TEAM REPORTS (PHOENIX, AZ.) - MORGAN LUCAS RACING OPENS 2008 POWERAIDE SERIES

Teammates Morgan Lucas and J.R. Todd opened the 2008 NHRA POWERade drag racing season with their first test runs of the year at the National Time Trials at Firebird International Raceway.

The difficult process involves checking all the major components on the car making sure they are congruent and functioning along with the proper measurements offering the correct oil pressure and adequate fuel flow before making their first attempt on the quarter-mile.

Once that was accomplished, Lucas driving his Lucas Oil dragster and J.R. Todd on board his Torco/Seelye Wright railer made their initial three runs of the season with Lucas recording an impressive .855-of a second in the first 60-feet while Todd posted an improved 60-foot time of .847-of a second which placed the Morgan Lucas Racing duo in the No. 2 and No. 4 positions, respectively.

“Everything worked just fine today and I have to give all the credit to John Stewart and Richard Hogan for having our cars so professionally prepared,” said Lucas. “It’s difficult to get down a green track with very little rubber on it for grip, so we’re here to keep making runs along with everyone else and step up the pace tomorrow.”

J.R.Todd, who finished seventh in the POWERade Countdown the Championship, last year, is anxious about getting down the track.

“Right out of the box, I stood on the gas and went .847 in 60 feet,” said Todd. “It felt nice and smooth and I wasn’t really ready to shut it off at that point. Later we made a charge to go to the three-quarters mark and lost traction at the hit of throttle. We’ll keep giving it our best.”

Time Trials continue through Sunday at Firebird Sports Park.