News Summary
Ron Capps secured victory at the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, marking his return to the winner’s circle after 33 races. Clocking a final run of 3.957 seconds at 328.06 mph in his Toyota GR Supra, Capps surpassed Tony Schumacher’s previous record at Bristol Dragway with his eighth win. The event also celebrated other highlights, including Steve Torrence’s Top Fuel win and Greg Anderson’s milestone of 1,000 career round wins.
Bristol, Tennessee
Ron Capps triumphed at the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, solidifying his legacy as the all-time wins leader at Bristol Dragway. Capps marked his return to victory after a stretch of 33 races without a win, defeating Paul Lee in the final round.
The NHRA drag racer clocked a final run of 3.957 seconds at a speed of 328.06 mph in his NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra to secure his eighth win at the Bristol venue, surpassing Tony Schumacher’s previous record of seven wins. This victory elevated Capps to fourth place in the overall points standings.
Event Highlights
Capps showcased his driving prowess throughout the event, overcoming formidable competitors such as Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd, and Dave Richards on his way to the finals. The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, which took place over the weekend, featured qualifying rounds starting on June 6, with final eliminations concluding on June 8. The event was held amid challenging weather conditions but drew impressive performances from participants across various classes.
The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also witnessed Steve Torrence achieve his first win in nearly a year in the Top Fuel category, defeating Justin Ashley in the finals. Torrence’s run was clocked at 4.022 seconds at 325.37 mph, marking his 56th career victory. This win revives his potential for championship contention despite his current ranking of seventh in points.
Milestones and Achievements
In the Pro Stock class, Greg Anderson celebrated a significant milestone, recording his 1,000th career round win. He claimed his fourth win of the season, defeating his teammate Dallas Glenn with a final round run of 6.623 seconds at 205.91 mph. Anderson now stands alongside John Force as only the second driver in NHRA history to achieve the remarkable feat of 1,000 career round wins. Notably, Anderson’s milestone win occurred at the same track where he earned his first Pro Stock victory back in 2001.
In the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, Richard Gadson clinched his first career race victory, overcoming his teammate Gaige Herrera with a time of 6.884 seconds at 196.30 mph. After reaching four finals without a win, Gadson’s triumph comes as a significant personal achievement. Herrera, despite the defeat, maintained his position as the points leader and reached the final for the third time this season.
Context of the Event
The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals is a notable event in the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This event not only highlights the competitive nature of NHRA drag racing but also serves as a platform for drivers to showcase their skills and progress in the championship standings. Among the notable achievements from this event, Tony Stewart earned his first career No. 1 qualifier and won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, demonstrating the depth of talent present at Bristol Dragway.
Capps’ resounding victory underscores his status as a formidable competitor in the NHRA circuit and adds to his enduring legacy in the world of drag racing, reinforcing his commitment to excellence in the sport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- NHRA News: Capps, Torrence, Anderson, and Gadson Score Big Wins at Bristol
- Wikipedia: National Hot Rod Association
- NHRA News: Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Sunday News and Notes
- Google Search: NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
- NHRA News: Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Saturday News and Notes
- Google Scholar: NHRA drag racing
- Racer: Langdon Opens NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at No. 1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NHRA
- WCYB: Tony Stewart Looks to Continue His Legacy on NHRA at Bristol Dragway
- Google News: Tony Stewart NHRA Bristol
