Whats the deal with Ron Capps jumping out of his car before it stops and then hanging on until it stops.

.....he had no brakes :eek:

I like Ron, but that was beyond stupid.

I think he was trying to get it to come to a stop physically because mechanically it wasn't happening and there are a ton of people standing around assuming the brakes work and they could have been hit. That is what I got out of it and he was probably right. I just wonder if he knew at the time he was interviewed that his parachutes didn't deploy.
It might have seemed stupid, but I think he was trying to avoid hitting a person hanging around at the big end and not paying attention. JMO.

I like Ron, but that was beyond stupid.

The car wasn`t going very fast at the time.Stupid is not even a thaught.

The brakes failed also in Denver and almost hit Doug Kalitta. Bet you all wouldnt think it was so stupid if if hit your ****ing car now huh!!!

I'd rather have him in there manning the wheel so he could actually steer clear of someone/car instead of jumping out like superman and risk getting hurt, run over, having the car run into who knows what.

Yeah two weeks in a row , not too good with a Parts Sponsorship on the car!
He knew what he was doing , he could not yell with the helmet on and the car wasn't hardly moving and it is a really expensive piece of equipment !

Just a dinged body and wrap would buy nice ride.
I heard besides the chutes not deploying right there was a loss of synthetic brake fluid likely well past the traps. :mad:

Ron has a lot of energy. Do you think he's just going to sit there and watch it happen?

I thought he did a good job making sure the car was pointed where he wanted it to go before jumping out and stopping it. I think Ron thought he had a lot of help stopping the car, but he did it all himself with just a little "one handed" help from the guy at the left front.

Adrenaline is amazing!

Go Ron!!

Kelly... I think these guys need some help from the expert...;)

I like Ron, but that was beyond stupid.

Yer right JL. I like him too, but lets be honest, that was reckless on Rons part. Truth be told he should be fined.

Yer right JL. I like him too, but lets be honest, that was reckless on Rons part. Truth be told he should be fined.

Easy now... If we're gonna get into fines like NASCAR has, can we first have the same type of purses that they do? LOL :p

YES, I'ld love to see bigger purses. I just like to see the same rules for all. Seems to me either Selzi or Whit got fined a few years ago for turning off going too fast, and their cars HAD brakes.

Yer right JL. I like him too, but lets be honest, that was reckless on Rons part. Truth be told he should be fined. You are a joke....And so is this thread,people need to get a clue!!! Like You. You better not cross the street might get hurt.

Kelly... I think these guys need some help from the expert...;)

LMAO! The last thing I need to be called is an expert!

I understand his logic for trying to protect people and/or cars being hit, but I was concerned for his own safety.

How's that? P.C. enough? ;)

LMAO! The last thing I need to be called is an expert!

I understand his logic for trying to protect people and/or cars being hit, but I was concerned for his own safety.

How's that? P.C. enough? ;)

Well put, Kelly. I was a bit concerned when I seen that but I figured since he is a crew guy he knew what he was doin'!!!!!:D All joking aside I'm just glad he didn't get hurt. I'm sure he was thinking about others safety more than his own. I wouldn't go as far as sayin' he needs to be fined, though. :confused:

You are a joke....And so is this thread,people .

A joke?? I find nothin funny about aiming a car with NO brakes into an area with dozens of people,( other crews-track crew- mediapeople -photogs,) not to mention other race cars. Then by jumping out, we now have a car with NO brakes + NO steering. Slick move :rolleyes:

Why do you think nhra did all the up-grades??? When a car is in trouble - you keep going down the "SHUT DOWN" area. Thats what it's for, you don't turn it into people. Ron knows this, he's better than that, what was he thinking??

A joke?? I find nothin funny about aiming a car with NO brakes into an area with dozens of people,( other crews-track crew- mediapeople -photogs,) not to mention other race cars. Then by jumping out, we now have a car with NO brakes + NO steering. Slick move :rolleyes:

Why do you think nhra did all the up-grades??? When a car is in trouble - you keep going down the "SHUT DOWN" area. Thats what it's for, you don't turn it into people. Ron knows this, he's better than that, what was he thinking??

And was you in the car with him and know exactly what happened? That's what wrong with some people on here, they don't think before engaging fingers on keyboard!!!!!!!:D:rolleyes:

Personally he should have let the damn thing go into the sand traps. But that's just me....

Personally he should have let the damn thing go into the sand traps. But that's just me....

Maybe he didn't realize there was a problem until it was too late..............?

? Who's the leader in FC points! ? :D

Personally he should have let the damn thing go into the sand traps. But that's just me....

