Classic Auto Mall Show #215 - Stewart Howden with Funny Car Driver Ron Capps + Keith Martin
About this episode
Stewart Howden hosts an engaging conversation with drag racer Ron Capps and Keith Martin from Sports Car Market. They discuss the evolution of drag racing, from the accessibility of pit passes to the technical intricacies of modern funny cars. Capps shares insights on the challenges of racing in today's environment, including safety measures and the differences between quarter-mile and thousand-foot races. The episode also touches on the nostalgia of classic cars, the importance of car culture, and the unique experiences that come with owning and racing vintage vehicles.
Show #215 airdate 10-15-25 - Stewart welcomes Ron Capps, @NHRA #FunnyCar #Racer driving his @NAPAracing @ToyotaRacing #Supra, discussing his over 75 wins and 3 championships, mobile machine shops, faster cars and shorter tracks. PLUS Keith Martin of #SportsCarMarket blogs about magazine covers and driving a classic in the rain. @CarlyleTools
Ron Capps started his career driving for the legendary Don The Snake Prudhomme and went on to win 75 Funny Car Races (as of October 2025), second only to John Force as well as three NHRA Funny Car Season Titles. Ron Capps talks about being based out of Carlsbad, California, and how when he started racing there were a lot of IMSA and offroad racing teams based in the area. Prudhomme had built his shop in that area and it was a mecca for racing for a while. Ron Capps drives the NAPA Funny Car.
Capps and Stewart discuss race tracks and dragstrips that have closed down over the years like Lions Drag Strip in California. Lions now has a museum and a recreation of the starting line at Lions as well as a display for the Long Beach Grand Prix. They also discuss the Peter Mullin collection. They talk about going to collections and museums and seeing a Big Daddy Don Garlits Dragster, a Don The Snake Prudhomme car or Hot Wheels car or a Tom The Mongoose Mcewen Funny Car. They talk about the amazing Rick Hendricks or Hendricks Motorsports, car collection that includes the Snake and Mongoose cars and ramp truck car haulers.
They talk about how Don Prudhomme found the old ramp trucks and restored them before selling the trucks and cars to Rick Hendrick. Prudhomme even found the old original fire suits that hung in the ramp trucks. Capps talks about the racing set ups with multiple trucks and trailers per car. John Force started the two trailer setup for drag racing with a second trailer that was a technology center.
2026 is the 75th Anniversary of the NHRA. They discuss how fans can stand in the pits and interact with the drivers and crew just feet away from them as they work on the car and rebuild the engine between rounds. You don’t have to go to a VIP Tent to meet the drivers, in drag racing you can talk to them at their trailer as they are preparing to race. They rebuild an engine in 40 minutes between rounds.
Ron Capps set the ET Record and Fastest Speed of 339 MPH at Maple Grove Raceway near Classic Auto Mall. Capps talks about why cars run so fast at Maple Grove. Capps tells Stewart how he can tell the difference between a 300 mile per hour run and a 300 run and the G-For
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Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
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Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06
"A C5-Z06 just drove by one of my dream cars."
The C5 Z06 is a special version of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car that is known for being faster and more powerful than the regular Corvette. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts for its performance.
The Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 is a high-performance variant of the fifth generation Corvette, produced from 1997 to 2004. It features a more powerful engine and enhanced handling capabilities compared to the standard Corvette models.
EMSA
"...the amount of Emsa and off-road teams right around where the racetrack was..."
EMSA is a group that organizes long-distance car races where teams compete for a long time. It's about testing how well the cars perform over many hours.
EMSA refers to the 'Endurance Motorsports Association', which organizes various racing events, particularly endurance races. These events often feature teams competing for long durations, testing both driver skill and vehicle reliability.
Carlsbad
"...there at Carlsbad, it's not far from here..."
Carlsbad is a city in California that has racetracks and is known for car racing. It's a popular spot for car enthusiasts and events.
