Not that you need any more convincing about the total radness of Lucas Oil, but their announcement from Friday letting the world know that they had signed a lifetime sponsorship agreement with living legend Top Fuel racer Chris Karamesines is really something. Karamesines is more than 80 years old, and has been driving nitro (and partially Hydrazine!) powered dragsters since the 1950s. I believe that he was the first to go 200mph at Alton, Illinois and he’s won scads of match races and events over the years.

My interactions with the indestructible “Greek” have come as an announcer for the IHRA, where Karamesines ran on a semi-frequent basis several years ago. He is a funny, good-natured guy who always seems to be smiling and has an great self-depreciating sense of humor. I did a top end interview with him at a track he had not been seen at for about 30 years. I asked him if he thought the place had changed a lot. He quickly replied that he was old 30 years ago and until someone had told him that he had raced there before, he had no idea!

Drag racing chews a lot of people up and spits them out, never to be seen again. Karamesines is the opposite of that. He has always raced within his means and while the wins have not piled up in recent years, the victorious feeling he gets as an 82-year old guy hammering down the strip in the 300mph dragster must be nearly beyond compare.

Congrats to the Greek and Lucas Oil – this really kicks ass! 

Here’s the full press release from Lucas Oil –

ORYDON, Ind. (March 9) — Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas has announced a unique sponsorship of Chris Karamesines that will last as long as the drag racing legend competes.

Lucas Oil first joined Karamesines, widely known as “the Greek,” for seven national events in 2011 to rave reviews from the media and fans.

“The Greek is a legend in our sport,” Lucas said. “He’s a great ambassador for drag racing and our line of products, and we’re happy to partner with him again. I look forward to seeing the Greek’s dragster go down the track with our colors on his car for many years to come.”

The Chicago native raced in 13 Top Fuel events last year, qualifying for four races. Karamesines earned a first-round victory at Bristol Dragway, his first round-win in NHRA competition in more than 20 years.

Karamesines, 82, has been racing since the 1950s and was recognized as one of NHRA’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 2001. “The Greek” has won numerous national events in ADRA, AHRA and IHRA competition.

“I appreciate Forrest helping us out the way he does,” Karamesines said. “We’ll get to as many Top Fuel races as we can and will do our best for Lucas Oil. What they’ve done for our sport is tremendous and it’s cool to have them on our car. We’re very appreciative of their support.”