Thu, 02 Nov 2017, 19:19 PM Reigning Funny Car World Champion Ron Capps Ready for Epic Showdown Coming at Auto Club NHRA Finals

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2017 Auto Imagery, Inc.

POMONA, Calif. --

Ron Capps celebrates St. Louis win

Claiming his first career NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championship hasn't changed Ron Capps' desire to keep winning. If anything, it has only become stronger during a championship defense season where the Funny Car veteran has racked up a career-best eight victories, including two in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, in his 10,000-horsepower NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T.

It sets up what will be a thrilling conclusion to the season at the Auto Club NHRA Finals, Nov. 9-12, at historic Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif. Capps' year-long success currently trailing Robert Hight by 15 points, setting up an epic finish ripe with juicy storylines. It is Don Schumacher Racing versus John Force Racing, it is Dodge versus Chevrolet, it is standout crew chiefs Rahn Tobler and Jimmy Prock facing off, with Capps and Hight both gunning for their second world title. It promises to be something special and Capps cannot wait.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Capps, who has 58 career wins. "These are big, big moments and it's going to come down to who can get through these big moments without making a mistake. I feel like it's going to come down to a really big moment in Pomona and that's going to be a lot of fun. Right now, as we speak, I want to win (a second world title) as much as the first one. Having these moments, it's something you can enjoy the rest of your life. To do it again would be huge."

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Tommy Johnson (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year's winners of the season-ending race that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), including live finals coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Nov. 12. To make the stakes even higher, there is more on the line in Pomona this season.

Ron Capps

The Auto Club NHRA Finals will have an increased amount of points in play via the point-and-a-half system, meaning the winner earns 150 points and has the chance to earn up to 191 points at the event. The change immediately piqued Capps' interest, knowing full well the championship would likely be decided in Pomona.

"I knew when they made it points and a half, it was going to be a game-changer," Capps said. "You have to treat Pomona like it's old school when I was a kid and it was for everything. For us, this is just fun to be part of. It's one of the most historic tracks we have. You think about drag racing in Southern California in November, the semifinals and finals (on Sunday) will be close to dark and it's going to be fast. I couldn't think of a better place to fight it out for the championship."

It will surely be an incredible duel between Capps and Hight, especially considering the loaded Funny Car class they will still have to deal with during the weekend. Capps and Tobler have been ultra-consistent, advancing to 12 final rounds in another impressive year, while Hight has provided major highlights during the second half of the season.

Hight has won four of the past 10 races, including topping Capps in the final round at Dallas, became the first driver in the class to reach the 3.60s and has gone an incredible 339.87 mph. It makes for a thrilling showdown, one Capps is eager to see play out.

"It is a unique dynamic and it has played out well for the fans," Capps said. "You always expect Robert's team to be in it late and it's always been a battle between us. This year, everybody knows about the power Prock makes and the speeds they're running. With Tobler and our team, we've been able to put pressure on our opponent and stay consistent, so the dynamic has been fun. You couldn't ask for two more different situations. But Robert and I let the cars do the talking. It's fun to get up there, step on the gas and see who wins each one."

Steve Torrence is hoping to hold off Kalitta and Brittany Force as they all search for their first Top Fuel world title. Kalitta sits 84 points back of Torrence, while Brittany Force is within 20 points of the Texan.

Anderson, who has 12 wins in Pomona and six at the finale, will try to claim a fifth Pro Stock world title. He leads Bo Butner by 40 points and reigning world champ Jason Line by 76 points.

Eddie Krawiec's bid for a fourth Pro Stock Motorcycle championship is within grasp, currently leading LE Tonglet by 150 points.

The Auto Club NHRA Finals will also feature thrilling competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. After Nitro qualifying, stick around to see the spectacular Muy Caliente Racing jet dragsters sponsored by Lucas Oil/ Mav TV. Known for their exciting pre-run flame shows and after burner pops, jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines.

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they're granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Fans can also visit NHRA's popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-644-4444. Tickets also are available online at www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. All students can save 50 percent on general admission at the gate with a student ID. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate.

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