LUCAS CONFIDENCE LEVEL HIGH
“Last weekend was just a growing pain for us,” Lucas said. “We run a different combination than Rahn [Tobler] is used to running. We are just taking some time for him to get used to it and get acclimated with how it works.
“Lance and Rahn are working well together. They are having fun. I think when everything begins working as it should – it will be a perfect fit. I just think that over time we will get the data we need. That’s all we need.
Consecutive DNQs cannot break Morgan Lucas’ confidence.
“Last weekend was just a growing pain for us,” Lucas said. “We run a
different combination than Rahn [Tobler] is used to running. We are
just taking some time for him to get used to it and get acclimated with
how it works.
“Lance and Rahn are working well together. They are having fun. I think
when everything begins working as it should – it will be a perfect fit.
I just think that over time we will get the data we need. That’s all we
need.
Atlanta created a few problems and a shortened qualifying program in
St. Louis created tougher-than-usual outings for the Lucas Oil team.
“We just got behind the eight-ball in Atlanta and couldn’t seem to get
around it. It was one of those races where if you didn’t go down.
People think I get bummed about it … but I’m not. I have so much
confidence in Rahn and Lance and the future is where my thoughts are.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward,” Lucas
said. “The key to success is by being patient. We were patient last
year and we are being patient right now. I think it is going to pay
off.”
Lucas admits this optimism comes from the fact his team reached the
semifinals in Vegas. Despite missing the field this weekend, he still
feels very much in the championship chase with the new playoff format.
“It can play into my favor,” Lucas said. “You can be like Tony
Schumacher and win every race, but then lose out early in the Countdown
and not make it down to the end. Your championship season could be over
by the time you get to Vegas.”
J.R. Todd may be openly discussing his
aspirations of one day driving a flopper, but Lucas is still keeping an
open mind about it. He’s pointed out on more than one occasion that
he’d like to give it a whirl.
“If I get a spare chance to drive one, believe me, I’m going to do it,”
Lucas said. “I love Funny Cars. They are cool looking. They’re fast
just like dragsters except maybe more of a handful to drive. It seems
like the more dangerous things are – the more fun they are for me.”
Lucas would also like to go skydiving. Better try Funny Cars first.
“Maybe I am just trying to push my luck,” Lucas said. “I can’t wait to
get behind the wheel of one of those things. Maybe I can make a career
out of it one day like John Force.”
The loss of friend Eric Medlen reminds Lucas of the inherent dangers.
“It does and doesn’t spook me,” Lucas said. “That was the first time
something like that has happened in a while. With what’s happened with
tires in the past … which isn’t Goodyear’s fault … I just think we are
starting to make too much power.
“If I let something like that bother me, it would affect me in the
dragster, too. They both make the same amount of power and they are as
violent as they can be in a situation like that. I don’t think Eric
would want that. I don’t think anyone at John Force Racing would want
that either. I think the biggest thing is making them safer and working
in that direction.
“I hate that it had to come to his. John Force is going to lead the way
in Funny car safety. I made it clear to Eric that I wanted to drive
one.”