Races will come and go for NHRA Top Fuel racer Morgan Lucas, however his 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals experience at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn., will be forever etched in his mind.

That was the race where he not only made his Top Fuel driving debut but also won the first of two races sponsored by his family’s Lucas Oil product line running the Top Alcohol car.

"It was a dream weekend for me," Morgan said. "Our Top Alcohol team was clicking right along and the car was running so strong. Then we came out with Joe's (Amato) team and I made my professional debut. Without question, Darrell Russell was my No. 1 racing idol and meeting him when I was a kid was one of the big reasons I feel in love with the sport. It was an awesome privilege to take over what he started with Joe Amato." Success at family's title race important to Lucas

Races will come and go for NHRA Top Fuel racer Morgan Lucas, however his 2004 NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals experience at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn., will be forever etched in his mind.

That was the race where he not only made his Top Fuel driving debut but also won the first of two races sponsored by his family’s Lucas Oil product line running the Top Alcohol car.

"It was a dream weekend for me," Morgan said. "Our Top Alcohol team was clicking right along and the car was running so strong. Then we came out with Joe's (Amato) team and I made my professional debut. Without question, Darrell Russell was my No. 1 racing idol and meeting him when I was a kid was one of the big reasons I feel in love with the sport. It was an awesome privilege to take over what he started with Joe Amato."

A lot has changed for Lucas, a driver who admits at times he is a momma's boy, while his father, Forrest, to be his hero, however one thing remains constant. Any time there’s a race bearing his family’s name, he wants to be in the winner’s circle to collect the trophy.

"In 2004 I was fortunate enough to win both of the races we sponsored -- Brainerd and Reading (Pa.) -- in my Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster. To see how happy my parents were to hand me the trophy at the top end was so cool. Those two wins rank right at the top of anything I've ever done in drag racing."

Lucas has since captured eleven national event titles including a Top Fuel victory at this season’s NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga. A twelfth title at a race that means so much to the family would be extremely special for the family.

“Mom and Dad put so much into this race because it's a Lucas Oil race," Morgan said. "It's important to them that this event is one of the best on tour and they always make sure all the racers and fans are having fun. For me to win this race is like icing on the cake.”

It was at that same Brainerd race in 2004 when Morgan made his Top Fuel debut, taking the seat in Joe Amato's Lucas Oil dragster that had once been occupied by the late Darrell Russell.

Lucas is currently ranked seventh in the NHRA Full Throttle points chase.

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