Capps

Ron Capps, one of the top drivers in the NHRA's Funny Car division, probably will make drag racing history next season, though it will not be for driving straight on a quarter-mile track.

The Carlsbad, Calif., resident is in line to become the first NHRA driver to compete on the International Race of Champions circuit.

"There has always seemed to be a stigma about allowing drag racers into IROC," said Capps, who will compete this weekend in the 24th Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. "The perception is that we just go straight. But there are some pretty good drivers in drag racing who can do well on the ovals. A race car driver is a race car driver.

"When I was a kid, I wanted to drive IndyCars, and I still would not rule out an opportunity of going to the (Indy Racing League). I've competed in the Chili Bowl (Open Wheel Midgets) against guys like Tony Stewart and P.J. Jones, so I'm not unfamiliar with oval track racing."

Capps has been testing for the IROC series at various NASCAR tracks. He said he was greeted with open arms by IROC drivers at Chicagoland Speedway.

"It was just a special feeling," said Capps, who ranks fifth in the NHRA Funny Car points standings heading into the Mile-Highs.

"Guys like Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Helio Castroneves, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick were all taking me aside and talking about my coming into IROC. They all said they would do what they could to help me get ready.

"They were telling me how they followed me in drag racing, watching and hoping that I would get in. They want to open the door for drag racers, and it's good knowing they can trust me."

Capps is not the first to attempt to get a ride in the IROC series.

"The NHRA has been pushing for a decade to get drag racers into IROC," said Capps, who drives for former NHRA champ Don Prudhomme and Skoal Racing. "Recently they had been pushing for Doug Kalitta to get in because he was an accomplished driver in USAC. Even my boss (Prudhomme) and crew chief (Ed 'Ace' McCulloch) wanted to have the opportunity."

Invitations to join IROC for 2004 will not be extended until the end of November, IROC director George Signore said, but Capps will be given the utmost consideration.

"Ron, actually, kind of off the cuff, gave us a call over the winter and talked with us," said Signore, whose brother, Jason, serves as IROC president. "It had been something we have discussed in the past, adding an NHRA driver, but we did need someone who came along with circle track or oval experience.

"We had him first test at Talladega, and he did a great job. He could get the car around the track. He has his head screwed on, is smart and has a realistic idea of what to do out there, and he was willing to make the kind of effort we wanted to see."

Capps' immediate concern, however, is the Mile-Highs and moving up in the Funny Car standings.

"We went into Gainesville with the points lead, but we have slumped in a few races," said Capps, who was the NHRA runner-up to John Force in 1998 and 2000. "We ran a career-best 4.75 seconds (elapsed time) at St. Louis, but we've struggled just a bit since."

Capps has reached the semifinals in his past two national events.

"This three-race western swing is a tough part of the season," he said of the NHRA's upcoming stops in Denver, Seattle and Sonoma, Calif. "We have done fairly well in Denver, coming close twice, but we haven't been able to win there."

Sometimes, though, just the thrill of competing is sufficient.

"There is nothing like that quick adrenaline rush you get in drag racing," Capps said. "It's one shot at 4 seconds that wants to fly out your ears."