CAPPS GOES FROM FUNNY CAR CHAMP TO OWNER/DRIVER

“This has always been my dream, to own my own team. I’m excited and anxious. This is a big step and I’m going to be a rookie on the ownership side.” Ron Capps • On becoming an NHRA owner

Funny Car champion Ron Capps is now the owner of his own drag racing team.

After 17 seasons with Don Schumacher Racing, the 56-year-old Capps announced Friday that he has formed Ron Capps Motorsports and will compete in 2022 as an owner-driver for the first time.

“This has always been my dream, to own my own team,” said Capps, who last month claimed his second National Hot Rod Association Funny Car season title.

“I’m excited and anxious. This is a big step and I’m going to be a rookie on the ownership side.”

While Capps will continue to reside in Carlsbad, the RCM operation will be headquartered in Browsburg, Ind., near Indianapolis, which is the centralized geographic hub for NHRA and IndyCar racing teams.

To make the transition easier, Capps will bring

along his primary NAPA sponsor and 11 members of his crew led by crew chief Dean Antonelli and assistant John Medlen.

Capps also has commitments from two other major sponsors associated with NAPA.

“The first step as the owner was locking down the team and the sponsors,” said Capps. “NAPA is a huge part of this life-long dream. Last year was the first time I worked with this group of individuals and it clicked with the results being such a great season. So, I really wanted the entire group coming with me.”

Over the past 26 years of his professional drag racing career, Capps has driven for two owners — Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Schumacher.

Part of Friday’s announcement was a plan to reunite with Prudhomme, a resident of Rancho Santa Fe.

“One of coolest things, is when I had the idea, I called Prudhomme first,” said Capps.

“I told Snake, ‘I’d love to have you to hang out.’ We’ve talked several times a week. He’s been offering me business advice.

“Fans will love having Snake there when we’re racing. It’s a huge boost for the team.”

Capps said the “goal” is to buy all the equipment he needs over the short offseason, although he has lease options available for the 2022 season.

“Eventually, I’d like to have a team with a second or third car,” said Capps.

The key is sponsorship.

“NAPA and I have a great association,” said Capps of the auto parts store chain.

“It’s been awesome. I love appearing for NAPA and they’ve been very supportive of me. All NAPA stores are owned by people in neighborhoods.

“We have several other companies looking to join this new team and we will have further announcements in January. It doesn’t hurt to have the No. 1 on the car.”

Capps has 67 career event wins, ranking fourth on the all-time list of Top Fuel/Funny car winners.