Carlsbad is a city in California known for its racetracks and automotive culture. It has hosted various motorsport events, making it a significant location for racing enthusiasts.
OCIR
"...going to O-C-I-R, and, and what was the, the Lyons drag strip?"
OCIR stands for Orange County International Raceway, a famous drag racing track in California that was popular in the past. It was a place where people would race their cars on a straight track.
OCIR, or Orange County International Raceway, was a popular drag racing venue in Southern California that hosted various racing events until its closure in the early 1980s. It was known for its quarter-mile drag strip and played a significant role in the local car culture.
Lyons drag strip
"...and, and what was the, the Lyons drag strip?"
The Lyons drag strip was a racing track in Southern California where people would compete in drag races. It was popular for many years before it closed down.
Lyons drag strip was another well-known drag racing venue in Southern California, operational from the 1950s until the late 1970s. It was a key location for drag racing enthusiasts and contributed to the growth of the sport in the region.
Long Beach Grand Prix
"they have a whole area on the Long Beach Grand Prix, and they've got cars from the first few years all the way up."
The Long Beach Grand Prix is a famous car race that takes place in Long Beach, California. It's a fun event where fast cars race on city streets, and many people come to watch and enjoy the excitement.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is an annual automobile race held on the streets of Long Beach, California. It features various racing series, including IndyCar and sports car racing, and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic coastal views.
Domford Home Hot Wheels car
"...you go into a room and there is one of the original Domford Home Hot Wheels cars or a big Daddy Don garlic dragster."
The Domford Home Hot Wheels car is a toy car made by Hot Wheels, which is famous for creating small, collectible cars. Some of these toy cars can be very valuable, especially if they are old or rare.
The Domford Home Hot Wheels car is a collectible toy car that is part of the Hot Wheels brand, known for its detailed miniature models of real cars. These cars are often sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable, especially if they are original or rare models.
Big Daddy Don Garlits dragster
"...or a big Daddy Don garlic dragster. Sure."
Big Daddy Don Garlits is a famous drag racer who created special racing cars called dragsters. He is well-known for his contributions to drag racing and has won many championships.
Big Daddy Don Garlits is a legendary figure in drag racing, known for his innovative dragster designs and numerous championships. His dragsters are iconic in the motorsport world and have significantly influenced the sport's development.
drag racing
"...But he's got the whole drag racing section over the corner."
Drag racing is a race where two cars go straight down a track to see who can get to the finish line the fastest. It's all about speed and quick starts.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to see which can cover a straight distance in the shortest time, typically a quarter-mile. It emphasizes acceleration and speed over handling and cornering.
NHRA
"NHRA next year I think is the 75th anniversary of NHRA the whole year. They got a lot of stuff planned, but that's what every time they go on a show, I mean, every ticket's a pit pass literally."
The NHRA is a group that organizes drag racing events, where cars race in a straight line to see who is the fastest. It's a big deal in the car community and has been around for a long time.
The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is a major organization that sanctions and promotes drag racing in the United States. Founded in 1951, it has played a significant role in the development of drag racing as a sport and has a large following among automotive enthusiasts.
NASCAR
"...first NASCAR race and having Dale Earnhardt seeing your wave at us to come into his bus and sat in our talk fishing..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that happens on tracks shaped like ovals. It's very popular in the U.S., and the cars used are specially built for racing.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and it is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. The races typically take place on oval tracks and feature a variety of car makes and models competing for the championship.
Dale Earnhardt
"...having Dale Earnhardt seeing your wave at us to come into his bus and sat in our talk fishing..."
Dale Earnhardt was a famous race car driver in NASCAR, known for being very skilled and winning many races. He was a big name in the sport.
Dale Earnhardt was a legendary NASCAR driver known for his aggressive driving style and numerous championships. He is considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, earning the nickname 'The Intimidator.'
Ford Coupe
"...It's an all steel 31 Ford Coupe. And we worked on..."
A Ford Coupe is a type of car made by Ford in 1931. It's a classic car that many people love to restore and collect because of its unique style.
