Ron Capps Advances to Brainerd Quarterfinals, Eyes Victory at Indy

Ron Capps and the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car reach the quarterfinals at the NHRA Brainerd Nationals, but a disqualification ends his day and drops him to third in points.

That elimination comes against reigning champion Austin Prock, after Capps crosses first but clips timing blocks, which by rule triggers an automatic loss despite the quicker finish.

Despite the setback, Capps remains in contention, with points‑and‑a‑half on offer at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, a pivotal final regular‑season round before the Countdown.

Capps arrives with momentum and recognition, named among NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers during the 75th anniversary, and recently taking the inaugural King of Nitro title at Night Under Fire.

That exhibition win came over teammate Maddi Gordon in a rare Funny Car versus Top Fuel final, adding confidence before Brainerd’s competitive sessions.

Qualifying proves inconsistent. Capps shuts off near halftrack on the opening attempt and sits tenth. Crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli resets the window, and the car responds.

A 3.930-second pass at 322.27 mph temporarily lifts the team to fifth, but renewed traction issues on Saturday return them to tenth for race day.

Round one pairs Capps with Cruz Pedregon. A sharper light carries Capps to a holeshot win, 3.934 at 325.14 mph against Pedregon’s quicker 3.919.

The quarterfinal against Austin Prock unravels early. A dropped cylinder at launch pushes Capps toward the centerline, and he clips the blocks after beating Prock to the stripe.

Per NHRA regulation, contacting timing blocks mandates disqualification. The call erases potential lane-choice leverage and valuable points as the regular season nears its climax.

“Brainerd is a pivotal race. The U.S. Nationals is looming, everyone is chasing the regular-season championship, and you’re getting ready for the playoffs,” Capps says.

“I’m sick to my stomach. These nitro Funny Cars are so hard to drive. You don’t have a second chance to think about it. Things happen so fast,” he adds.

Still, he praises the group’s direction and expects a competitive package for Indianapolis, where points-and-a-half elevate risk and reward before the Countdown cut.

The Ron Capps Motorsports entry also showcases expanded OKUMA branding, part of a six-race partnership, alongside new backers Core Scientific and USA Compression at Brainerd.

Attention now turns to the NHRA U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, September 4–7, where Capps owns two wins and four finals across the past five years.

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Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.