Newly-crowned and two-time NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Funny Car champion Ron Capps confirmed part of the recent speculation regarding his racing future on Saturday evening, writing to his fans via social media to share the news of his departure from Don Schumacher Racing after 17 long and successful seasons.

“Yesterday was my last day at Don Schumacher Racing. It’s been an incredible 17 years. I went there to join my buddy [Gary] Scelzi and have had the best teammates and sponsors throughout the years I could ever ask for,” said Capps. “There is a lot of NHRA Wally’s scattered throughout the house and we’ve raised a lot of NHRA championship banners up at the DSR shop.

“The best part though, without question has been the people I’ve been lucky enough to be around for the last 17 years. From Don Schumacher and his wonderful family, management, our great people at the track with us, the front office group , the hospitality people, the fab shop and of course all the team members past and present and their families. Thank you everyone at DSR for in incredible ride.”

Capps in recent weeks had alluded to pending changes in his racing career, and at the season-ending Auto Club Finals at Pomona, Calif., confirmed a major announcement would take place at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis, December 9. Capps’ exit follows that of Top Fuel racers Antron Brown — who will form his own team with DSR support in 2022 — and Leah Pruett, who will be moving to Tony Stewart’s upstart team for the new year. Fellow Funny Car stablemate Matt Hagan is also leaving to join Stewart’s team, leaving returning Top Fuel star Tony Schumacher as the lone car (as of this writing) in DSR’s lineup that once included as many as nine professional teams.

Capps is fresh off a championship season in which he scored two wins, three runner-up finishes, and three top qualifier awards on his way to a hard-fought title. Based on prior on-air statements, NAPA Auto Parts, his primary marketing partner since 2008, appears poised to join him at his next destination. As for the rumor mill, hearsay has ranged from the fan-favorite driver joining another powerhouse nitro team, partnering with Brown in his new venture, or even becoming an owner/driver himself. We’ll know more when Capps takes the mic in a couple of weeks in Indy, and will bring you those details as they come available.