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Phoenix Pre-Race Report
NHRA Arizona Nationals
Event 2 of 22
Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
Chandler, Ariz.
February 25-27, 2022
RON CAPPS: Driver of the NAPA AUTO PARTS Funny Car
NHRA Arizona Nationals Event Highlights:
Three-time event winner (2003, 2009, 2013)
Four-time runner-up (1998, 2000, 2005, 2017)
Three-time No. 1 qualifier (2000, 2009, 2016)
2020 Phoenix Recap:
Qualified eighth; Semifinal finish (defeated J.R. Todd in E1, Jeff Diehl in E2; defeated by Tommy Johnson Jr. in E3)
Last Event (Pomona 1):
Qualified No. 1; Event runner-up (defeated John Force in E1, J.R. Todd in E2, Cruz Pedregon in E3; defeated by Robert Hight in E4)
Career Statistics:
587 races; 68 event wins (one Top Fuel); 30 No. 1 qualifiers
2022 Statistics:
One race; one runner-up; one No. 1 qualifier
Noteworthy:
The defending series champion and new team owner returns to Phoenix following a dominant performance at the NHRA season-opener in Pomona, Calif. last weekend which saw Capps race to a runner-up finish from the No. 1 seed. Made his professional debut at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park while competing in the Top Fuel category (1995).NHRA Arizona Nationals Event Highlights:
Three-time event winner (2003, 2009, 2013)
Four-time runner-up (1998, 2000, 2005, 2017)
Three-time No. 1 qualifier (2000, 2009, 2016)
2020 Phoenix Recap:
Qualified eighth; Semifinal finish (defeated J.R. Todd in E1, Jeff Diehl in E2; defeated by Tommy Johnson Jr. in E3)
Last Event (Pomona 1):
Qualified No. 1; Event runner-up (defeated John Force in E1, J.R. Todd in E2, Cruz Pedregon in E3; defeated by Robert Hight in E4)
Career Statistics:
587 races; 68 event wins (one Top Fuel); 30 No. 1 qualifiers
2022 Statistics:
One race; one runner-up; one No. 1 qualifier
Noteworthy:
Quotable:
“What a dream weekend we had in Pomona. I’m still in awe, although, I really shouldn’t be because I know how good our team is, but to start the season off like that is something you can only hope to do, and our team did a great job. I’m happy we’re able to go right into Phoenix with no off-week in between. When you’re running well like we are, you’re so happy to have back-to-back weekends. Our guys are in a great mood, and with that 3.92 run on Saturday in the heat in Pomona, (crew chief Dean Antonelli) ‘Guido,’ (John) Medlen and our NAPA AutoCare team showed that we can adapt to any conditions, and that’ll be key in Phoenix. The air is a little drier there and you have to have a good crew chief who can adapt to the conditions and different temperatures, and I always feel like I have that with Guido, Medlen and the guys. Looking forward to seeing all of our fans and NAPA friends in Arizona this weekend.”
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.Capps, who serves as both the owner and driver of his namesake operation, is the second-winningest Funny Car pilot in NHRA history with 67 wins in the category, and 68 overall (1 Top Fuel). The 2022 NHRA season marks Capps’ 28th year competing in the sport’s professional ranks.
