Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas dead at 83

INDIANAPOLIS - Forrest Lucas, the founder of Lucas Oil, has died at the age of 83.




Lucas Oil confirmed that its founder had died in a statement released via social media Saturday night.




"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder, Forrest Lucas," Lucas Oil officials wrote in their statement. "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."

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Photos of Forrest Lucas from FOX59/CBS4 archives.




The National Hot Rod Association also issued a release detailing Lucas' life and legacy on its website. The release confirmed Lucas died on Saturday.




Per the NHRA, Lucas was born in rural Indiana in 1942. He founded Lucas Oil Products in 1989 with his wife Charlotte after starting his professional career as a long-haul truck driver.




The NHRA indicated that it forged a strong relationship with Lucas and his company more than two decades ago. Lucas Oil has been title sponsor for the NHRA Drag Racing Series for more than 20 years.




The NHRA track on the west side of Indianapolis - Lucas Oil Raceway - still bears Lucas' name. Lucas Oil also lent its name to the NHRA Nationals in Brainerd Minnesota and NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, during Lucas' life. Lucas Oil is still the official oil of the NHRA.




The NHRA honored Lucas with its lifetime achievement award in 2024.




"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Forrest Lucas," NHRA officials wrote in a statement posted on X. "Forrest and (Lucas Oil) have long been deeply rooted in NHRA drag racing. A true visionary in the sport, he will be greatly missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."




The home of the Indianapolis Colts - Lucas Oil Stadium - also bears Lucas' name. According to the venue's website, Lucas Oil secured the the naming rights to the Colts' stadium in 2006. Lucas Oil agreed to pay $122 million for the naming rights over a 20-year period.




Lucas Oil will be the Indiana Pacers' jersey patch sponsor during the 2025-26 NBA season.




"We are saddened by the passing of Forrest Lucas, a visionary entrepreneur and long-time friend of Pacers Sports and Entertainment," officials with Pacers Sports and Entertainment wrote in a prepared statement published on X. "His passion for innovation, commitment to excellence and dedication to giving back set an example for us all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Lucas family and the entire team at Lucas Oil."




Lucas Oil is now run by Morgan Lucas and his wife, Katie Lucas. Morgan Lucas is Forrest Lucas' son, and he functions as the organization's CEO. Katie Lucas is currently Lucas Oil's president.




As of this article's publication, no information on public services to honor Forrest Lucas had been released.




This is a developing story. Check back for updates.





via: https://fox59.com/news/lucas-oil-founder-forrest-lucas-dead-at-83/