What’s in a number you ask? In drag racing circles – designation means a lot…..
During this just past 2017 drag racing season an aspiring Top Sportsman team from northern B.C., enhanced their official competition number to a prestigious one for 2018.
The husband and wife team of Mike and Jackie Lucas, will proudly display #61 this coming year after they prevailed to win a very hard fought overall season points title within NHRA’s Lucas Oil Northwest Division 6 wars. That team topped all challengers for the JBS-presented (J Bond and Sons Ltd) Top Sportsman crown, prevailing in a class category which is arguably one of the most competitive overall with regards to numbers of entires combined with it’s fast pace.
For Mike and Jackie, who have been involved in drag racing for a very long period prior (2018 will be their 35th racing season!) this TS title came in their fifth season in that class, and it was their first ever NHRA circuit championship.
Mike Lucas – 2017 NHRA Northwest Division Champion for the JBS Top Sportsman category.
The race team used a formula of great consistency and frequent event participation to score while attending a total of 11 NHRA events last season. Their points title was determined within NHRA’s formula for claiming their best five finishes from events attended.
“2017 was the first season we competed for Top Sportsman points,” said Mike Lucas. “We raced all of the division 6 races in 2017 which was a first for us – prior we just raced when were able to during other years. We were #1 in the points all season — but we actually did not clinch the points until the last race held in Las Vegas in mid November. We did not win any individual races in the 2017 season, but we were able to hang around for the late rounds consistently all year, and that’s what kept us #1 in the points. For us it was a pretty amazing feeling to win this championship.”
Mike is a 100% independent racer, who’s profession is involvement with heavy equipment in the Fort St. John BC area.
“I could not have done this without my wife,” Mike affirmed. “I need to thank her for help & support and also my sons, friends and family when they are able to attend the races.”
Jackie Lucas watches her husband Mike leave the starting line at Mission Raceway in BC
Mike and Jackie’s championship came racing a very slick looking and extremely well prepped 2000 Chevy Camaro, which is a Rick Jones built car, that they first acquired 3 years ago. The team runs a very durable 632 CID all aluminum Big Block Chevy motor program (built by Richmond Engines).
Mike Lucas’ title in fact marked an impressive finish by Canadian racers at the top of the NHRA Division 6 standings last year! Mike edged out Alberta based drivers James Rutherford (Wembley) and Mike Williams (Tilley) who placed 2nd and (tied for 3rd with Shawn Herbst) respectively.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
