Larry Morgan Pomona Ii Saturday report

Lucas Oil's Morgan saves best for last

Larry Morgan, Lucas Oil Ford Mustang

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12) -- Pro Stock veteran Larry Morgan posted his best qualifying effort of the season Saturday by nailing down the fifth position on the Auto Club NHRA Finals elimination ladder. Morgan zipped to a 6.554 at 210.97 mph in his Lucas Oil Ford Mustang to earn the spot, his fourth top-half berth of the last six races.

"We've made so much progress with this car and engine combination," said Morgan, who switched to Ford in 2010 after the manufacturer had been out of the class for several years. "This result right here is a real testament to the never-say-die attitude of the guys on this Lucas Oil race team. They never gave up, even when we were struggling in the beginning, and now we're showing people what we can do.

"I'm excited as I've been in ages, not only for tomorrow but for next year. I think we've finally gotten our stuff together."

Morgan will begin his quest for his first victory of the season against Greg Stanfield, who struggled to get into the No. 12 slot with a 6.578 at 209.75 mph. Stanfield was runner-up to the championship last season but is back in eighth place this year.

"I'm ready for all of 'em," Morgan said. "We've made a remarkable gain these last few races. Everybody's worked real hard to get where we're at. We're making good decisions. We've got another car in the race, too, so that's good for everybody. I'm just happy for the whole group and all the guys who support us."

"Let's hope everything goes well and I win the race tomorrow. That's what we're shooting for. Heck, it's too bad we don't have a race next week, too."