Morgan Lucas positive heading to Maple Grove

Lucas focused on the positives as GEICO Top Fuel team progresses

Morgan Lucas, GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil Dragster

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

READING, Pa. (Sept. 29) – After a rough outing last weekend, Morgan Lucas and the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster team are shrugging off the disappointment and ready to race at this weekend's Auto-Select NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

"Bad weekends happen to everybody," Lucas said. "We've made some major changes to the team and there are going to be some rough patches. The better teams rise above adversity and I know we've got a great group over here. We'll be fine."

Lucas added tuning duties to his driving three races ago, and the team is making progress with him serving both rules.

"We feel like we're close to a breakthrough," Lucas said. "We had some bad luck in Dallas with a mechanical failure on our last qualifying run. But those things can be fixed. We're making the engine happier on every run."

This weekend in Reading, Lucas said he is excited to see favorable conditions.

"Maple Grove's weather usually very cool and so the motor will be primed to make a lot of power," Lucas said. "We're just hoping the rain stays away. Four qualifying passes will help us in a lot of ways."

Lucas also is looking forward to the NHRA's salute to Joe Amato, who is being recognized as the "Legend of the Race" this weekend as part of the sanction's 60th anniversary celebration.

"Joe's the guy that gave me a chance," Lucas said. "He put this unproven kid in one of the best dragsters in the country back in 2004 and I'll be forever grateful for that. More importantly, Joe taught me how to be a pro. He's a special guy and he deserves this honor. I'm sure he's excited because Maple Grove is his home track."