RON CAPPS TAKES OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR LATE FORMER TEAM OWNER
It was understood from the beginning that the eight-car fields in Top Fuel and Funny Car would leave some heavy hitters on the outside looking in by the time qualifying wrapped up . But no one predicted that three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Ron Capps would be one of those drivers without a spot for Saturday eliminations .
In his NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra , Capps made progressively quicker passes in the first three qualifying sessions , ending with a 3.945 at 324.44 , which put him No . 11 after the third session . When Capps coasted across the finish line to a 6.784 in the fourth and final session , it was confirmed that Capps would compete in the Red Line Oil Top Fuel vs . Funny Car Shootout on Saturday rather than the $ 250,000-to-win main event .
“ We brought out a brand-new car from the ground up and started testing on Tuesday ,” Capps said . “ We could have brought last year ’ s car out , but we need to be ready for the season coming up . We stuck with the new car , and it ’ s going to pay off .”
Capps obviously had all intentions of making the eight-car field , but if there was anyone who could find the positives in sliding into the Top Fuel vs . Funny Car Shootout , it was Capps . In addition to a $ 10,000 bonus from Red Line Oil , the first-ever Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award was also on the line . Capps immediately turned his focus to winning the award named in memory of his former team owner , the late Don Schumacher .
“ Unfortunately , we didn ’ t win the big money , but to be the first pair of the [ Top Fuel ] dragster versus Funny Car and have a shot at the Don Schumacher trophy was pretty neat ,” said Capps , who did not advance past the first round of the Top Fuel vs . Funny Car Shootout . “ There was a lot of excitement to see the fans ’ faces with a dragster and Funny Car sitting there .”
Capps has always been familiar with the PRO group as a driver , but he took a more involved role since becoming a team owner in 2021 . He increased his involvement again with the launch of the PRO Superstar Shootout , working with other members to plan and promote the event . Even though he had an idea of what to expect , he was astonished by the event ’ s reception .
“ What an event . Sometimes you forget how passionate drag racing fans are ,” Capps said . “ We all need a preseason test session like we do every year , and for PRO to get together to have this event , it was emotional to have that many people show up . Obviously , everybody was gunning for the $ 250,000 , so we would have loved to have taken the big money . [ But ] it was a great event and we ’ ll focus now on getting ready for Gainesville .” DI
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