Phoenix: Ron Capps Saturday report

CAPPS PUTS NAPA DODGE IN SIXTH IN PHOENIX QUALIFYING

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2010) - Ron Capps placed the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger Funny Car into No. 6 after the completion of three qualifying sessions for the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals. Today's second round was cancelled because of rain.

His quickest pass of 4.120 seconds at 305.22 mph came during the Friday-night session, in the third pairing, when conditions were beginning to cool down. His other laps included a 7.273/87.13 and a 4.159/301.07 in the final run.

His first-round opponent in Sunday's eliminations rounds is Gary Densham.

"For our NAPA team, qualifying for this event was a little more difficult than we usually plan for," said Capps, who was runner-up in last weekend's season-opening event in Pomona, Calif. "Ace (crew chief Ed McCulloch) has been fighting a little bit of a problem in the fuel system. To still put a 4.12 up there early in the session on Friday evening was an accomplishment.

"However, we expected to run much better in the very last session. Ace was looking for a 4.05 or a 4.06 (John Force grabbed the pole with a 4.063/308.78). He's chasing something and the motor is not really happy right now, but he will find it.

"That's the great thing about this NAPA team. I'll show up Sunday morning and Ace will have this car ready to win the race. So, we'll go up to the line, let the clutch out, and see what happens."

-source: dsr