The Ford Coupe is a classic car model produced by Ford in 1931, known for its distinctive design and popularity during the early 20th century. It is often sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors.
BMW 330S
"went 340 and right by 330s but yeah, we did that"
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that people like for how well it drives and its nice features. It's a good choice for someone who wants a mix of comfort and sportiness.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a benchmark in its class for performance and luxury. It is frequently discussed for its driving dynamics and the balance it strikes between sportiness and everyday usability.
top fuel dragster
"...a top fuel dragster or a top fuel funny car are faster than a fighter jet from 0 to 100..."
A top fuel dragster is a super-fast racing car built for drag races. They are incredibly powerful and can go from zero to very high speeds in just a few seconds.
A top fuel dragster is a type of high-performance racing car specifically designed for drag racing. These cars are powered by supercharged nitromethane engines and can reach speeds exceeding 330 mph in just a few seconds, making them some of the fastest accelerating vehicles on the planet.
top fuel funny car
"...a top fuel dragster or a top fuel funny car are faster than a fighter jet from 0 to 100..."
A top fuel funny car is a type of racing car that looks like a regular car but is built for drag racing. They are very fast and can accelerate quickly, just like top fuel dragsters.
A top fuel funny car is another type of drag racing vehicle, similar to a top fuel dragster but with a different body style that resembles a production car. These cars also use supercharged nitromethane engines and are known for their incredible acceleration and speed.
0 to 100
"...faster than a fighter jet from 0 to 100 you know..."
'0 to 100' means how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 100 miles per hour. It's a way to show how quickly a car can speed up.
The term '0 to 100' refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop (0 mph) to 100 mph. This metric is often used to measure a car's acceleration performance and is a key indicator of its power and engineering.
nitromethane
"...that's just the nitro methane loves to be it loves to be loaded it's a type of fuel that builds at 12,000 horsepower but it also likes..."
Nitromethane is a special kind of fuel used in some racing cars. It helps the car produce a lot more power than regular gasoline, making it faster.
Nitromethane is a type of fuel commonly used in drag racing and high-performance applications. It has a high energy content and can produce significantly more horsepower than regular gasoline when burned in an engine.
quarter mile
"...the fans are like why don't you go quarter mile I hate the sport..."
The quarter mile is a distance of 1,320 feet, often used in racing to see how fast a car can go from a standstill to the finish line. It's a popular way to compare how fast different cars are.
The quarter mile is a standard drag racing distance used to measure a car's acceleration and performance. It's a common benchmark for performance cars, with times recorded to determine speed and capability.
crankshaft
"...the crankshaft and the block stay in the car sleeves, pistons, rods..."
The crankshaft is a part of the engine that helps turn the energy from the fuel into movement. It changes the up-and-down motion of the pistons into a spinning motion that makes the car go.
The crankshaft is a crucial component of an engine that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which ultimately powers the vehicle. It plays a vital role in the engine's operation and efficiency.
block
"...the crankshaft and the block stay in the car sleeves, pistons, rods..."
The block is the main part of the engine where everything happens. It holds the cylinders and other important parts that help the engine run.
The engine block is the main structure of an engine, housing the cylinders, pistons, and other essential components. It is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures during operation.
pistons
"...the crankshaft and the block stay in the car sleeves, pistons, rods..."
Pistons are parts inside the engine that move up and down. They help create power by pushing against the fuel and air mixture when it burns.
Pistons are cylindrical components that move up and down within the engine's cylinders, compressing the air-fuel mixture and transferring the force from combustion to the crankshaft. They are essential for the engine's power generation.
rods
"...the crankshaft and the block stay in the car sleeves, pistons, rods..."
Rods are parts that connect the pistons to the crankshaft in the engine. They help move the pistons up and down, which is important for making the car run.
