CAPPS UPBEAT FOR GATORNATIONALS ELIMINATIONS

Ron Capps qualified 12th for Sunday’s final eliminations at the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals here at Gainesville Raceway.

Driving the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing, Capps recorded his best time and speed of 4.158 seconds at 292.90 miles per hour during the two days of qualifying. His first round opponent will be number-five qualifier Cruz Pedregon, whose best 1,000-foot run was 4.090/307.09.

“Looking at our qualifying numbers it might not appear to be good for our NAPA team,” said Capps, a 31-time tour winner. “But when you have John Medlen as a crew chief you know that we can step up at any time and be a contender for a victory.

“We’ve had a clutch issue the past two days, but it’s getting better. I feel that we’re on the verge of making a big step.”

Capps, who is fourth in the NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car championship after a semifinal finish at the season-opening Winternationals two weeks ago in Pomona, Calif., feels it is important to continue the team momentum.

“It’s always a big plus to start off the season with strong results,” noted Capps. “We have another opportunity tomorrow to show the talent and potential of our team. I have a good feeling, but also know that we have to make the right decisions in the pits and on the racetrack.”