Being from the Northeast and having raced with Lucas a few times, most recently Short Track Nationals in Arkansas, we know him pretty well. His Father was an Open Wheel Standout for years as well. Lucas is young, I believe just nicely 20 and has had some outstanding years at the Grove and at various Outlaw Shows. He is certainly a deserving young man from a good Family and no one should begrudge Lucas for this accomplishment.

I don't think it is a money deal since Lucas is not from a wealthy family. Lucas, his dad and Rick do most of the wrenching on the Outlaw deal. So, like many situations, it is probably a relationship situation. Many people develop relationships that are followed through the years and then bare fruit down the road. But that is only speculation.

With that said, I have to agree to a certain point. There are a lot of young drivers in Indiana that are deserving as well. And, I thought Indiana is where, especially the IRL, went "fishing" for the next talent in their series. Look at Cole Whitt (although Cole is still too young I believe but not for long), Hunter, Chris Windom, Nick Faas, etc., etc. who are ready to step up to the next level. I am as surprised as you.

Perhaps the most surprising is the fact that many "experts" say to go somewhere in Major Motorsports, you need to "get out from under the wing". So much for that. That is what Lucas Drives; Wing Sprint Cars. And, everyone used to say that you need to race in Indiana to get to the "next level". There is another young gun in PA that runs Wing Cars that is as good as anyone and that is Cody Darrah. Watch out for Cody too. He is a very capable young man.

So, who knows. All I can say is that I am happy for Lucas and his Family. They are good people and we certainly wish them the best. But, it sure does throw a curve in the current belief system: Money and Non Wing... And that may not be a bad thing for our sport. Just my opinion...

Pete Gulick