Here's where all the keyboard crewchiefs and Gameboy race car drivers get in trouble.

Here are some facts to chew on.

Ron's chute didn't properly deploy.

Ron got after the brakes pretty hard to get it stopped. Seattle is one of the longer tracks, but he still heated the brakes up.

As he made the turn he still had brakes. But as the car slowed to a stop the fluid finally boiled. When it did, he had no brakes. There is no way to predict when or even if that's going to happen.

He was not out of control when he made the turn so why would he "let the damn thing go into the sand traps." Imagine telling Don Schumacher and Ed McCullough "I thought the brakes were going to go out, but they were fine, so I went in to the sand." Duh.

He simply lost his brakes at the last possible moment. If you want to get upset about something go turn on the news.

Back to work.

RG

I always like it when someone brings more to the table than I do!

You da man Randy!

You saved me the trouble...Thanks Goodwin.

Here's where all the keyboard crewchiefs and Gameboy race car drivers get in trouble.

Since I don't think I even qualify for either keyboard crew chief or gameboy racer, would you experienced racers tell me when is it a good idea to jump out of a moving vehicle? (One that isn't on fire or headed off a cliff of course.)

As far as fining Ron, is there a rule about remaining in the car until stopped? I remember a thread a year or 2 ago discussing this, TF drivers standing up while moving, PS drivers removing their helmets and gloves, etc. Either it is a rule or it isn't, and if it is you apply it to everyone or no one. So what do the rules say?

Poor ol' Cappsie. He can't win for losing. Not only is he catching it for trying to stop his car from hurting someone.....but his boxing skills have been up for public ridicule!

At least his driving abilities are OK with everyone. You can't attack that with 5 wins this season (which ties a season best). Oh, wait. I forgot.....wins are all due to the Crew Chief!

;)

Poor ol' Cappsie. He can't win for losing. Not only is he catching it for trying to stop his car from hurting someone.....but his boxing skills have been up for public ridicule!

At least his driving abilities are OK with everyone. You can't attack that with 5 wins this season (which ties a season best). Oh, wait. I forgot.....wins are all due to the Crew Chief!

;)

the negative comments on this thread must be from people who have NEVER spent time with capps.
i was with him often for three years. the most stand up guy i have ever met in racing.
the one negative involving another driver, caused him bad press but he did not hide from it.
with racing circling the bowl, lets concentrate on positives.
get a life
did i mention i miss drag racing

This board should be called the MICRO MATER because some people micro-analyze EVERYTHING to death that happens in the NHRA, then give their "expert" opinions about what should have happened. Give RC a break, he had maybe 2 seconds to make a critical decision.

This board should be called the MICRO MATER because some people micro-analyze EVERYTHING to death that happens in the NHRA, then give their "expert" opinions about what should have happened. Give RC a break, he had maybe 2 seconds to make a critical decision.

Exactly, and he didn't hurt anyone. All of this what if talk is worthless because nothing did happen.

Randy, here's where all driver/crew types get in trouble.

You assume that some posters actually listened to Ron explain what happened instead of just reading a post about it and then putting in their $0.02.

I guess its one of those situations where its all good cuz it worked out alright. If he hadn't stopped it then people would be all over him. Was it right or not who knows. I'm pretty sure I would have made the same move as he did though.




What I really want to know is when did everyone get so damn sensitive about everything. Nobody can discuss or question anything anymore without others thinking its a bashfest. Its fair to ask if it was right or not. Other drivers have been reprimanded about their speed through there, standing up in the cockpit and such. Seems reasonable to ask the question without people thinking that their guy is getting bashed.:rolleyes:

In this particular case, PJ.....I'm just having a little fun with it. I don't feel so serious today and in no way is it my job or even my right to defend anyone's actions. :)

This board should be called the MICRO MATER because some people micro-analyze EVERYTHING to death that happens in the NHRA, then give their "expert" opinions about what should have happened. Give RC a break, he had maybe 2 seconds to make a critical decision.

God, someone gets it.................:eek::D

Wonder if he was using those Special Napa brakes,hehe

Maybe they should throw a set of these on the car for Sonoma: NAPA Brakes Unveils New Adaptive One Hybrid Ceramic Disc Brake Pads: aftermarket News (http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/27592/napa_brakes_unveils_new_adaptive_one_hybrid_cerami c_disc_brake_pads.aspx)

;)

"As the Nitromater Turns.."

He gave his explanation..seems prudent to me.

If he knew he didn't have brakes..probably wouldn't have turned in right? Could have just rolled out. Yea but hey! There's no cameras there!!!! hehe

I didn't see a problem at all..going 6mph..no brakes..bailed out and stopped it..in front of the cameras..hehe x 2.

