Few drivers in NHRA history have enjoyed the kind of success at Bristol Dragway that Ron Capps has achieved over the past quarter-century. Now, one of drag racing’s most accomplished Funny Car drivers is being recognized for that remarkable legacy.
Bristol Dragway announced that Capps has been selected as the 2026 Legends of Thunder Valley honoree, adding another milestone to a career that has already secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
The three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion will be formally inducted during pre-race ceremonies at the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, June 12-14, becoming just the third active driver to receive the prestigious honor alongside fellow legends John Force and Tony Schumacher.
The Winningest Funny Car Driver In Bristol History
When it comes to Funny Car success in Thunder Valley, no driver has been more dominant than Capps.
The Carlsbad, California native has amassed an incredible eight NHRA Funny Car victories at Bristol Dragway, collecting wins in 2001, 2006, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2025.
What makes that accomplishment even more impressive is the variety of teams, crew chiefs, and eras across which those victories were earned.
From his early days driving for Don “The Snake” Prudhomme to his championship years under Don Schumacher and now as a team owner with Ron Capps Motorsports, Capps has consistently found success at one of NHRA’s most challenging and beloved facilities.
Beyond the wins, Capps also owns a runner-up finish at Bristol in 2015, earned the No. 1 qualifying position in 2016, and still holds the Bristol Dragway elapsed-time record with a blistering 3.884-second run set in June of 2016.
That level of consistency over multiple decades is a major reason Bristol officials selected him as the 24th member of the Legends of Thunder Valley fraternity.
“Ron has put fans on their feet at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals cheering him on for decades and has found a way to the Winner’s Circle here on many occasions,” said Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell. “Ron has done it all at Bristol, including winning races, earning No. 1 qualifying positions, setting track performance records, and he’s done it all with a big smile on his face the whole time.
“Not only is Ron one of the sport’s greatest champions, but he’s also one of its most dynamic ambassadors, and we are thrilled to recognize and induct him today as the 2026 Legend of Thunder Valley honoree.”
Joining Drag Racing Royalty
The Legends of Thunder Valley honor represents one of the most prestigious recognitions in NHRA drag racing.
Capps joins an elite group that includes Don Prudhomme, Don Garlits, Wally Parks, Shirley Muldowney, Don Schumacher, John Force, Tony Schumacher, Scotty Cannon, and 2025 inductee Del Worsham.
His name will soon be permanently displayed among those legends, with special signage installed on the grandstand suite fascia overlooking one of the sport’s most iconic venues. The induction ceremony will take place during Sunday’s pre-race festivities, where Caldwell will present Capps with the traditional Legends of Thunder Valley plaque before thousands of NHRA fans.
While the Hall of Fame honor recognizes decades of achievement, Capps continues to add to his legacy every time he straps into a Funny Car. The veteran driver enters Bristol as the current NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car points leader after one of the strongest starts of his career.
Through eight races, Capps has already captured victories at Phoenix and Charlotte while positioning his NAPA Auto Care Funny Car team as a leading championship contender. His current résumé includes 79 career Funny Car victories, three NHRA Funny Car world championships, and nearly three decades of success at the sport’s highest level.
Those accomplishments place him among the most successful Funny Car drivers in NHRA history, but Bristol has always held a special place in his career.
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