CHARLOTTE (Sept. 11) - Lucas Oil/GEICO Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas returns to Charlotte to defend his race victory at this weekend's Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Lucas debuted a new car in Charlotte for the first race of the 2013 Countdown to the Championship, and all he did was qualify No. 1 and beat Terry McMillen, Brandon Bernstein, Doug Kalitta, and Spencer Massey to capture his second victory of the season.

"That was really our weekend," Lucas said. "We'd just finished a new car and it performed flawlessly all weekend. The guys put in a lot of work before the race to get it ready, and it was great to be able to deliver a win for them."

The victory helped propel Lucas to a fourth-place finish in the Top Fuel points standings, but he doesn't have to worry about points this weekend. Lucas is racing a part-time schedule this season, stepping back to become more involved in his family's business, Lucas Oil Products, and to spend more time with wife Katie and newborn son Hunter.

But Lucas has been plenty competitive in 2014, winning in Brainerd, Minn., and reaching two semifinals in his four races to date.

Plus, his Morgan Lucas Racing team has won the last two Top Fuel races, combining his victory in Brainerd with GEICO/Lucas Oil driver Richie Crampton's triumph at the U.S. Nationals two weeks ago.

"I couldn't be more proud of (crew chief) Aaron Brooks and all the guys on both teams," Lucas said. "The GEICO team is really performing well now, and Richie has done a great job in the car. My guys are doing great, too, and we'll do everything we can to help Richie and his team do well. That's our focus, but of course we want to go rounds, too."

Top Fuel qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Eliminations begin at noon, Sunday. ESPN2 will carry all qualifying and elimination action.