Ron Capps, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in NHRA Drag Racing history, will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s (MSHFA) Class of 2027, it was announced today at a press conference held at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Capps is one of 10 individuals who will receive the prestigious honor recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on American motorsports.
Fellow inductees into the MSHFA Class of 2027 include Gary Bettenhausen, Rob Dyson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Herb Fischel, Harry Hartz, Steve Hinton, Angelle Sampey, Lyn St. James, and Robert Yates. The esteemed group will take their place in history among some of the industry’s greatest names at an induction ceremony in Daytona Beach, Fla. next March.
“This is truly one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Capps, who drives the NAPA Auto Care Funny Car in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. “When you look at all the people who have been inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, it’s hard to put into words what it means to be included among them. And the coolest part about it is, both my former team owners, Don ‘the Snake’ Prudhomme (class of 1991), and Don Schumacher (class of 2019), have both been inducted. This feels like a full circle moment for me, now as an NHRA team owner, to join them on the list.”
A three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion, Capps has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career spanning more than three decades at the sport’s highest level. Known for his quick thinking behind the wheel, affable personality, and dedication to his partners, the California native ranks among the winningest drivers in NHRA history with 78 overall career victories (one Top Fuel) placing him second all-time in Funny Car wins and among the leaders in overall round wins across the sport’s four professional categories. He was also named to NHRA’s prestigious Top 75 Drivers list in early 2026 and is the winningest pro driver at Bristol Dragway.
After earning his first professional Wally trophy in Top Fuel in 1995, Capps was tapped by Prudhomme to drive a Funny Car full-time, where he went on to secure 13 victories. He later joined Don Schumacher Racing in 2005, where he became a cornerstone of the powerhouse organization and captured two world championships.
Early in his tenure with Schumacher, Capps’ Funny Car carried backing from the iconic Brut cologne before beginning what would become one of the longest-running partnerships in motorsports. In 2008, NAPA Auto Parts joined forces with Capps, launching a partnership that is approaching 20 years. The 2026 season marks Capps’ 19th year representing the NAPA brand, during which he has become one of the most recognizable ambassadors in the sport.
Following his 2021 championship season, Capps took the next step in his career, transitioning from driver to owner-driver with the formation of Ron Capps Motorsports. The team made an immediate impact, capturing five victories in its debut year, including the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and securing Capps’ third world championship title in 2022. Continuing to grow his organization, Capps expanded to a two-car operation in 2026, adding a Top Fuel entry with rookie Maddi Gordon to the team’s lineup.
“I’ve had the chance to work with legends, race against the best in the world, and be part of some incredible moments in this sport,” Capps added. “To now be recognized in this way is something I’ll never take for granted. I know when I get up there on the stage in Daytona Beach next March, it’ll all just feel so surreal; a pinch-me moment for sure. A huge thank you to my family and everyone who supported me along the way and of course, NAPA Auto Parts. It’s because of them that I have the coolest job in the world, driving 330 mph for a living.”
“Ron’s induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is truly a well-deserved honor for one of the most accomplished and respected competitors in NHRA history,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “Ron’s success on the track certainly speaks for itself, but his contributions to the sport run much deeper. His passion for the sport and his connection with our fans has been incredible for more than three decades.
“He has been a remarkable ambassador for NHRA Drag Racing his entire career, representing our sport with enthusiasm, integrity and as the ultimate professional, exemplified by his longtime partnership with NAPA and desire to push the sport forward by bringing in a rookie like Maddi Gordon to his team. We’re thrilled to see him get his recognition among the greats in motorsports and celebrate this special moment with him.”
This story was originally published on April 17, 2026. 
