Forrest Lucas, self-made entrepreneur and longtime motorsports partner, passes away

Forrest Lucas, the self-made entrepreneur who turned a small startup into the global brand Lucas Oil and became one of NHRA Drag Racing’s most influential benefactors, passed away Aug. 23. He was 83.

Born in 1942 in rural Indiana, Lucas rose from modest beginnings to build a career as a long-haul truck driver before founding Lucas Oil Products in 1989 with his wife Charlotte. The company grew rapidly with a line of high-performance oils and additives that became a staple in trucking, motorsports, and everyday automotive use.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder, Forrest Lucas," said the company in a statement. "Forrest's boundless drive for Lucas Oil, his generosity and love for his family, friends, and community defined his life. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire our team and all who knew him."

Lucas’ passion for motorsports was central to his life and business. He forged one of the longest and most impactful sponsorship partnerships in drag racing history. For more than two decades, Lucas Oil has served as the title sponsor of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, supporting thousands of grassroots racers and sportsman competitors. The brand also became the Official Oil of the NHRA, lent its name to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., and the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., and secured naming rights to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, home of the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

Beyond event sponsorship, Lucas directly supported championship teams and drivers, from his first sponsorship, of Pro Stock Motorcycle standout Hector Arana Sr. and later his son, Hector Jr., to all-time NHRA winner John Force and multi-time Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion Frank Manzo to drag racing icon Chris Karamesines, to whom Lucas graciously bestowed a lifetime sponsorship in the later years of his racing career. The list of racers who benefited from Lucas’ largesse is long and varied.

In August 2024, Lucas was honored with the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled contributions to the sport.

Lucas gradually stepped back from day-to-day operations in later years, with his son, former NHRA Top Fuel and Top Alcohol Dragster driver Morgan Lucas, assuming the role of president of Lucas Oil Products. Under Morgan’s leadership, the company has continued to expand its presence in motorsports and consumer markets while maintaining the family’s emphasis on grassroots racing.

Known for his philanthropy as much as his sponsorships, Lucas and his family supported numerous charities and community projects through the Lucas Oil brand and the Lucas Oil Estate in Missouri.

“Forrest Lucas was more than a businessman; he was a visionary who believed in motorsports from the grassroots up,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell upon Lucas receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. “The NHRA and countless racers are better because of his passion and generosity.”
 
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