Wed, 20 Feb 2013, 22:41 PM Funny Car Driver Capps Rolls into Phoenix Seeking More Success

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Photo copyright 2013 NHRA Following Strong Start to the 2013 Season

CHANDLER, Ariz. --

Ron Capps

After a runner-up finish at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Funny Car driver Ron Capps is looking to continue the early season momentum as he and the entire NAPA Auto Parts team head to Firebird International Raceway.

"I've always loved going to Phoenix," said Capps, who lost to Courtney Force in the final round of the 2013 season-opener last weekend and sits second in the points standings. "I relate to my love for certain tracks because of what I'm able to do around the track. Phoenix always has been a fun trip for our family."

With 38 career victories and 75 final round appearances at the controls of his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger, Capps will certainly be one to watch at the 29th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Feb. 22-24. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) are the defending winners of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event, which will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD.

Capps' confidence is high due to his past performance at the popular desert track, which includes two wins in five final round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions.

"We've had success there and that really makes you like going back," Capps said.

"You put all that together with the climate and the great fans there and it makes it one of the special tracks for us on the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series," he added.

At the end of a long day at the track, spending time with the family is something he truly values. Since his Carlsbad, Calif. home is so close to central Arizona, it's a perfect time for the entire Capps family to take a little road trip.

Ron Capps

"Growing up on the West Coast it's one of the tracks where a lot of family and friends can get to," said Capps. "We always go to Rustler's Rooste; that's a restaurant with a western theme and a fun slide at the front door. They play great country and western music there. It's a lot of fun and the kids have memories of going there because we've gone there every year since they were born."

In order to make a return to the FIR victory circle at the end of the weekend, Capps will need to hold off a host of challengers, including defending world champion "Fast Jack" Beckman, a three-time winner at Phoenix, defending race winner Hight, sophomore sensation Courtney Force who is riding high after a win at the Winternationals, eight-time FIR winner John Force, and 2011 world champ Matt Hagan, among others.

Top Fuel world champion Brown returns to FIR in hopes of repeating as the event winner in his Matco Tools dragster, but the competition will be tough. Current points leader Shawn Langdon is eyeing his second win of the 2013 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season while three-time FIR winner Tony Schumacher, speed record holder Spencer Massey and rookie Brittany Force are in hot pursuit of the Al-Anabi Racing driver.

The competition is just as intense in Pro Stock as a host of challengers will try to stop Line and his Summit Racing team from winning this event for a second straight year. NHRA Winternationals winner Vincent Nobile, defending world champion Allen Johnson and fan-favorite Erica Enders-Stevens are all hoping to have a successful weekend in the Valley of the Sun.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they're granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful motorsports attraction on the planet. While visiting the pits, fans will also want to check out the interactive NHRA Nitro Alley and the NHRA Manufacturers Midway.

Fans also will want to take advantage of the popular Championship Sunday Track Walk, which is free to all Sunday ticket holders. This popular event gives fans the opportunity to walk down the legendary drag strip alongside some of the NHRA's biggest stars.

• SCHEDULE: Mello Yello Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 and continue on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24.

• TICKETS: Tickets are available for the NHRA Arizona Nationals online at www.firebirdraceway.com or by calling the FIR ticket office at (602) 268-0200.

• TELEVISION: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 1 a.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 24 and three hours and 30 minutes of eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb. 24.