Connecting rods, often simply called rods, connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They transfer the motion of the pistons to the crankshaft, allowing the engine to convert fuel into mechanical energy.
cylinder head
"cylinder heads come off so there's a guy on each side cylinder head comes off"
The cylinder head is a part of the engine that sits on top of the cylinders. It helps control the flow of air and fuel into the engine and the exhaust gases out.
Cylinder heads are critical components of an engine that house the intake and exhaust valves, as well as the combustion chambers. They play a vital role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
supercharger
"the supercharger injector come off and the supercharger"
A supercharger is a machine that helps an engine get more air, which means it can burn more fuel and create more power. It's like giving the engine a boost.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It is typically driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft.
injector
"injector come off and the supercharger injector guy"
An injector is a part of the engine that sprays fuel into the engine so it can mix with air and burn to create power.
Fuel injectors are components that deliver fuel into the engine's combustion chamber in a precise manner. They play a crucial role in the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
head gasket
"for getting the head gasket on and the cylinder head going on"
The head gasket helps keep the engine parts sealed together so that everything works properly and doesn't leak fluids.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from leaking and ensuring proper compression in the engine.
six disc clutch
"...on these you know 12,000 horsepower cars are six disc clutch so it's five floaters steel floaters in between six..."
A six disc clutch is a special part in cars that helps connect and disconnect the engine from the wheels. It has six discs that work together to handle a lot of power, making it useful for very fast cars.
A six disc clutch is a type of clutch system that uses six friction discs to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. This design allows for greater torque handling and is often used in high-performance applications, such as racing or high-horsepower vehicles.
floaters
"...so it's five floaters steel floaters in between six..."
Floaters are parts in a clutch that help it work smoothly. They make it easier for the clutch to connect and disconnect the engine from the wheels without causing too much wear and tear.
Floaters are components used in multi-disc clutch systems that allow for smoother engagement and disengagement of the clutch. They help to distribute pressure evenly across the clutch discs, improving performance and longevity.
clutch discs
"[1342.3s] clutch discs [1343.3s] and these aren't your normal discs..."
Clutch discs are parts that help control how power from the engine gets to the wheels. They allow you to change gears smoothly when driving.
Clutch discs are components in a vehicle's transmission system that engage and disengage the engine's power from the wheels. They are crucial for smooth gear shifting and overall vehicle operation.
drive shaft
"[1350.3s] and the drive shaft [1351.3s] and the funny car"
The drive shaft is a part that helps send power from the engine to the wheels, making the car move. It's important for getting the car going, especially in certain types of vehicles.
The drive shaft is a component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. It is essential for transferring torque and is typically found in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Roush
"...pretty much all the bodies are Roush made most of them right..."
Roush is a company that makes special parts and modifications for cars, especially Ford models. They are famous for making cars faster and look better.
Roush is a well-known automotive engineering company that specializes in performance parts and vehicle modifications, particularly for Ford vehicles. They are recognized for their high-performance upgrades and custom body kits.
composite
"...they're all composite Kevlar and Barberglass..."
Composite materials are made from different materials combined together to make something strong and light. They are used in cars to help them go faster and use less fuel.
Composite materials are made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. They are often used in automotive applications for their lightweight and strong characteristics, improving performance and efficiency.
Kevlar
"...composite Kevlar and Barberglass..."
Kevlar is a very strong material often used in cars to make parts that need to be tough and lightweight. It's the same material used in bulletproof vests.
Kevlar is a strong synthetic fiber known for its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. It is commonly used in automotive applications for components that require durability and resistance to impact, such as body panels and protective gear.
fiberglass
"...Kevlar and Barberglass..."
Fiberglass is a material made from tiny glass strands. It's used in cars because it's light and doesn't rust, making it great for body parts.
Fiberglass is a composite material made from fine glass fibers. It is widely used in the automotive industry for body panels and other components due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.
Toyota Supra
"the latest GR Supra sure"
The Toyota Supra is a fast and sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. The newest version, called the GR Supra, is built to be really fun to drive and has a lot of modern features.
