“The Golden Greek” Chris Karamesines, at the youthful age of 79, captured the hearts of racing fans everywhere in June when captured his first round in NHRA competition in more than two decades at the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, and now with support from Lucas Oil, the legendary and ageless racer is as equipped to go rounds as he’s been in many years.
Continuing a long-standing commitment to supporting and saluting the legends of drag racing, Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas announced their new new primary sponsorship agreement with “The Greek” in the NHRA Full Throttle Series. Beginning at next weekend’s 30th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at the Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota, Karamesines will wheel a special-edition Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster emblazoned in a paint scheme designed by likewise legendary motorsports artist Kenny Youngblood.
“Chris is a true legend of this sport,” Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas said. “I’ve admired him for many years, and it’s going to be great to work alongside him. I can’t wait to see him in a Lucas Oil dragster in Brainerd, our title race, and whatever other races he wants to attend.”
Karamesines began his racing career in the formative years of the 1950’s, capturing national event wins in the NHRA, IHRA, AHRA, and ADRA along the way. And in 2001, during the NHRA’s 50th anniversary celebration, “The Greek” was recognized as one of the sport’s 50 Greatest Drivers.
In addition to the primary backing from Lucas Oil, Karamesines will continue to receive support from Strange Engineering, with whom he’s been partnered with since the 1980’s.