There’s strength in the numbers, and then there’s what the Emmons Family brings to the table in the NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. They’re the team that could realistically field their own slow-pitch softball team, but instead, they are focused on the drag strip and epitomizing the spirit of teamwork to win races and championships.
The Emmons Motorsports team has a gaggle of kin folk, including Harvey “Speedy” Emmons III and his younger triplet siblings Terry, Jerry, and Gary, along with the next generation of drivers, including Speedy’s sons Will and Landon. United by their shared passion for the sport and loyalty to Lucas Oil Products, they work toward a common goal of success on the track.
“This season has been a team effort,” said Will, a Stock Eliminator competitor. “We try to do our best as a team and get someone as far as we can every weekend.”
In the 2024 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the family secured notable victories, including Will’s first win of the year at Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Noble, Oklahoma. Driving his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, Will narrowly captured the victory with a final margin of .008 seconds.
The event also brought the possibility of a family double win, as Gary advanced deep in the competition but ultimately finished runner-up. “The fact that we had multiple cars pushing to the end in Noble – it was cool that we were all doing really well,” Will noted, adding that he was proud of his brother Landon’s achievements.
Landon transitioned into bigger cars with impressive performances in the Junior Dragster Series, including three wins at the Southwest Showdown. He made his debut in Stock Eliminator at Noble, winning his first-round match.
Six months after his NHRA licensing, Landon notched his first Stock Eliminator trophy in a close final against Jeff Hefler. “I was unbelievably excited in the car when I saw my win light come on,” he said, reflecting on the thrilling moment.
In his debut season, Landon finished third in the NHRA South Central Division Stock Eliminator standings. Proud father Speedy considered racing alongside his sons a significant victory in itself, despite his own third-round finishes in Dallas and Tulsa.
“I love it, it’s cool,” Speedy said. “The family that plays together stays together, and that’s exactly what’s happening.”
Terry, the technically eldest triplet, faced a challenging season but reached the quarterfinals at the Dallas divisional race. Despite limited races due to mechanical issues, he remained committed to supporting his family’s racing efforts.
“I actually enjoyed that,” Terry said of his supportive role. “A win is a win for all of us; there really is no animosity or jealousy.”
Both Jerry and Gary, while proud of their nephews, critiqued their own driving performances. Jerry, a former Stock world champion, aimed to improve his routine after being a runner-up and achieving several semifinal finishes.
“I’m very critical of my driving,” Jerry admitted. “This season was a learning experience for everybody, and I want to make sure the frustrating runs don’t change my outlook.”
Gary, who raced in both Super Stock and Stock divisions, acknowledged high expectations for the season but faced challenges despite strong starts. “It can work on your psyche, but this year was still really special,” he said, referencing his nephews’ successes.
Reflecting on the family legacy, Will expressed appreciation for the journey. “It’s pretty crazy how this all started with my grandfather, dad, and uncles,” he said. “It’s cool to follow the family tradition and make memories together.”
And thanks to sponsors such as Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Racing Tire, Lupe Tortilla (Stan & Shiela Mae Holt), and VP Racing Fuels, Emmons Motorsports is just scratching the surface of what lies ahead for the family tradition.
Kelly Wade contributed to this article.
