Forrest Lucas: Tributes Pour In Following His Passing

August 25, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN - The motorsports and business communities are mourning the loss of Forrest Lucas, founder of Lucas Oil Products, Inc., who died on August 23 at age 83. Today, heartfelt tributes and memories poured in across social media, racing circles, and professional sports organizations, highlighting Lucas’s impact on motorsports, philanthropy, and American industry.

Lucas, an Indiana native, launched Lucas Oil in 1989 alongside his wife, Charlotte. What began as an effort to keep his own trucks running smoothly grew into a global leader in automotive additives and performance lubricants, with sponsorships spanning NHRA drag racing, NASCAR, and naming rights for Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, secured in 2006 for $122 million over 20 years.

Tributes were led by local news outlet WXIN, reporting on community outpourings of respect and remembrance throughout Indiana today. NASCAR and NHRA figures recalled Lucas’s hands-on approach to product testing-personally opening engines to ensure quality-and his pioneering purchase of a short-line railroad in 2006 to safeguard distribution, which evolved into Lucas Rail Lines.

Professional sports teams also honored Lucas’s legacy. The Indianapolis Colts expressed sorrow on X, stating, “With the passing of Forrest Lucas, the Indianapolis Colts have lost a dear friend, and our city and state have lost an extraordinary business pioneer, leader and a giant among Hoosiers…” The Indiana Pacers added, “We are saddened by the passing of Forrest Lucas, a visionary entrepreneur and long-time friend of Pacers Sports and Entertainment. His passion for innovation, commitment to excellence, and dedication to giving back set an example for us all.”

Tributes extended to the racing community, where Lucas Oil’s title sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and MAVTV (now RACER Media) underscored his devotion to grassroots motorsports. NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Hector Arana credited Lucas with transforming the sport’s sponsorship landscape and providing career opportunities for drivers and their families.

Beyond racing, Lucas was known for his generosity-paying associates in lawn furniture during early business days-and for preserving jobs in Southern Indiana through strategic acquisitions. His focus on community and family was reflected in Charlotte Lucas’s vision for their Carmel, IN, estate to host fundraisers and benefits.

As tributes continue, Lucas Oil officials released a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder, Forrest Lucas. Forrest’s boundless drive for Lucas Oil, his generosity and love for his family, friends, and community defined his life. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we take comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire our team and all who knew him.”