Lucas looking for big weekend at Bandimere

DENVER (July 21) – The GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil NHRA Top Fuel dragster team is headed to what many across the Full Throttle Series consider the most challenging race on the schedule – this weekend's 31st Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Denver's Bandimere Speedway.

The high altitude of the facility means the engines will be starving for the air that helps make horsepower. Consequently, teams are forced to use tune-ups that are different from any other track on the circuit.

Morgan Lucas, the driver of the GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster, said the challenge presented by this unique racetrack is a fun one.

"I don’t think there’s a problem going to Denver since everyone is in the same boat," Lucas said. "It’s definitely a gamble race. You have to go up there and take a shot at things and try some crazy stuff. You're making big moves and hope they pan out. 

"It’s a big deal to go up there and win on the mountain because it's such a hard place to figure out."

Just two races remain before the field for the NHRA’s playoffs, the Countdown to the Championship, is set. Lucas is eighth in the points, but has a semi-comfortable 141-point cushion between himself and 11th place.

"Typically Denver is the first race of the Western Swing, now it’s the last one," Lucas said. "Either way, it's still an important event. We’re getting close to the Countdown and (ninth ranked) Steve Torrance is in range to catch us so we have to stay sharp. We need to leave Denver with as many points as we can."

Although the tune-up teams use in Denver doesn't work anywhere else, Lucas says momentum gained from a good performance this weekend would definitely carry over.

"Going into Brainerd, which is a huge race for us because it's sponsored by Lucas Oil, this would be a perfect time for a momentum shift," Lucas said. "Especially since we won (Brainerd) last year. It would be great if we could go back there and feel like we have a good shot at winning that race again, so this year Denver becomes an even bigger race for us."

Pro qualifying begins at 4:45 p.m. MDT on Friday with eliminations starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Qualifying for the Mopar Mile High Nationals will be aired on ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday with eliminations in prime time on Sunday.