Wagner, Larson, and Musolino complete roster of 2023 Lucas Oil Series champions
Following the first few rounds of action in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at In-N-Out Pomona Raceway, Wyatt Wagner, Trevor Larson, and Vince Musolino have been crowned as the final three sportsman champions for 2023.
Wagner won the Super Stock title and Larson clinched first place in Super Gas on Saturday. Musolino was crowned the world champ in Right Trailers Top Dragster during Friday’s opening rounds. They join fellow Lucas Oil Series champs Julie Nataas (Top Alcohol Dragster), Doug Gordon (Top Alcohol Funny Car), Bruno Massel (Comp), Kyle Rizzoli (Stock), John Labbous Jr. (Super Comp), and Brandon Miller (Right Trailers Top Sportsman).
Wagner, a consistent Top 10 finisher including fourth place last season, locked up the Super Stock title after rival Brad Burton lost in round two. Wagner came into the event in second place, but passed Burton with his second round victory, which came via a bye run. Wagner, a member of the JCM Motorsports development driver program, kick started his championship drive with an impressive victory at the Dodge Power Broker NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Larson overcame seemingly impossible odds when he passed two-time champion Sherman Adcock Jr. for the top spot in Super Gas. Adcock built a big lead thanks to early season success at divisional events but Larson was able to steadily chip away at it with a season that currently includes two wins in six final rounds. Larson, the only driver to double-up at the JEGS Allstars event, officially locked up the title by winning the second round of eliminations on Saturday morning.
Musolino made the lengthy trip to Pomona from his home in Bridgeport, N.Y. pay off when he passed incoming leader Clint Geise to clinch the Right Trailers Top Dragster title. Musolino has won five races this year to fuel his drive to his first title.
Each of the 2023 Lucas Oil Series champions will officially be recognized at the annual NHRA awards ceremony which will be held on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.