Ron Capps is becoming one of the biggest names on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Funny Car circuit. Part of that fame is coming from fans who may not know he has won three of the first six races of 2009.
“It’s unbelievable how much more attention I’ve gotten from those NAPA commercials airing on the NASCAR side,” said Capps, who will be one of the favorites this weekend when O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals visit Gateway International raceway in Madison. “It never used to happen and now people yell at me across the way in the airport.”
Capps also is gaining plenty of attention on the track as the top Funny Car driver in 2009.
He has a 69-point lead on teammate Jack Beckman in the NHRA Funny Car point standings. Beckman won the previous stop on the tour in Atlanta.
“It’s tough to do when you’re racing against a guy that’s your teammate,” Capps said, “but right now it’s a lot of fun. It’s like you and your brother and you’re both trying to impress your dad.
“It’s tough to share information, share a little bit of your knowledge of your thought process on what you’re going to do on the next run. Then all of a sudden you’re racing that guy.”
Now Capps is headed to Gateway, one of his favorite tracks, with plenty of momentum and confidence. He owns Gateway wins in 1997, 2005 and 2007, then had a first-round exit last year.
Drag racing has long been a gender-friendly sport with a history of successful female drivers. Capps thinks whatever gets extra attention for the sport is a good thing.
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