Columbus: Ron Capps Friday summary

Capps Eighth Following First Two Qualifying Sessions in Ohio

HEBRON, Ohio. (June 11, 2004) -- Ron Capps used a performance of 4.913 seconds at 299.73 mph from his green Skoal RacingSM Chevy Monte Carlo to claim the eighth qualifying position Friday at National Trail Raceway.

Capps raced to his 4.913, 299.73 run on his opening attempt of the weekend after qualifying was delayed as a result of rain. On Friday's final qualifying effort, the 14-time NHRA winner's Don Prudhomme-owned flopper overpowered the National Trail Raceway quarter mile and slowed to a run of 8.791 at 99.62.

"We had a plan coming in and that was to get down the track with a decent E.T. on the first run on Friday and that would put is in the back of the pack for the evening run so we could go for a run that would move us up in the standings," Capps said. "We just got a little overaggressive on the second pass. Roland (Leong) is really starting to get a feel for the car. I know the crew has a little bounce in their step and I feel real comfortable behind the car. I have quite a bit more confidence when I pull to the starting line."

Capps, who won the Pontiac Excitement Nationals in 2002, aims to drive his Roland Leong-tuned Funny Car higher into the top half of the Funny Car ladder when nitro qualifying continues Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. (ET).

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