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Denver Pre-Race Report
NHRA Mile-High Nationals
Event 11 of 22
Bandimere Speedway
Morrison, Colo.
July 15-17, 2022
RON CAPPS: Driver of the NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car
Denver Event Highlights:
2009 event champion and No. 1 qualifier
Three-time runner-up (1998, 2007, 2018)
2021 Denver Recap:
Qualified fourth; Semifinal finish (defeated Terry Haddock in E1, John Force in E2; defeated by Matt Hagan in E3)
Last Event (Norwalk):
Qualified No. 1; Semifinal finish (defeated Dale Creasy Jr. in E1, Cruz Pedregon in E2; defeated by Bob Tasca in E3)
Career Statistics:
596 races; 70 wins; 33 No. 1 qualifiers
2022 Statistics:
Ten races; two wins; one runner-up; four No. 1 qualifiers
Noteworthy:Denver Event Highlights:
2009 event champion and No. 1 qualifier
Three-time runner-up (1998, 2007, 2018)
2021 Denver Recap:
Qualified fourth; Semifinal finish (defeated Terry Haddock in E1, John Force in E2; defeated by Matt Hagan in E3)
Last Event (Norwalk):
Qualified No. 1; Semifinal finish (defeated Dale Creasy Jr. in E1, Cruz Pedregon in E2; defeated by Bob Tasca in E3)
Career Statistics:
596 races; 70 wins; 33 No. 1 qualifiers
2022 Statistics:
Ten races; two wins; one runner-up; four No. 1 qualifiers
Capps enters the race weekend following his No. 1 qualifier at the most recent event in Norwalk, Ohio, and a win in Bristol, Tenn. the week prior.
Capps became the first Toyota driver to capture an event win and pole aboard the new Toyota GR Supra Funny Car
The defending series champ is ranked third in the standings and will battle for his third win of the season in Denver
As NHRA Camping World Series event No. 11, Denver marks the final race of the first half of the 22-race season
The Mile-High Nationals also serves as the kick-off to the three-race Western Swing
Capps is a nine-time winner on the Swing with one Denver triumph, four wins in Sonoma, and four in Seattle
Quotable:
“The Western Swing snuck up on us fast this year. We had a nice break in the action after Norwalk so the teams could get ready to head out West. When we talk about this time of the season, meaning the Western Swing, our August races, and the U.S. Nats, it’s such a crucial part of the year. We’re racing in the heat at these back-to-back events, and this is such a pivotal time as we start to gear up for the Countdown.
"Starting the Swing in Bandimere is a challenge, but I feel confident because I know we have a team and crew chiefs that can adapt, no matter how challenging the conditions. And Denver certainly does have extreme conditions. We’re talking not only mile-high altitude, but it’s going to be very hot as well. It makes me so happy to have (crew chiefs) Guido (Dean Antonelli) and John Medlen at the helm. Our NAPA AutoCare team has been so good this season and they were last year, too. We won the championship for a reason. They’re consistent and don’t make mistakes, and that gives you confidence.”
About Ron Capps Motorsports
Established in 2021, Ron Capps Motorsports is a single-car NHRA Funny Car team owned and operated by reigning and two-time world champion Ron Capps. Headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., the team made its on-track debut in 2022, and competes on the 22-race NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series circuit thanks to the support of NAPA AUTO PARTS, Toyota, and GearWrench.Capps, who serves as both the owner and driver of his namesake operation, is the second-winningest Funny Car pilot in NHRA history with 69 wins in the category, and 70 overall (1 Top Fuel). The 2022 NHRA season marks Capps’ 28th year competing in the sport’s professional ranks.
