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Lucas Oil Products founder Forrest Lucas, a titan of American entrepreneurship whose vision, commitment and investment in motorsports dramatically changed Dirt Late Model racing with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the state-of-the-art Lucas Oil Speedway, died Saturday. The Ramsey, Ind., native was 83. | Slideshow

While his death was announced by the Wheatland, Mo. racetrack, no cause was given. Lucas had been in failing health in recent years.

“Forrest’s boundless drive for Lucas Oil, his generosity and love for his family, friends and community defined his life,” the track said in a statement. “While we grieve this tremendous loss, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire our team and all who knew him."

The self-made businessman who became an innovative pioneer of problem-solving oils and fuel treatments was known worldwide with high-profile sponsorships like Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, but motorsports fans benefitted from his long-running support of tractor pulling, drag racing, boat racing, monster trucks and Dirt Late Model racing.

Lucas Oil has owned and operated the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series since 2005 and in 2007 transformed the modest Wheatland (Mo.) Raceway into a multi-million dollar showplace for oval dirt track racing, later expanding the rural Hickory County facility with an off-road track and drag boat racing lake. The 3/8-mile oval is home to the annual Show-Me 100 and Diamond Nationals on the Lucas Oil circuit.

"Everybody who comes there says it's the best dirt track they've ever been to,” Lucas once said, “and that's what I want.”

While Lucas supported an array of motorsports, “when you visit with Forrest you notice a little gleam in his eye when he talks about Dirt Late Models,” said Dave Argabright, the infield reporter for the Lucas Oil Series for many years. “He is a passionate man by nature, and when he cares about something it’s very important to him.”

Four-time Lucas Oil Series champion Earl Pearson not only had a virtually career-long sponsor but longtime friend in Lucas. “They’re family people,” Pearson said. “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.”

Growing up poor and buying his first truck at 19, Lucas eventually grew his own fleet of trucks and later began experimenting with oils and additives to solve problems facing his own trucks. In 1989, he founded Lucas Oil products, developing it into a company that distributes more than 300 products in 48 countries.

Lucas is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Ozarks Area Racers Foundation Hall of Fame.

Survivors include wife Charlotte, who he married in 1982, and seven children. Arrangements weren’t immediately available.