Browse
Log in / Register
Share
As of Aug. 20, 2026 — Ron Capps has owned Brainerd International Raceway like few others. The three-time Funny Car world champion and current points leader brings a seven‑win résumé to the Minnesota track this weekend, and he’s not done stacking trophies. With the NHRA celebrating its 75th anniversary, Capps will also be saluted as one of the sport’s Top 75 Drivers before the green lights flash.
“I couldn’t have picked a better race to get that call,” Capps said. “Brainerd has always been special to me, and to be honored here during the 75th anniversary makes it even sweeter.”
Capps rolls into the 13th of 20 events on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar riding a three‑win season. He’s already won in Phoenix, Charlotte, and Norwalk, and his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car has been a model of consistency. That reliability has him atop the standings in a class that’s arguably deeper than ever.
“Consistency is something you always hope to have by the time you get to Brainerd,” Capps noted. “We feel like we have that. With the U.S. Nationals coming up next — points and a half — a lot can change. Leading the points at this stage is a feather in our cap.”
The Brainerd crowd is legendary. For more than 40 years, the “Zoo” campground has turned the event into a fan‑fueled party. Capps, who’s become a self‑described “Zoo tour guide,” embraces the chaos. “It’s extra pressure, extra noise, but I love it,” he said. “It keeps me busy, and we always seem to have a great event.”
This year’s field is stacked. Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) took the wins in Brainerd. But Capps has history on his side — he’s the winningest active driver at the track, with seven victories, the most recent in 2023.
The NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list includes icons like Tony Schumacher, Cruz Pedregon, and Greg Anderson. Capps joins that elite group, recognized for his achievements both on and off the track. The diamond‑shaped Wally trophies given out this season, he said, are “above and beyond what I expected. I’m lucky enough to have three of them so far.”
The celebration of the 75th anniversary has been a season‑long affair, with special guests and legends at every race. Capps also tipped his hat to the next generation, noting that Ron Capps Motorsports rookie Top Fuel driver Maddi Gordon already has a win in her first year. “That makes this season even better,” he said.
With 400 NAPA guests joining him in Brainerd, Capps knows the weekend will be a whirlwind. But he’s ready. “Funny Car has been as tough as it’s ever been this year,” he said. “A lot of teams that struggle during the regular season always seem to find their mojo right around Brainerd. We’ve got to stay sharp.”
All eyes will be on the track Sunday, Aug. 23, when elimination coverage airs on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Capps will look to add an eighth Brainerd win to his resume — and keep that points lead growing.
