"That was probably the most extreme conditions I've driven a Funny Car in, and probably the funnest car to drive," said Capps, who took over the points lead with his win. "Every run we would go up there and everybody is tearing their hair out trying to get down the track, and we had weird stuff. But it wasn't weird stuff. It was things happening cylinders going out at certain spots, that crew chief Dean Antonelli was just leaving it alone because it was running like a bracket car. We were quietly going about ourselves every run and he said, 'I could fix it. We can go a little quicker,' and I said, 'I don't know. Just keep doing what you're doing.'
"You can't really put a price on winning Pomona on a COVID race in July Winternationals. I mean, it doesn't get any more special. So when you know when I go home it's gonna be like planted right in the middle of my trophies. It's just a pretty special trophy."
After qualifying in the number one spot, confidence was visible from the steady veteran. His NAPA Auto Parts Dodge was consistent through the event.
Bobby Bode who was making his first start in Pomona and his first match up with Capps in eliminations was unsuccessful in his attempt. While he made a respectable run, it was no match for the consistency of Capps as he ran a 4.020 ET at 309.77 MPH.
The second round brought points leader Bob Tasca to the lane beside Capps and the two drivers have a fairly equal history in 2nd round matchups with Capps entering the event with an 8-7 lead. That being said, Tasca won both of their meetings so far in 2021.
This was a close matchup from the start but at the end of the run, Capp's was victorious as it appeared that Tasca may have slapped the pedal to eliminate any shot of winning the matchup. Capp's ran a 4.151 ET at 296.50 MPH.
A jazzed up John Force was waiting for Capps in the semi's after sharing words with Matt Hagan earlier. With over 100 battles between the two in previous events, Capps looked to improve on his 64-43 disadvantage in previous matchups. While Force had an initial advantage, a tire spin and some dropped cylinders decided this one early as Capps had no issues on the way to a 4.158 ET at 300.6 MPH.
Heading in to his 128th final round with lane choice, it was clear Capps was the man to beat With a track temperature of 138 degrees and an air temp of 92, both Capps and JR Todd were ready to race and bask in the glory of winning the Winternationals.
Capps ran a 4.151 ET at 297.75 while Todd ran a 4.298 ET at 286.56 MPH. A slightly faster reaction time wasn't enough for Todd as both cars seemed to be having problems with cylinders.
Congrats on the win Ron and you now have the points lead. Overall this is Capps 67th career win with all but one coming in Funny Car.
Phil Burgess, NHRA National Dragster Editor has the scoop: