NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Back-to-back Funny Car world champion Ron Capps is set for a busy week that could include victories in two entirely different forms of racing. The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series star will race in this weekend’s Menard’s NHRA Nationals presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park, as part of the final NHRA national event at the facility.

But before aiming to pick up his second victory this season in his NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra, the three-time world champion will venture to Eldora Speedway on Thursday as he makes his debut in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). 

Capps joins a star-studded lineup for the race, becoming the first full-time NHRA drag racer to compete in the SRX series. The event at Eldora Speedway, which is owned by Tony Stewart, will be broadcast on ESPN, and Capps is thrilled with the chance to not only make his SRX debut but also start his busy weekend on a strong note.

“It's an incredible opportunity,” Capps said. “There’s a lot of good drivers out here [in the NHRA], so it was definitely a shock to be invited, [and] it was very cool. The SRX Series has generated so much attention this year, and as the days get closer, I’m getting more and more nervous. It’s going to be a lot different from what I normally do, and I’ve got a lot of things stacked against me. We’re going to see how we can hold and see if we can’t make NHRA nation proud [on Thursday].”

It will make for a hectic weekend, but Capps, who has 74 career wins, is determined to make the most of it. Capps is excited with the backing he’s already received from the NHRA community, and that support will continue through the conclusion of his busy weekend at Heartland Motorsports Park.

“Getting invited to race in the SRX series is pretty incredible – it’s going to be fun knowing our NHRA fans are going to be tuning in to watch,” Capps said. “Representing NAPA, my sponsor of over 15 years, at this incredible night of racing against some of the best race car drivers in the world on one of the fastest high-bank dirt tracks is very cool.”

Following the SRX event, Capps will head to Topeka to try and pick up his fifth career victory at Heartland Motorsports Park and potentially move into the points lead in the process with a big weekend. A year ago, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), and Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) won the pivotal regular-season race, and this year’s event will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), including live eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 13.

Known as a stage for record-breaking performances and monumental speeds, Heartland Motorsports Park has a rich history of standout and record performances, making lasting memories with fans for more than three decades. The “House of Speed” has more than lived up to its name over the years. In addition to seeing all the NHRA stars, fans can enjoy one last weekend filled with night qualifying on Friday, the new Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge bonus race on Saturday, and final eliminations on Sunday. After nitro qualifying on Friday and Saturday, fans can see an exciting jet car and wheelstander performance.    
 
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 7:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 11, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2:15 and 4:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 13. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, 1 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.
 
To purchase tickets to the final NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series National Event on Aug. 11-13 at Heartland Motorsports Park, fans can visit www.nhra.com/tickets.