Ron Capps Ready To Defend Funny Car Points Lead At NHRA New England Nationals

Momentum can be everything during the grueling NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, and right now Ron Capps has plenty of it.

The three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion enters this weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway as the Funny Car points leader, continuing one of the strongest starts of his career. With two victories, one runner-up finish, two No. 1 qualifiers, and a semifinal appearance through the first seven races of the 2026 season, Capps has established himself as an early championship favorite.

Now the veteran driver heads to a facility where he’s enjoyed considerable success throughout his career, looking to add another chapter to his New England Dragway legacy.

Ron Capps Returns To One Of His Strongest Tracks

New England Dragway has been a productive stop for Capps since the facility joined the NHRA schedule.

The driver of the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car owns two New England Nationals victories, winning in both 2014 and 2016. He also captured the No. 1 qualifying position in 2016 and has consistently been a contender at the New Hampshire facility.

Capps arrives in Epping after another strong performance at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, where he advanced to the semifinals before falling to eventual event winner Austin Prock. Along the way, he defeated Alexis DeJoria and Cruz Pedregon to secure valuable championship points.

That effort helped Capps maintain the Funny Car points lead heading into the eighth race of the season.

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know that in our sport of NHRA Drag Racing, when you have races lumped together like we have right now, it could be dreadful if you don’t have a good race car,” Capps said. “We’re so fortunate that we have a great car, and we’re in a good position heading into these summer races.”

The timing couldn’t be better for the NAPA Auto Care team as NHRA enters one of the busiest stretches of the season.

“The great part about this time of year, especially after leaving Maryland after the solid performance we had, is knowing that we’re going to be racing two more weeks in a row with Bristol and the upcoming race at New England Dragway this weekend,” Capps continued.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Opportunity

Thanks to his semifinal finish in Maryland, Capps will once again compete in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge during Saturday qualifying.

The specialty event provides drivers with a chance to earn bonus points and prize money while gaining valuable momentum heading into race day eliminations.

For a team chasing a championship, every point matters.

Epping also marks the fourth event this season where Capps begins the weekend atop the Funny Car standings, highlighting the consistency his team has displayed throughout 2026.

OKUMA Partnership Expands In New England

This weekend will also showcase an expanded partnership for Ron Capps Motorsports.

Both Capps’ NAPA Auto Care Funny Car and Maddi Gordon’s Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster will feature increased OKUMA branding as part of a six-race collaboration with the global leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing. Earlier this week, OKUMA was officially announced as the CNC machining partner of Ron Capps Motorsports.

The partnership reflects the growing strength of the organization both on and off the racetrack.

“We have a lot going on with our NAPA customers in the area, and now with Carlyle Tools,” Capps said. “Maddi and I will be at the world-famous Bentley’s Saloon tonight, and we can’t wait to hang out with all the fans that’ll come join us.”

Maddi Gordon Ready For First Epping Experience

While Capps brings years of experience to New England Dragway, Top Fuel rookie Maddi Gordon will be making her first appearance at the facility.

The driver of the Carlyle Tools Top Fuel dragster continues to gain valuable experience during her rookie campaign and views Epping as another opportunity to expand her knowledge while introducing NHRA drag racing to new fans.

“This will be my first time racing in Epping, and I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Gordon said. “I can’t wait to meet some new fans, check out a historic track, and celebrate in true New England style with a lobster team dinner with the local Carlyle Tools folks on Saturday night.”

Gordon is also looking forward to participating in one of New England Dragway’s most famous traditions.

“We’re starting our race weekend with an appearance at Bentley’s Saloon up in Maine tonight, and I’m very much looking forward to that,” Gordon said. “I know Ron goes up there every year and it always seems like such a blast, so I’m excited I’ll get to be a part of that this year.”

Building Toward Bigger Results

Although Gordon suffered a first-round exit at the Potomac Nationals, the rookie remains focused on the progress her team has made throughout the season.

“Our Carlyle Tools boys have been working really hard both on and off the race track, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished so far this season,” Gordon said. “We’ll take our data from Maryland and apply it in Epping.”

The team is hoping that support from partners and guests throughout the weekend can help spark a breakthrough performance.

“We’ve got plenty of folks from NAPA and Carlyle coming out this weekend, and hopefully they can be our good luck charms, and we’ll go deep in the rounds on Sunday.”

Epping represents an opportunity for Ron Capps to strengthen his hold on the Funny Car points lead at one of his most successful tracks. For Maddi Gordon, it’s another chance to continue building confidence and experience in one of the most competitive categories in motorsports.