Forrest Lucas, the entrepreneur behind Lucas Oil Products and a longtime supporter of drag racing, has passed away on August 23 at the age of 83. Born in 1942 in rural Indiana, Lucas built his early career as a long-haul truck driver before co-founding Lucas Oil Products in 1989 with his wife, Charlotte. What began as a modest startup eventually grew into a globally recognized brand, known for its high-performance oils and additives that serve both professional motorsports and everyday automotive markets.

Lucas' influence extended well beyond business. He became widely recognized for his support of motorsports, particularly drag racing, where his company forged some of the most enduring sponsorships in the sport's history. For more than two decades, Lucas Oil sponsored the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, helping to fund grassroots racing and Sportsman-level competition across the United States. The brand also held naming rights for several prominent events and venues, including the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, home of the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

In addition to event sponsorship, Lucas provided direct support to individual drivers and championship teams. His backing ranged from Pro Stock Motorcycle racers Hector Arana Sr. and his son, Hector Jr., to drag racing legends such as John Force, Frank Manzo and Chris Karamesines. Lucas' involvement often included lifetime sponsorships for drivers later in their careers, reflecting a commitment to sustaining talent across all levels of the sport. In recognition of his contributions, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NHRA in August 2024, honoring his decades-long dedication to motorsports.

Beyond racing, Lucas was known for his philanthropic work and community involvement. The Lucas family supported numerous charitable initiatives and local projects through the Lucas Oil brand and their estate in Missouri. In his later years, Lucas gradually passed day-to-day operations to his son, Morgan Lucas, a former NHRA Top Fuel and Top Alcohol Dragster competitor. Under Morgan's leadership, Lucas Oil has continued to expand both in motorsports sponsorship and consumer markets while maintaining a focus on grassroots racing.

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

Image of Forrest Lucas and Charlotte Lucas courtesy of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame