The foremost interim changes the National Hot Rod Association has recently made in shortening the racing distance for Top Fuel and Funny Cars to 1,000 feet instead of the regular 1,320 feet has placed an emphasis on safety and according to Lucas Oil Stabilizer Top Fuel driver, Morgan Lucas, will at the same time increased the competition quota by substantial margins starting at this weekend’s Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
“I’m definitely proud of NHRA for their attempt on keeping the class safer and caring about the individuals behind the wheel of these cars that are trying to put on a show,” said a resolute Lucas. “At some point, it has its setbacks when it comes to the fact that drag racing was based on 1, 320 feet, but the word everyone can’t forget is…interim. They’re working out a more permanent fix of slowing down these cars, one way or another, until we can figure something out in order to make things safer.”
The shorter distance plays right into the hands of Lucas who has a skilled reputation of being a prime leaver on the starting line.
“Reaction times are already pretty much important and I expect you’ll see a lot more red lights because you’re going to see more people going for it,” said Lucas. “There’s a lot tighter racing trip to 1,000 feet rather than the regular 1,320. I’m proud to say, I was part of the biggest safety move in drag racing since I’ve been involved with the sport.”
Although, it’s now a race of 1,000 feet, a track like Bandimere Speedway is still tricky to negotiate and crew chiefs have to deal with the thin, mile-high altitude.
“Denver, it’s an animal,” stated Lucas. “It can throw so many things at you. It’s still has the altitude and it won’t run as fast as you can at sea-level. Then again, everyone is in the same boat with this 1,000 feet thing. Denver was the last time I went to a final here in 2005, so we have to go up there with as much horsepower as we can and race the racetrack and not pay attention to the other person in the other lane because we have to do the best we can every time.”
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