Force couldn't have done that.

I would have done the same thing.
He saved the equipment and maybe someone from getting hurt.
That's a good driver right there.

Here's where all the keyboard crewchiefs and Gameboy race car drivers get in trouble.

Here are some facts to chew on.

Ron's chute didn't properly deploy.

Ron got after the brakes pretty hard to get it stopped. Seattle is one of the longer tracks, but he still heated the brakes up.

As he made the turn he still had brakes. But as the car slowed to a stop the fluid finally boiled. When it did, he had no brakes. There is no way to predict when or even if that's going to happen.

He was not out of control when he made the turn so why would he "let the damn thing go into the sand traps." Imagine telling Don Schumacher and Ed McCullough "I thought the brakes were going to go out, but they were fine, so I went in to the sand." Duh.

He simply lost his brakes at the last possible moment. If you want to get upset about something go turn on the news.

Back to work.

RG

So that's the story. Sorry I made that comment earlier. :o

As far as fining Ron, is there a rule about remaining in the car until stopped? I remember a thread a year or 2 ago discussing this, TF drivers standing up while moving, PS drivers removing their helmets and gloves, etc. Either it is a rule or it isn't, and if it is you apply it to everyone or no one. So what do the rules say?

I dunno...maybe he shoulda reached in the glove box and grabbed the NHRA rule book to see what it says. I'm sure it doesn't say "Head for the Matco Tools Dragster parked in the way" when you boil the brake fluid.

I dunno...maybe he shoulda reached in the glove box and grabbed the NHRA rule book to see what it says. I'm sure it doesn't say "Head for the Matco Tools Dragster parked in the way" when you boil the brake fluid.

Perhaps it say "Stay at the wheel to steer clear of the Matco Tools Dragster" :rolleyes:

My question remains, is it or is it not a rule?

Wow, after reading all the things he did wrong I am surprised Ace will let him back in the car ever again. :p

Kelly, will you email Ron and ask him "Just why did he have to jump out on the left side with the camera was showing him trying to stop the car?"

Just think how long this thread could be if he slid down the Rt Qt instead and everyone could think he just bailed out and ran from the car!!! ;) :D

Ron nice going on your racing season, and for using good judgement on keeping the hot rod in one piece. :cool:

Rapid {Hasn't tried jumping out of a moving car yet, but would if I thought it was the right thing to do at the time}

Heheh....nice one Randy!

I, myself was having flashbacks of Risky Business! I told Justin, Paul R. and Mark this afternoon I was half expecting Ron to jump on the hood. Wouldn't THAT have been quite a controversy? LOL

Perhaps it say "Stay at the wheel to steer clear of the Matco Tools Dragster" :rolleyes: ?

That would be my guess.......;)

As far as fining Ron, is there a rule about remaining in the car until stopped? I remember a thread a year or 2 ago discussing this, TF drivers standing up while moving, PS drivers removing their helmets and gloves, etc. Either it is a rule or it isn't, and if it is you apply it to everyone or no one. So what do the rules say?

I can't find anything in the rulebook that says anything about safety gear remaining in place, except in the section about head and neck restraints.

But I do know they're anal about it. My daughter and our friend were both chewed out for raising their visors just a crack to breathe at the end of the track in Seattle last Friday (when it was 90+ degrees).

And was you in the car with him and know exactly what happened? That's what wrong with some people on here, they don't think before engaging fingers on keyboard!!!!!!!:D:rolleyes: We have a winner!!!! Ron knew what he was doing trust me. It wasnt as bad as all these "Pros" here make it out to be.

Personally he should have let the damn thing go into the sand traps. But that's just me.... And you drive what Funny Car?...LOL

Poor ol' Cappsie. He can't win for losing. Not only is he catching it for trying to stop his car from hurting someone.....but his boxing skills have been up for public ridicule!

At least his driving abilities are OK with everyone. You can't attack that with 5 wins this season (which ties a season best). Oh, wait. I forgot.....wins are all due to the Crew Chief!

;) LOL.......Ron should wrestle and let Ash pin him. Oh wait danny and Shelley may not like that thought lol.

New Napa commercial????

We have a winner!!!! It wasnt as bad as all these "Pros" here make it out to be.

No one is making it out to be anything but what it was. He abandoned ship, the vid shows that. Some of us here just think it would have been safer to not give up steering also, on a car you can't stop. By bailing we feel he doubled the problems, thats all.

Capps did the right thing.

Car was going maybe 4 mph when he jumped out and he never took his hands off the car. Did a great job of stopping it and the safety guys were on their toes and reacted properly.

