Three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Ron Capps joined Brian Lohnes on the NHRA Insider Podcast to pull back the curtain on what it’s like to race in the most competitive Funny Car field in recent memory, how he manages the mental grind of a long season, and why respect for his peers never gets in the way of wanting to beat them. As the driver and team owner of Ron Capps Motorsports, he’s chasing another title while juggling the relentless demands of running his own operation – a challenge he embraces as part of the sport’s evolution.
Capps’ reflections came in the wake of another solid run of races for his NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra, though he admits there’s never a moment to let up in a field stacked with proven winners. “The competition right now is insane,” Capps said. “You line up against anyone on Sunday and they’re capable of throwing a .90-something at you. It forces you to be on your game every single round. There’s no such thing as an easy path.” That constant pressure, he explained, is part of what fuels him. “You can’t fake it in this class. The car’s either going to run the number or it’s not, and if you’re not prepared, you’re going home.”
Even with decades of experience, Capps says the sport still finds ways to challenge him. The move to team ownership has added layers to his responsibilities – managing budgets, keeping sponsors engaged, overseeing personnel – all while maintaining the same on-track performance that’s made him one of the winningest drivers in Funny Car history. “There are days where you’re switching hats constantly,” he admitted. “One minute you’re the driver, the next you’re in a meeting with a sponsor, and then you’re in the pit trying to help make a call on the tune-up. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it. Owning my own team has made the wins even more rewarding.”
Capps is quick to point out that while the camaraderie among drivers is real, it’s balanced by an intense competitive edge. “There’s a huge amount of respect out here – you have to have that when you’re going over 330 mph next to each other – but when you put the helmet on, it’s about doing whatever you can to turn on the win light. We can shake hands after, but in the moment, I’m trying to put you on the trailer.” That approach, he believes, is what keeps the sport compelling for fans. “They want to see rivalries, they want to see passion. That’s what makes it worth coming out to the track.”
As the Countdown to the Championship looms, Capps is focused on sharpening every detail, from reaction times to setup decisions. “The Countdown is a reset for everyone, but the reality is you can’t just flip a switch in September and expect to dominate,” he said. “You’ve got to be building toward it all season. The habits you create in the regular season – those are the ones that carry you when the pressure’s at its highest.” He pointed to his team’s preparation as a source of confidence, noting that they’ve worked hard to ensure the car can adapt to different track and weather conditions. “Whether it’s cool and fast in Reading or tricky and hot somewhere else, we want to know we can put up a number that wins.”
Capps also touched on the mental side of the sport, a component he believes is often overlooked. “The physical part is real – the G-forces, the heat – but it’s the mental game that separates people,” he said. “Being able to block out distractions, reset after a bad run, and stay locked in for four rounds on race day is huge. That’s something I’ve had to work on my whole career.” It’s a skill he hopes to pass down to younger drivers, many of whom he’s competed against since their rookie seasons. “You want to see the sport grow, so you share what you can, but you also want to beat those same guys on Sunday. It’s a weird balance.”
Looking ahead, Capps sees opportunity in the chaos of a tight points race. “We’re in a spot where a couple of good races could put us right where we want to be heading into the Countdown,” he said. “It’s going to come down to execution – no mistakes, make the right calls, and be aggressive when it counts.” He’s not shying away from the weight of expectation that comes with being a multi-time champion, either. “People expect you to win because you’ve done it before, and that’s fine. I expect to win, too. That’s why we do this.”
For Capps, the next stretch of the season is about blending respect for the challenge with the determination to rise above it. “You’ve got to appreciate the level we’re all competing at right now – it’s some of the best racing I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I’m here to add another trophy to the shelf. That’s the goal, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”
This story was originally published on August 14, 2025. 
The post Ron Capps Balances Respect and Rivalry as NHRA Countdown Approaches first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
