Forrest Lucas, who co-founded Lucas Oil Products in 1989, passed away August 23rd, 2025, as confirmed via a post from Lucas Oil. He was 83.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder, Forrest Lucas,” the statement begins. “Forrest’s boundless drive for Lucas Oil, his generosity and love for his family, friends and community defined his life. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire our team and all who knew him.”
Lucas was raised in poverty in rural Indiana, and after recognizing a need for better lubricants in the trucking industry, he co-founded Lucas Oil Products with his wife, Charlotte, in 1989. The husband-and-wife duo built the business from a single warehouse to a global brand with placement on tens of thousands of store shelves in 90-plus countries.
Lucas gave back, especially in the motorsports community. Lucas Oil has served as the longtime title sponsor of the NHRA’s sportsman racing series, and the Lucas branding has appeared on dozens of race cars, race tracks, and series across drag racing and many other forms of motorsports.
“For more than two decades, Lucas Oil has served as the title sponsor of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, supporting thousands of grassroots racers and sportsman competitors,” NHRA said in a statement.
NHRA recognized Lucas in 2024 by presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I can’t say enough about Forrest Lucas; he truly embodies the spirit of drag racing, sharing the same resilience and passion that runs deep in our sport,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell at the time. “His connection to the NHRA is historic. From supporting greats like the Arana family, Frank Manzo, Del Worsham, and Antron Brown to numerous racing teams, including his son and wife behind the wheel, Forrest and Lucas Oil’s unwavering support and dedication have elevated drag racing and motorsports to new heights. The Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which has enjoyed a two-decade-long title sponsorship, is just one of many examples of Lucas’ commitment to the sport.”
Charlotte Lucas also competed in NHRA Super Comp, and the couple’s son, Morgan, raced his way up through the sportsman categories before landing in Top Fuel.
Drag Illustrated sends its sincere condolences to the Lucas family.
This story was originally published on August 25, 2025. 