The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and agile handling. The latest GR Supra, developed in collaboration with BMW, has garnered attention for its impressive performance and modern design, making it a significant player in the sports car market.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"and then my first real car was a 68 Chevelle with a big block"
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car that many people love because it's fast and looks really cool. The 1968 version is especially popular for its strong engine and classic style.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car that gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s for its performance and style. The 1968 model, in particular, is often discussed for its powerful engine options and iconic design.
Ford Mustang
"another new arrival how about the 1968 Ford Mustang GT California special"
The 1968 Ford Mustang is a classic car that many people admire for its powerful engine and stylish design. The California Special version has some unique features that make it even more special among car enthusiasts.
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT California Special is a classic American muscle car that stands out for its unique styling and performance. This model is significant for its role in popularizing the Mustang brand and is often discussed for its iconic status in automotive history.
Ford Shelby Gt500
"okay with automatic transmissions it's even in a Shelby GT500 used to be the automatic"
Shelby GT500
"...ith automatic transmissions it's even in a Shelby GT500 used to be the automatic"
The Shelby GT500 is a super-fast version of the Ford Mustang that many car fans admire. It's known for being really powerful and has a cool racing history.
The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful engine and racing heritage. It is often discussed for its impressive speed and the legacy of Carroll Shelby in the automotive world.
Buick Grand National
"you know had a grand national for years didn't complain about it"
The Buick Grand National is a special version of a Buick car that is known for being fast and having a cool black look. It's popular among car lovers, especially from the 1980s.
The Buick Grand National is a performance-oriented version of the Buick Regal, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and distinctive blacked-out styling. It is often discussed for its role in the 1980s muscle car revival and its cult following among enthusiasts.
Ford Model
"how about the 1929 Ford Model A pickup black over black"
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that regular people could actually afford. It changed how people traveled and is a big part of car history.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, revolutionizing transportation. Its significance lies in its role in making car ownership accessible to the masses and its impact on the automotive industry.
Porsche 914
"and then we got another Porsche 914 in the 1.8 target"
The Porsche 914 is a small sports car that was made a long time ago and is known for being fun to drive. The 1.8 version has a decent engine that gives it a good mix of speed and fuel savings.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced from 1969 to 1976, known for its unique design and handling characteristics. The 1.8-liter variant offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Porsche 911S
"no it was a kit a lot of 911s have them it was a kit that was"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people recognize because of its unique shape and fast performance. It's been around for a long time and is loved by car fans for how well it drives.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the 1960s, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It is often discussed for its performance capabilities and cultural significance in the automotive world.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"as we were talking about the Jeep Grand Wagoneer that was kind of"
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that can handle rough roads while also being comfortable inside. It's popular for families who want a vehicle that can do a bit of everything.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with upscale features. It has a rich history and is often discussed for its blend of utility and comfort, appealing to both adventure seekers and families.
Ford Bronco
"SUV really I mean the Bronco was pretty mundane"
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for its ability to go off-road and explore. It's been brought back recently, and many fans are excited to see it again.
The Ford Bronco is an iconic SUV that has been reintroduced to the market, known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It is often discussed for its nostalgic appeal and versatility in both urban and outdoor settings.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"back in the day you know a 450 SL Mercedes was the"
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy sports car that looks great and drives smoothly. The 450 SL version is especially liked for being both powerful and comfortable.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury sports car known for its elegant design and high performance. The 450 SL model, in particular, is celebrated for its combination of comfort and driving dynamics, making it a sought-after classic.
Chevrolet Suburbans
"for armored suburbans or garden"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and cargo, making it great for families. It's been around for a long time and is known for being very useful.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, making it a popular choice for families and businesses alike. It has a long history and is often discussed for its practicality and versatility.
Dodge Charger
"but you can't have a trickle charger because I mean"
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks really cool and can go fast. It's popular among people who like powerful cars and want something that can also be used every day.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines performance with practicality, often recognized for its muscular design and powerful engine options. It is frequently discussed for its role in the muscle car segment and its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
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