Indianapolis Pre-Race Report

Driver of the NAPA AutoCare Toyota GR Supra Funny Car

Indianapolis Event Highlights:

  • Two-time runner-up (2017, 2021)

2021 Indianapolis Recap:
Qualified sixth; Event runner-up (defeated Justin Schriefer in E1, Robert Hight in E2, Alexis DeJoria in E3; defeated by Tim Wilkerson in E4)

Last Event (Brainerd):
Qualified fourth; Event runner-up (defeated John Force in E1, Bobby Bode in E2, Alexis DeJoria in E3; defeated by Bob Tasca in E4)

Career Statistics:
601 races; 70 wins; 33 No. 1 qualifiers

2022 Statistics:
15 races; two wins; two runner-up finishes; four No. 1 qualifiers

Noteworthy:

  • While Capps won an event at Indy in 2020, the 28-year Funny Car veteran and second-winningest driver in the class has never won the coveted Wally trophy at the ‘Big Go,’ and will be looking to achieve that bucket-list item this weekend
    • Capps has come close, most recently finishing as the event runner-up at last year’s race
  • Capps, a two-time race winner in 2022, sits third in the Funny Car standings with 56 points (less than two round wins) separating the defending world champ from No. 2 ranked Matt Hagan. Capps will be looking to make a move and lock-in the No. 2 starting position as he begins his championship defense
  • The U.S. Nationals will feature an All-Star shootout event during the race weekend. Capps and the NAPA AutoCare team have qualified for the Call-Out, earning the No. 2 seed, and will have the advantage of selecting their first-round opponent as they vie for the $80K purse

Fan Events:
Capps will join his TGRNA teammates for a Team Toyota autograph session at Toyota’s midway display on Sunday from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Quotable:
“Once again, it’s time for the U.S. Nationals. I can’t believe how fast the season has gone by so far. There have been so many firsts for myself, and our team this year, and it’s been such a fun ride. But, it’s time to start thinking about the world championship and our title defense, and that starts when we get to the U.S. Nationals. It’s the last race you can collect points to have an opportunity to move up to start the Countdown.

“I’m so happy we have the Call-Out element as part of the show this weekend. We’re No. 2 and that’s indicative of how well we’ve run all year long. Of course, we’d love to win the U.S. Nationals, but even better if we double-up with a Call-Out win, and I know we’re capable. It’s shaping up to be another Indy weekend of hot, tricky, demanding conditions, but Guido (Dean Antonelli), (John) Medlen and our NAPA AutoCare team always do such a great job adapting, and that’s why I’m always bragging about them.

“The Indianapolis race is one I’ve never won on a Monday. I’ve won at the race track before, but never actually won the U.S. Nationals so, I’d love nothing more than to make that another first this year. We’ve got a lot of fun things going on – brining NAPA AutoCare on the car this weekend, and we’re doing some fun things with local NAPA ASE technicians. Busy weekend but we’re looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get back on the race track and see all of our great fans at the U.S. Nationals.”