Pearson receives Forrest Lucas Award
Four-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., this evening was unveiled as the winner of the Forrest Lucas Lifetime Achievement during the Lucas Oil Speedway banquet in Lake Ozark, Mo., the track announced.
The 52-year-old Pearson, who in 2024 ended his 19-year full-time run on the national circuit with four titles and 40 victories, was selected by track management of the Wheatland, Mo., track for the award recognizing an individual who epitomizes excellence, character, loyalty and friendship to the sport of racing on and off the track.
The award was "not only his on-track success as a driver, but his many contributions to the sport and the first-class manner in which he has been a leader and a friend to so many,” track general manager Danny Lorton said.
Pearson received the award in a special presentation earlier in the week at the Lucas Cattle Ranch. In a video played at the banquet, Pearson thanked those who have assisted him during 25 years of Lucas Oil-sponsored competition.
"Forrest Lucas and the family and the company and the racetrack and so many people that’s have been involved with Forrest Lucas and who have helped me so much. Danny (Lorton) at the racetrack and all the people there, it’s a beautiful place.
“Just to be a part of so many different things Lucas Oil does. It’s not the racing, it’s the hunting. They’re family people. Me and Forrest talk all the time, even today. When he talks I just sit there and listen and learn a lot of things — whether it’s business, cattle or whatever it may be."
Pearson's 25-year sponsorship is the longest by Lucas Oil in any athletic endeavor. He was a three-time winner at Lucas Oil Speedway, capturing the Diamond Nationals in 2007 and '09 and a preliminary for the Show-Me 100 in 2017.
