NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Ron Capps, driver of the NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car, claimed his first Funny Car world championship in dramatic fashion on Saturday at the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona by securing a 92-point lead over his closest competitor, Matt Hagan, at the conclusion of qualifying.

Before being crowned, Capps was the winningest driver, with 50 victories, to have not won a championship. Capps began his quest for the world championship with a win at the season-opening event in Pomona. He and his NAPA team were a dominant force during a seven race span which began in Epping, N.H., and ended in Sonoma, Calif. During that time he posted victories at Epping, Englishtown, N.J., and Norwalk, Ohio; runner-up finishes at Chicago and Sonoma; and a semi-final appearance in Bristol, Tenn. Capps also secured four No. 1 qualifying positions throughout the year.