Ron Capps Set to Race in Celebrity All-Star Midget Event at Indianapolis

Ron Capps, the veteran driver of the NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, is set to bring his drag racing expertise to Indianapolis Raceway Park on June 26. He will compete in the Thursday Night Thunder Heroes celebrity all-star midget race.

This special race will bring together some of the top names from American motorsports, with Capps stepping out of his usual straight-line competition and onto the oval track at IRP in Brownsburg, Indiana. The event marks Capps’ first time racing on the iconic IRP oval.

Joining Capps in the field is NHRA Top Fuel points leader Tony Stewart, who also brings a rich background across multiple racing series. The driver lineup will include seasoned veterans and newcomers from various motorsports disciplines.

Recent announcements highlighted the involvement of Brad Noffsinger, a 2013 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee, and open-wheel standout Michael Lewis. The competition will showcase both current drivers and retired legends, making for a highly anticipated contest.

For the all-star race, Capps will drive the #29 Allstar Midget owned by Matt Seymour Racing. The car will feature a wrap designed to resemble Capps’ familiar NAPA Auto Care Funny Car.

Normally, this car is piloted by Jake Trainor of Medway, Massachusetts, who recently captured his second Little 500 win. Capps spoke about how meaningful it is to drive for the Seymour family and race at a historic track he has admired since childhood.

While his primary focus has always been drag racing, Capps is no stranger to other types of vehicles. He has experience driving sprint cars, go-karts, and has participated in iRacing events.

Notably, Capps was the only drag racer invited to compete in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series in 2023 at Eldora Speedway. Training for the Thursday Night Thunder Heroes race has included time on a simulator.

Capps confirmed he has logged laps on his iRacing rig to get comfortable driving a midget on the IRP oval. He mentioned the importance of getting some “seat time” to prepare for the real race, especially since he will be driving the same car Jake Trainor used to win the Carb Classic earlier this year.

After the race at IRP, Capps will immediately travel to Norwalk, Ohio, to begin qualifying for the NHRA Norwalk Nationals. Last year, he powered to a runner-up finish at Norwalk.

The Thursday Night Thunder Heroes midget race at Indianapolis Raceway Park promises to bring together a unique blend of talent for a night of competition and celebration. As Capps steps into this new challenge, fans across drag racing and open-wheel racing will be watching to see how the accomplished champion performs alongside motorsports icons.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.