Morgan Lucas will take the control of a different kind of steering wheel when he suits up for the inaugural Gary Scelzi and Friends All-Star Challenge at the Giant Chevrolet Raceway at Plaza Park in Visalia, Calif. on Saturday, June 16. 

Along with Lucas, the other NHRA combatants for the special event will consist of current Funny Car points leader, Ron Capps, Del Worsham, J.R. Todd, and Cory McClenathan in the cockpits of the 600 cc sprint cars, while 14-time POWERade Funny Car champion, John Force will join the fray serving as honorary starter with his daughter Ashley Force serving in an official capacity. 

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Lucas.  “Getting some laps in one of these things has always been a dream for me.  I want to find the cushion and get that loose feeling of just barely being on the edge.  It’s going to be a lot of fun to drive. 

“I don’t want to finish last and that’s the point I’m making of where I’m setting the bar.  I need the knowledge of what it takes to drive one of these before you can get good in the seat.  Capps and Scelzi have a lot of experience driving these things.” 

About the only experience Lucas has ever had in a dirt car of any kind was when he was 14 years old driving one during a private test session.  He drove a four-cylinder car and at the time, technically, he wasn’t of legal age to drive car of any kind.

“It’s been a long time since then, but we’re going up there for the fun of it and with this cast of characters, who couldn’t have fun,” said Lucas.  “It’s our only off weekend for a little while and what else would I want to do except race.  It’s for a good cause that will be announced later and we’re hoping for some positive results.”

The advertisements for the event declare the drag racers as – ‘We Know They Can Drive Straight, But Can They Turn Left’ -- as a statement that Lucas is hoping to change.  The incentive is to beat the other guy, but his personal goal is to take the other racers cash in the form of some side wagering.

“No bets, yet,” said Lucas with a sly grin.  “I’m sure there will be some side ones made when we get there,”

All adult general admission tickets are $30 with children from 6 to 12 at a charge of $15 and younger children under 5 admitted free for the gala.  For further information, please go to www.parkplaza.com or www.giantparkraceway.com with the latest updates.