Topeka qualifying best of season for Capps

May 21

Driving the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car, Capps posted his quickest qualifying lap Friday evening -- 4.090-second elapsed time at 296.83 miles per hour. 

Capps’ previous best starting position of the season was eighth in Charlotte, N.C. and Pomona, Calif.

The NAPA Dodge is being tuned by legendary crew chief, Tim “The General” Richards, who joined the Don Schumacher Racing operation prior to last week’s race in Commerce, Ga.

“It’s been special to race with Tim, who has been in the trenches and won championships,” said Capps. “The NAPA Dodge is doing everything Tim is telling it to do and that’s encouraging. He’s a great leader and that’s why our crew guys have an extra bounce in their step. We’re off to a good start and need to continue this performance tomorrow.”

Capps will have lane choice in the first round against Bob Tasca III, whose best run was 4.100 at 308.64. A victory over Tasca would be a milestone for Capps, who is seeking his 400th career round win.

“It’s not about the past, it’s about tomorrow,” noted Capps. “We not only have lane choice, but I also have mojo at this track. As they say in the business world, we’re trending in the right direction.”

The top-five Funny Car qualifiers in order were: Jack Beckman (4.054), Johnny Gray (4.058), Robert Hight (4.067), Mike Neff (4.070) and Cruz Pedregon (4.072).