The IHRA generated significant buzz when it announced that its Triple Crown series of races would feature massive payouts for nitro teams. Now, three-time NHRA Funny Car champion Ron Capps has confirmed that both he and teammate Maddi Gordon will compete at the Maple Grove Raceway Triple Crown event.
When the IHRA relaunched in 2025, it offered substantial purse money to Top Fuel and Funny Car teams competing in the Outlaw Nitro Series. That momentum has continued into 2026, but the three-race Triple Crown series raises the stakes even further with increased prize money.
Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers can earn $150,000 for a win at each Triple Crown event. The runner-up receives $50,000, semifinalists earn $40,000, and first-round participants are paid $30,000. In addition, IHRA is offering a $10,000 promotional bonus. If a driver sweeps all three events, they will earn an additional $1,000,000 bonus.
Capps, the current NHRA Funny Car points leader, and rookie Maddie Gordon, who currently sits sixth in Top Fuel points, are both confirmed for the first event at Maple Grove Raceway. The team has not yet announced whether they will compete at the Darana Raceway event in Hebron, Ohio, in June, or the final Triple Crown race at Darana-Memphis Motorsports Park in September.
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