Why no more JR Todd at Lucas?

[mastertone]

Wonder what happened. I thought him & Morgan were great friends?

 

[Toejam]

I think the fact that JR couldn't bring along some $$$ had plenty to do with it!

 

[67 Cuda]

I would bet they are still great friends. Sounds like it was just a business deal that ran out of money.

 

[67 Cuda]

I would bet they are still great friends. Sounds like it was just a business deal that ran out of money.

I take that back after reading this:

NHRA News: Super Comp champ Langdon to turn Pro in second Lucas Top Fuel entry (1/20/2009)

 

[willy]

I take that back after reading this:

NHRA News: Super Comp champ Langdon to turn Pro in second Lucas Top Fuel entry (1/20/2009)

No mention of JR at all.

But they've been sponsoring Langdon for 7 yrs..so he knows the turf.

 

[M Jones]

Maybe it has somthing to do with the level of success or lack of the same, I thought JR was a great roll model and a good company rep to. Wish JR all the best next year finding a new ride. Good luck to the Lucas Teams, Great products and solid support of the sport we love

 

[Bullard Anderson]

Maybe to put more resources into his son's driving career and equipment. That would seem logical. That's what I would do. There is no way the Lucas's should DNQ or barely make a Top Fuel field. I hope something positive happens that keeps JR around for a long time.

 

[Jer]

Hmmmm weird. Maybe cuz JR won last year with Morgans old CC and Morgan is still winless,haha???????????????????

 

[scooter]

I thought It was odd that Morgan and J.R were not pitted next to each other at the finals.I figured something was up.

 

[Mooseman]

Hmmmm weird. Maybe cuz JR won last year with Morgans old CC and Morgan is still winless,haha???????????????????

Lol That team goes through crew chiefs more often then a diarrhea sufferer goes through toilet paper .

 

[Ma Green]

While you all are speculating, how about the fact that there's much more to the story than has been printed (or will be). That is the same for drivers as well as crew chiefs. The fact that Shawn has been with Lucas for 7 years might have something to do with moving him up to T/F (too logical for you?).
And how many other fuel cars haven't won in the last year or so? Doesn't always matter how much money you've got. Good luck to all the boys on both teams this year.

 

[Burnt Nostrils]

I thought It was odd that Morgan and J.R were not pitted next to each other at the finals.I figured something was up.

I thought it was odd too. I noticed JR's Dad shuffling back and forth between the two teams... I did not think too much of it at the time.

 

[vegasnitro]

Morgan is in a tough spot. It is no secret that team has had a lack of continuity and a lack of success. Some of you even think it is funny. Some say things like "no matter how much money they spend they still can't win". If Morgan does win ... the very same people will say he has only won because of Daddy's money. There may be a smidgeon of truth in some of the statements, but there is no reason to gloat and rub the sport's best sponsor's nose in it. If you don't wanna root for them fine ... but consider this ... there are A LOT of other venues for the Lucas family to spend their money but they choose NHRA Pro AND Sportsman racing to spend the bulk of it. There are what .. 11 or 12 full time Top Fuel teams this year ... and the Lucas family accounts for 2 of them.

Thank you Forrest. Good Luck Morgan. Good luck to JR wherever he may land.

 

[Nunz]

Well you definitely have to have the money to be in the game, but after that there are no guarantees. How much success did the Bud King have last year, compared to Tony? I would say that the Bud car is the most highly financed car out there. No matter what the deal is, it's exciting that the Lucas family is running 2 full-time cars. Also, I hope to see JR back out soon.

 

[Kevin]

Wonder what happened. I thought him & Morgan were great friends?

All the stuff about "there's more to it" is just blowing smoke. Every man for himself and don't trust anybody. JR is a great spokesperson, driver, fan friendly, accessible, and is part of the top 25 topfuel career winners. Makes perfect sense to put him on the unemployment list. That's business right?

 

[None]

Did daddy pull the plug on primary sponsorship for Morgan's car?

 

[Just Paul]

Did daddy pull the plug on primary sponsorship for Morgan's car?

Why pay out of pocket when you can get a deal from somewhere else????!!!!!!!

 

[Nitrohelper]

..All the stuff about "there's more to it" is just blowing smoke....... /QUOTE]

So just How many of your relatives, or friends were members of the team, and were working with JR?
There are some folks on the board that have those relationships, and have some knowledge about people & events that isn't getting posted in public.
JR's team & salary was to be paid for by Evan Knoll for 2008, Papa Lucas could have parked the team in early 2008 , but gave JR a well funded ride for the whole year.
Now Lucas has gone with someone that has been National Event racing since before anyone ever heard of Todd. I don't know about his future in T/F , but the new guy has won quite a few rounds of his races too.

 

[Nitrohelper]

I would say that the Bud car is the most highly financed car out there.

More than Kalitta , Shoe, or Lucas. ? ? ? I think you need to rethink that statement.
Where have the Bud T/F team cars & tech / warehouse trailers been hiding ?

 

[you]

Where have the Bud T/F team cars & tech / warehouse trailers been hiding ?

They're hiding behind Bernstein stadium