On the Run with Jenna Lucy

driver of the Rosa Maria/Lucas Oil Super Comp dragster

The last 10 years of my life, since I became a Super Comp racer, have been exciting, emotional, action-packed, and totally fulfilling. I became hooked on drag racing after attending the 1993 Arizona Nationals at Firebird Int'l Raceway in Phoenix. I was just 17 and a guest crewmember on the Mopar Top Fueler driven by Mike Dunn. A short time later, I attended Frank Hawley's NHRA Drag Racing School in Pomona and received my competition license. My mother Cindy and I had so much enthusiasm about racing but initially had no clue as to how to approach it. Fortunately, we met several supportive racers while doing our homework about Super Comp, including Bob Miller and Dick Vandermeer, who pointed us in the right direction. Taking the advice that we were given, my mother and I were eventually able to purchase a used car and pursue our newfound passion for NHRA Drag Racing.

I am in my seventh year of racing, and I'm amazed at what we've been able to achieve and how much we've learned. For two gals who still don't know a torque wrench from a timing light, we seem to do okay at the track. For me, the driving part is a lot of fun, but I also appreciate all of the help and friendship we share with fellow racers, including Brent and Staci Cannon, Rodger and Karen Comstock, and Jack Beckman.

Speaking of Jack, I want to use this space to tell everyone about my newest venture, a real "On the Run" story. Jack and I have been close friends since he became an instructor at Hawley's school at Pomona Raceway in 1998, and I was thrilled when he won the Lucas oil Super Comp championship in 2003. Last year, Jack underwent six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lymphoma. While Jack was sick, we were forced to watch helplessly as his body fought the cancer and the tiring chemotherapy treatments. Fortunately, Jack responded well and his prognosis is good. His doctors have told him that his cancer is in remission, and thanks to his sponsors Menards and Mail Terminal Services, he's fulfilling his dream of racing in Top Fuel.

Jack and I share many of the same passions in racing and in life - we want to win and we want to help other people. We began dating after the Jeg's AUstars race last September, and because of Jack and people like him, I soon realized that I am not helpless to assist others. I decided to challenge myself to run a marathon this October. I know this sounds crazy, especially for someone who is not a runner, but I am motivated to reach my goals. I am running with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, a charity that has raised many dollars to help save lives. I believe this is the best way I can help, and I'm committed to finishing the marathon, no matter how long it takes.

My original goal was to raise $7,000 dollars, but I drastically underestimated the compassion of drag racers and friends. To date, we have raised more than $9,000 and still have almost three months to go. To be perfectly honest, I don't enjoy running at all. It's grueling, hard work, and the 100-plus-degree temperatures in Southern California haven't made it any easier. However, when I open the mailbox and am greeted with hundreds of dollars in donations, I get motivated to see this through. Jack and I sincerely thank all of you who have donated. This money will absolutely save lives, and I am proud to be a part of such an exciting program. If you would like to participate, please go to Jack's website at www.gofastjack.com and click on the Team in Training logo for additional information.

Well, it's time to continue training. By the way, I've been told that during my training, I must stay away from french fries, small fries, and even Bob Freys.

Copyright National Hot Rod Association Aug 12, 2005
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