By Rob Knoll

Forrest Lucas , the innovative pioneer behind Lucas Oil Products , is celebrated worldwide for his exceptional contributions to the automotive industry and motorsports . For more than 20 years , Lucas Oil has been one of NHRA ’ s most prominent supporters , serving as the title sponsor of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series , which features the best and most decorated sportsman competitors in drag racing . Lucas Oil is also the “ Official Oil of NHRA ” and the event title sponsor of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd , Minnesota , and the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona , California . The company ’ s support to NHRA also includes naming rights for Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park , home of the World ’ s Biggest Drag Race™ , the NHRA U . S . Nationals .

“ I can ’ t say enough about Forrest Lucas ; he truly embodies the spirit of drag racing , sharing the same resilience and passion that runs deep in our sport ,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell . “ His connection to the NHRA is historic . From supporting greats like the Arana family , Frank Manzo , Del Worsham , and Antron Brown to numerous racing teams , including his son and wife behind the wheel , Forrest and Lucas Oil ’ s

unwavering support and dedication have elevated drag racing and motorsports to new heights . The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series , which has enjoyed a two-decade-long title sponsorship , is just one of many examples of Lucas ’ commitment to the sport .”

Forrest , alongside his wife Charlotte , founded Lucas Oil in 1989 with a mission to develop high-performance oil and fuel treatments aimed at reducing mechanical failures and increasing mileage , particularly within the trucking industry . His innovative solutions quickly gained the respect of American truck drivers , who valued his honest and straightforward approach . Over the years , Lucas Oil has expanded to provide a wide range of engine oils , additives and fuel treatments for a variety of machines , solidifying a reputation for reliability and performance .

Lucas Oil has also built an incredible reputation on the track with its robust line of racing-specific products . Hundreds of race teams and drivers , representing nearly all forms of motorsports , rely on Lucas Oil Racing products to perform flawlessly under the most extreme conditions . The confidence placed in Lucas Oil ’ s racing formulas underscores Forrest ’ s passion for motorsports and for the NHRA .

“ There are few in the racing community who don ’ t know Forrest , his family , or haven ’ t seen a Lucas Oil banner at a racetrack ,” added Cromwell . “ His contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals in this sport and we are honored to present him with the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award . I wholeheartedly congratulate Forrest on this well-deserved recognition . His leadership , passion for racing , and unwavering support for the motorsports community exemplify the qualities that the Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to honor .”

Beyond his business acumen , Forrest has been a generous philanthropist and sports marketing giant . His strategic sponsorships span amateur and professional sports , from the iconic Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland , Missouri , to highprofile partnerships like Lucas Oil Stadium , home of the Indianapolis Colts . Lucas Oil ’ s presence is also prominent in events like Monster Jam and through sponsorships of the Dallas Cowboys . DI

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LUCAS OIL

46 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 191