Madison: Morgan Lucas Saturday summary

ST. LOUIS (June 25) -- Morgan Lucas drove the Joe Amato-owned Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster to the No. 3 starting position for the Sears-Craftsman Nationals at Gateway International Raceway covering the quarter-mile with a powerful time of 4.588 seconds at a speed of 323.19 mph. The only other time Lucas has qualified in the No. 3 position was earlier this year in Las Vegas. Morgan will be making his 20th professional race start.

In Sunday's first round of eliminations, Morgan will race No. 14 qualifier, Mitch King and the 21-year old Riverside, Ca. resident couldn't be more excited as he heads into eliminations.

"What can I say; I'm proud of my boys," smiled Lucas. "We're having fun and running good. We made three straight runs in the heat, so we can't complain a bit. I'm looking forward to tomorrow because I think we have something for them."

The weatherman is predicting typical June Midwest heat with temperatures in the mid-90s with oppressive humidity to match when the first green light falls at 4.30 p.m. CDT.

"We have consistency and that will win you races," said Lucas, who has three runner-up finishes. "You have to go A to B and we feel confident about our chances.

ESPN2 will air the three-hour showing of the NHRA Sears-Craftsman Nationals at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 26.

-www.morganlucas.com