Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas has passed away at age 83. Photo from National Hot Rod Association.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Forrest Lucas, the entrepreneur who built Lucas Oil into a global brand and became one of drag racing’s most influential supporters, died Saturday, Aug. 23. He was 83.

Lucas, born in 1942 in rural Indiana, began his career as a long-haul truck driver before founding Lucas Oil Products in 1989 with his wife, Charlotte. The company’s high-performance oils and additives quickly gained traction in trucking, motorsports and everyday automotive use, propelling the brand to international success.

His impact on motorsports, particularly drag racing, was far-reaching. For more than two decades, Lucas Oil has been the title sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, a cornerstone of grassroots and sportsman racing. The company also became the Official Oil of the NHRA, sponsored major national events, and secured naming rights to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, home of the U.S. Nationals.

Lucas’ support extended to championship-winning drivers and teams, from Hector Arana Sr. and John Force to Top Alcohol Funny Car legend Frank Manzo and drag racing icon Chris Karamesines. In 2024, he received the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the sport.

Beyond racing, Lucas was known for philanthropy, supporting numerous charities and community projects. He gradually stepped back from daily operations as his son, Morgan, a former NHRA driver, assumed the role of company president.

Lucas is survived by his wife, Charlotte, their family, and the company he built into a household name.