Indianapolis, January 16, 2026
Maddi Gordon, a third-generation drag racer, is set to debut in the NHRA Top Fuel division with Ron Capps Motorsports. This marks a significant expansion for the team. Gordon, who made history as the 100th woman to win a national event in NHRA, will pilot a new Top Fuel dragster, supported by Carlyle Tools and experienced crew chief Rob Flynn. Her professional debut is slated for the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Maddi Gordon Joins Ron Capps Motorsports for 2026 NHRA Season
Indianapolis, Indiana – Maddi Gordon, a rising star in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), is set to make her Top Fuel debut with Ron Capps Motorsports (RCM) in the 2026 season. This expansion marks a significant milestone for RCM, as they introduce a second car to their operation.
Team Expansion and Driver Selection
In April 2025, Ron Capps, a three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion, announced plans to broaden his team’s scope by adding a Top Fuel dragster. He selected Gordon, a third-generation drag racer, to pilot the new entry. Gordon has demonstrated exceptional talent, becoming the 100th woman in NHRA history to win a national event in 2024.
Sponsorship and Crew Chief Appointment
At the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, it was revealed that Carlyle Tools, the private-label hand tool brand of NAPA Auto Parts, will sponsor Gordon’s Top Fuel dragster. Additionally, Rob Flynn, a seasoned crew chief with over three decades of experience, has been appointed as the lead tuner for the team. Flynn’s previous work includes guiding rookie driver Jasmine Salinas to notable performances in 2024 and 2025.
Background on Ron Capps and RCM
Ron Capps has a storied career in drag racing, transitioning from a crew member to a three-time Funny Car world champion. In 2022, he established Ron Capps Motorsports, with NAPA Auto Parts as a primary sponsor. The team’s success led to the decision to expand in 2026, providing an opportunity for emerging talents like Gordon to advance to the professional ranks.
Looking Ahead
Gordon is scheduled to begin the Top Fuel licensing process this winter, with plans to make her professional debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, from March 6 to 8, 2026. This partnership between Gordon and RCM signifies a promising development in the NHRA’s Top Fuel division, highlighting the sport’s commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding team operations.
Conclusion
Maddi Gordon’s upcoming debut with Ron Capps Motorsports is a notable event for both her career and the NHRA community. The expansion of RCM to include a Top Fuel dragster not only showcases the team’s growth but also highlights the opportunities available for talented drivers. As the Indianapolis business scene continues to thrive, initiatives like this underscore the potential for success flavored with teamwork and investment in talent development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is Maddi Gordon?
- Maddi Gordon is a third-generation drag racer who became the 100th woman in NHRA history to win a national event in 2024. She is set to make her Top Fuel debut with Ron Capps Motorsports in the 2026 season.
- What is Ron Capps Motorsports?
- Ron Capps Motorsports (RCM) is a drag racing team owned by three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Ron Capps. Established in 2022, RCM has expanded to include a Top Fuel dragster for the 2026 season, with Maddi Gordon as the driver.
- Who is sponsoring Maddi Gordon’s Top Fuel dragster?
- Carlyle Tools, the private-label hand tool brand of NAPA Auto Parts, will sponsor Maddi Gordon’s Top Fuel dragster for the 2026 NHRA season.
- Who is the crew chief for Maddi Gordon’s team?
- Rob Flynn, a seasoned crew chief with over three decades of experience, has been appointed as the lead tuner for Maddi Gordon’s Top Fuel dragster.
- When is Maddi Gordon’s professional debut?
- Maddi Gordon is scheduled to make her professional debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, from March 6 to 8, 2026.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | Maddi Gordon |
| Team | Ron Capps Motorsports |
| Sponsor | Carlyle Tools |
| Crew Chief | Rob Flynn |
| Debut Event | NHRA Gatornationals, Gainesville, Florida, March 6-8, 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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