Norwalk: Ron Capps Saturday report

CAPPS SHINES IN NORWALK QUALIFYING

NORWALK, Ohio (June 26, 2010) - With new crew chief John Medlen on board, and former crew chief Ed "Ace" McCulloch working alongside, Ron Capps shined during qualifying for the fourth annual NHRA Nationals, snagging a No. 5 qualifying spot.

Driving the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger Funny Car, Capps posted a straight, solid pass of 4.069 seconds at 306.40 mph during the cooler Friday night session, which followed a 4.272/287.60 (No. 10) earlier that day. In today's third round he lost traction in the heat of the day, recording a 6.618/98.09. The final round was cancelled after seven cars made it down the track because of rain, before Capps was able to come to the starting line.

"Obviously, it was a rough week in the sense that I couldn't wait to get here to the race track and get back in the car," said Capps, who was given the news that Medlen would take over for McCulloch after last Sunday's Bristol race. "And even with all the changes that were made I knew that having Ed McCulloch still hanging out here would make for a positive weekend.

"And, sure enough, they unreeled that 4.06 Friday night as a team and that was terrific. To make that .06 run at 306 mph was just a tribute to John Medlen, for what he's done, and to Ed McCulloch who is working closely with John to make this car better. And for me it's a new page. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

Capps faces Bob Bode in the opening round of Sunday's eliminations.

-source: dsr