Veteran nitro Funny Car driver Ron Capps’ chase to catch an elusive NHRA world championship is down to two races – Las Vegas (Oct. 27-30) and Pomona, Calif., (Nov. 11-14). Capps is leading the points standings – 64 points in front of Tommy Johnson Jr. and 88 points ahead of Matt Hagan, both are his Don Schumacher Racing teammates.

There’s no question Capps wants the coveted crown and his younger brother, Jon, is hoping to help lend a hand in his brother’s title quest.
Jon has an opportunity to play a role since he will driving Steve Plueger’s Funny Car at Las Vegas and Pomona.

“This is a great opportunity to get to run at Las Vegas,” Jon said. “I lived in Las Vegas for 16 years, so this is my home track, and it would be even more special (this time) if I could help Ron and his team. That would be cool if I could play a part in helping Ron.”

Ron, one of the most popular drivers on NHRA’s circuit, finished second in the nitro Funny Car points standings in 1998, 2000, 2005, and 2012. He did, however, increase his lead over Johnson Jr. from 24 points to 64 points after the Dallas event. Capps made it to the finals in Dallas, losing to Hagan, while Johnson Jr. lost in the second round to Del Worsham.

As for Jon, he ran one other event this season – Las Vegas in April - in another nitro Funny Car, but failed to qualify at The Strip.

“The Vegas track is really nice,” said Jon, who also will be making the track walk this Sunday morning at The Strip with Speedway Children’s Charities.

“I don’t get a chance to run at a lot of other tracks, but I definitely enjoy competing in Las Vegas.”

Capps said his crew chiefs for the final two races of the 2016 season will be Steve Plueger and Paul Trabue. In Vegas, there are 24 cars entered and vying to get in the 16-car field.

“Steve’s car has shown a lot of potential and it would be great if we could break into the 3s (for an elapsed time),” Capps said.

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