Well-respected Top Alcohol Dragster tuner Jim Rizzoli has been named co-crew chief to work with Norm Grimes on Morgan Lucas' A/Fuel Dragster. Prior to his new appointment, Rizzoli was brought in as consultant for Lucas Oil Racing in January. Rizzoli brings his expertise on A/Fuel tuning in hopes of helping Lucas win the 2004 Top Alcohol Dragster Championship.

"Working with Morgan and the whole Lucas Oil team has been a real pleasure," said Rizzoli. "We all have very high expectations for the year."

"I have known Jim for a long time and believe he is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to A/Fuel dragsters," added Lucas. "We have a solid crew and with Norm and Jim calling the shots this team will continue to get better and better."

Rizzoli has spent the last three years perfecting his A/Fuel tuning skills for driver Larry Miersch. Prior to that, Rizzoli served as crew chief for his two children, Kyle and Karen, in the O'Reilly NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League. Since the 2000 season, Rizzoli successfully tuned Kyle's Lucas Oil-sponsored Super Comp entry to a consecutive Top 15 ranking in the national points and Top 10 in the divisional points.

The San Luis Obispo, Calif., resident is not only a very capable and knowledge tuner, he has also proved himself to be a talented driver. Between 1991 and 1994, Rizzoli earned the NHRA Pacific Division championship in Top Alcohol Dragster, won the Jeg's Allstars title, set a national elapsed time record, and earned numerous career wins.