Scelzi, Capps Make Run to Semis, Lead Strong Weekend for HEMI-powered Chargers at Topeka

Don Schumacher Racing drivers Gary Scelzi and Ron Capps posted semifinals finishes to pace an outstanding weekend for Mopar HEMI-powered Dodge Charger R/T Funny Cars in the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka on June 1. All seven Mopar-fueled Dodge Charger R/Ts qualified for the Topeka show—making up nearly half the field—and Charger R/Ts filled four of the top six starting positions.

Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger R/T pilot Scelzi had his best run of the year, posting his first semifinal finish of the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Scelzi defeated Robert Hight and Bob Tasca III before losing a pedalfest with event runner-up Tim Wilkerson in the semis. No. 4 qualifier Capps advanced to his third semifinal round of the season, taking down Cruz Pedregon and fellow HEMI-powered driver Melanie Troxel, the No. 5 qualifier and winner of the previous event at Bristol. Capps lost to event winner John Force in the semis but his solid outing moved him into a tie for sixth place in the NHRA Funny Car point standings.