top-half berth for his FireAde Chevrolet. Making his 612th start — by far the most of anyone in the category — Morgan has pretty much seen it all, helping him stay non-pulsed through the numerous weather delays.
“You can’t do anything about it, so there’s no need to get worked up,” Morgan said. “The track was marginally after taking on so much rain these past few days. The nitro guys put a little rubber down but it was pretty green out there. I knew we needed to be safe, so we put a safe tune-up in the car and it worked out fine for us.
“Being top half will help because we’ll watch the cars run before us tomorrow morning and get a real good idea of which lane is better. There’s definitely more in the tune-up, so we’ll play to whatever the conditions give us and try to win another race.”
Morgan has had a banner season representing FireAde for the first time, winning two times in three final-round appearances. It has rejuvenated the 61-year-old from Newark, Ohio.
“Ron and Teresa Thames, God bless them, they’ve thrown so much FireAde support behind us and that’s allowed us to get these great motors from Gray Motorsports. My son Nick has done a phenomenal job as crew chief and we’ve had some great moments, for sure.
“I don’t feel like we’re done. I think we can win another race or two before the season is over, and I’d love to get it done tomorrow.”
As the No. 8 qualifier, Morgan will enjoy lane choice over No. 9 Shane Gray, who posted a 6.567 at 212.93 mph in his lone run.
Eliminations begin at 11 a.m., with ESPN2 carrying all the action Sunday evening.
