NHRA- Lucas Oil Racing

Click to view image

Topeka a favorite track for veteran Lucas Oil pro Morgan

TOPEKA, Kan. (May 16) – Lucas Oil Ford driver Larry Morgan is experiencing a bit of a weird season in 2012.

The Pro Stock veteran has knocked off a No. 1 and No. 2 qualifier as part of four first-round, upset victories over higher-qualified opponents, and he's successfully earned a spot in the top 10 of the Full Throttle championship points standings.

But heading into this weekend's Dollar General NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, Morgan still is looking for his first quarterfinal-round win of the season.

"I've done well but I kind of feel like I've not really had the best year," Morgan said. "I've done more good than bad so I can't complain. I'm in the top 10…I don't know; What can you say? I need to catch fire. It'd be good to get on a hot streak."

Morgan beat No. 1 qualifier Allen Johnson in the first round in Gainesville, then beat No. 2 qualifier and past world champion Mike Edwards in Las Vegas. Plus, he's eliminated a pair of No. 6 qualifiers in two other first-round matchups.

But he's also struggled with the tune-up of his Mustang at times after discovering an odd problem with one of his wheels earlier this year.

Charging forward, the veteran engine builder knows he's enjoyed success at Topeka in the past, winning there at the fall event in 1993 and reaching the final round in 2008, 1997 and the first race at the facility in 1993.

"I've done well at this track," Morgan said with a laugh. "I hope I can do well here again. I don't know why. I guess I like Kansas. I don't dislike any track but Topeka's been pretty good to me, so it's a favorite. I hope it's good to me again this year. We're working on our stuff, trying to make that happen."

Weather conditions for this weekend are typical for the Topeka area, with high temperature in the 80s and humidity topping 50 percent. But those conditions suit Morgan just fine.

"I can't wait to get there," Morgan said. "It'll be hot and muggy and nasty. It's got everything going for it."