And steering them at that slow speed is damn near impossible anyway. It was pointed straight and it continued straight.

If he had been able to make the right turn back towards the starting line onto the return road I think he would actually have picked up a little speed because it runs down hill slightly. But I think someone was parked there blocking that option.

I was lucky enough to work with Ron a little when he was driving a nostalgia funny and he is IMO one of the best out there.

No one is making it out to be anything but what it was. He abandoned ship, the vid shows that. Some of us here just think it would have been safer to not give up steering also, on a car you can't stop. By bailing we feel he doubled the problems, thats all. You are wrong. And he had track workers to help stop the car. The End.

Capps did the right thing.

Car was going maybe 4 mph when jumped out and he never took his hands off the car. Did a great job of stopping it and the safety guys were on their toes and reacted properly.

And steering them at that slow speed is damn near impossible anyway. It was pointed straight and it continued straight.

If he had been able to make the right turn back towards the starting line onto the return road I think he would actually have picked up a little speed because it runs down hill slightly. But I think someone was parked there blocking that option.

I was lucky enough to work with Ron a little when he was driving a nostalgia funny and he is IMO one of the best out there. I agree completely,hell if it was Sonoma he would and could have just rolled it back to the pits as its downhill there...LOL (joking)

I was lucky enough to work with Ron a little when he was driving a nostalgia funny and he is IMO one of the best out there.

No debate there, I'm sure he is. Just think he made a mistake this time , thats all, but he's human. No one is saying "shoot him at sunrise". :D:D

I agree completely,hell if it was Sonoma he would and could have just rolled it back to the pits as its downhill there...LOL (joking)

Jerry,

Do you remember at the Winters one year when Capps' crew chief was driving the gold Miller car and smoked the tires losing the round, made the first gate, and DROVE it back up the return road all the way to his pit spot?!!

The place went balistic, but unfortunately for Ace, so did the Hook!

From Capp's blog Kelly posted:

Just FYI

Since we brought our new car out in Norwalk, it’s had the best brakes I have ever had. Very responsive. In fact, I barely have to pull the handle to feel brake pressure, and the NAPA crew thought I had just pulled them too hard in Denver after the final and with all new pads and rotors I got the fluid so hot that it basically boiled the fluid. And as good as they are to the touch, it made sense. They were great all weekend in Seattle, and ironically in the first round I come to find out that my parachute did deploy. It was kinda flapping around behind me and never really deployed and with all the adrenaline from seeing my win light on I was on the brakes pretty hard to make the turn and did the same thing. Anyway, I was only rolling about 20 miles per hour, but when I felt that there was no brakes, I pointed the car so no one was in front of me, but in Seattle in the shutdown area it connects with part of the road course and there is a nasty transition and I was afraid that it would rip the nose off our NAPA body if it hit it straight on. So, that is why you may have seen me jump out like an Olympic gymnast and do my best Fred Flintstone impression to keep the car from any front-end damage.

After reading the facts from Capps himself I personally I don't see the problem the situation.

From Capp's blog Kelly posted:
After reading the facts from Capps himself I personally I don't see the problem the situation.


Don't worry, someone else will. For the record, I believe he did everything perfect.

And you drive what Funny Car?...LOL

I already apologized for making that comment. Apparently you missed it.

I already apologized for making that comment. Apparently you missed it.

Samuel, I have learned that alot of people on here are just idiots. You were just giving your opinion but some can't do that on here without gettin' bashed to hell!!!!!!:rolleyes:

For some reason, I find this quote very appropriate for this thread.....

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes."


Heheh!

I just don't understand why he didn't just honk his horn to let everyone know there was trouble..............;)

I just don't understand why he didn't just honk his horn to let everyone know there was trouble..............;)

Now that right there is about the only sensical post on this thread :)

? Who's the leader in FC points! ? :D

Come on PJ, I brought FACT! :) as of today that is!

I just don't understand why he didn't just honk his horn to let everyone know there was trouble..............;)

LMAO Mel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

Jerry,

Do you remember at the Winters one year when Capps' crew chief was driving the gold Miller car and smoked the tires losing the round, made the first gate, and DROVE it back up the return road all the way to his pit spot?!!

The place went balistic, but unfortunately for Ace, so did the Hook!

Yea Gibbs was none too happy with Ace.

LMAO! The last thing I need to be called is an expert!

I understand his logic for trying to protect people and/or cars being hit, but I was concerned for his own safety.

How's that? P.C. enough? ;)

LMAO!!!! That's why I love you! LOL :p

Heheh....I love you too Angelico! :D