Morgan goes out swinging in Pomona

POMONA, Calif. - Larry Morgan and the Lucas Oil Ford Mustang went down swinging Sunday at the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

"We put in a different engine and used a different clutch setting," Morgan said. "We changed the carburetors and ran one mph more than we normally do."

Larry Morgan

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

"I just shook real hard in second gear," Morgan said. "We left a lot lower (RPM) than we do normally. We did all we could do to get down through there in the trickier of the two lanes. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for Greg.

"We got our best speed of the weekend on that last run we made but we just missed the setup. All in all it was a pretty good run and a step in the right direction for next year."

Anderson, who was the No. 3 qualifier, was off the starting line first and cruised to a 6.541-second pass at 211.93 mph to win the race. Morgan was able to collect the car and cross the finish line in 6.613 seconds at 209.52 mph.

"You always have mixed emotions when the season ends," Morgan said. "You are glad the marathon is over, but you never want to give up either. Now we're going to have a chance to reload."

Morgan said he's already gotten a jump start on his 2013 equipment and is happy with the progress so far.

"We feel good about the things we're going to be working on this winter," Morgan said. "I think we'll run good. We'll fix all out issued with the car and we'll be all right."

Morgan ends the season 10th in Pro Stock points.

"We've got a lot of support from a lot of great people this year," Morgan said. "Forrest and Charlotte Lucas have been great to us as always, and Ford, Summit and MoldStar were important to us as well."

Lucas Oil Racing