CORONA, California (November 8, 2018) – After nearly a decade-long run as the premier drag boat racing sanctioning body in the world, the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series will cease operations.

“Lucas Oil has made the decision to discontinue its involvement in drag boat racing,” Lucas Oil Executive Vice-President Bob Patison said. “The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series will cease to exist after all matters related to the 2018 season have been concluded. It was a difficult decision to make, especially given our long history with the sport. However, the time has come for us to move on and afford the sport the opportunity to seek a new direction.”

The 2018 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series season concluded last weekend with the Lucas Oil World Finals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. The postseason awards banquet scheduled for Jan. 19 has been cancelled and championship awards and points funds will be sent to competitors in the near future.

“Lucas Oil would like to thank all the wonderful and passionate people that have given so much to the sport and the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series,” Patison said. “We wish everyone future success and safe racing.” While Lucas Oil will no longer be a boat-racing sanctioning body, “Lake Lucas” at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo., will remain operational and actively seek to play host to drag-boat events in 2019 and beyond.

The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series debuted in 2010, bringing together associations from across the nation and uniting them under a single flag. The Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series held events from California to Missouri and Oregon to Texas – covering the top water racing venues in the country. Many of its events were televised on the MAVTV Motorsports Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and NBC Sports Network.