Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary: 03-20-25 - 3 Time NHRA Funny Car Champ Ron Capps And Dale Hellestrae - In Studio - PART TWO

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg, alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, welcomes three-time NHRA Funny Car Champion, Ron Capps, for an in-depth conversation. The episode delves into a variety of topics ranging from sports brackets and space technology to personal anecdotes and the future of drag racing.

NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the NCAA tournament brackets. Ron Capps shares his strategy, highlighting his picks and the challenges associated with following the tournament closely.

• Bracket Selection Insights

  • Dale Hellas touches on the difficulty of following the NCAA closely, prompting Ron to reveal his choices: "I think I picked Houston" ([01:28]).
  • Ron admits, "But I don't follow it enough. But I did one" ([01:13]), indicating a casual approach to bracket selection.

• Champion Predictions

  • Ron reveals his dual picks: "On one of my brackets, it's Houston and the other one's Duke" ([01:31]).
  • Dale contrasts this with his own strategy, "I let the computer choose it. Said, you can do it yourself. And I'm like, I don't have time for" ([01:44]).

• Tiebreaker Scores

  • The hosts exchange tiebreaker scores with Ron sharing, "I did 174" ([02:25]), while others admit lower numbers, reflecting the unpredictability of the tournament.

This segment underscores the camaraderie among the hosts and guests, blending sports enthusiasm with personal anecdotes.

Space Rockets and Technological Marvels

Transitioning from sports, the conversation shifts to recent rocket launches and advancements in space technology, sparking reflections on past experiences and modern innovations.

• Reflecting on Rocket Launches

  • Dale Hellas recounts a memory from the 90s: "We were playing basketball in the 90s at some park in Tempe, and we all just froze because the sky lit up in this weird bow and it started to go across. And no phones at the time" ([03:14]).
  • Ron adds, "It looks so fake. It doesn't look" ([04:23]), expressing skepticism about contemporary rocket launches.

• Modern Technological Advancements

  • The hosts discuss touchless interfaces and advanced appliances, with Dale marveling at a new water machine: "Hover your finger over this spot... It controls the temperature" ([05:30]).
  • Ron highlights the rapid pace of technological change: "I don't understand how anything works through a case" ([06:21]).

This segment emphasizes the rapid technological advancements and the hosts' awe at modern conveniences, juxtaposed with nostalgic memories of earlier technological limitations.

The Future of NHRA and Electric Drag Racing

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the future of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and the integration of electric vehicles into drag racing.

• Electric Drag Racing Prospects

  • Ron expresses skepticism about the longevity of electric drag racing as a main category: "I figured it would just be a category" ([09:31]).
  • Dale counters by discussing the potential for electric cars to evolve beyond novelty: "Eventually that's going to be electric cars... faster than battery race" ([08:40]).

• Challenges and Costs

  • The high costs associated with maintaining Funny Cars are highlighted: "It cost about between 10 and 13,000 to make one run if it doesn't blow up" ([10:44]).
  • Ron shares a personal mishap, "I blew up last year in Seattle, and it probably cost 100 and something. Thousand. Just that one run" ([11:24]).

• Simulators vs. Real-World Experience

  • While Ron utilizes simulators for practice, he acknowledges the irreplaceable experience of real-world racing: "I have a simulator at home that I raced NASCAR and other stuff on, but you can't simulate the G forces, the sound, the smell" ([11:12]).

This discussion sheds light on the financial and technical challenges facing NHRA, while also exploring the potential shifts towards electric drag racing in the future.

Personal Anecdotes and Celebrations

The hosts and Ron share personal stories, celebrating milestones and recounting memorable travels, adding a personal touch to the episode.

• Wedding Anniversaries and Celebrations

  • A heartfelt moment occurs when a guest celebrates a 37-year wedding anniversary: "37 year wedding anniversary" ([12:11]).
  • Dale humorously advises on maintaining a happy marriage: "You keep her off the course" ([12:49]).

• Travel Experiences

  • Ron discusses his annual fan cruises: "I do a fan cruise every year. I've been doing it for like God, 18 years" ([13:07]).
  • Dale shares his recent trip to Hawaii, highlighting activities like helicopter rides and dinner cruises: "Dinner cruise, saw some whales, golf" ([12:36]).

These personal stories foster a sense of camaraderie and showcase the hosts' and guests' lives beyond their professional endeavors.

Upcoming Championships and Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, the focus returns to professional pursuits and upcoming events.

• Championship Preparations

  • Ron announces his participation in an upcoming championship: "Ron Capps is here. And Ron's going to win another championship starting this. This week. It starts. Yeah. Tomorrow" ([13:48]).
  • Dale teases Ron about his championship runs: "We've already run once, right?" ([14:05]).

• Final Banter

  • The hosts engage in light-hearted banter, discussing membership fees and casual remarks: "No membership fee. I have heard enough" ([14:12]).

The episode wraps up with anticipation for Ron's upcoming championship battle, leaving listeners eager for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Dale Hellas on Technology:

  • "I've been on this date... water shot out. That's never happened before and I was blown away" ([05:48]).

• Ron Capps on Simulators:

  • "You can't simulate the G forces, the sound, the smell, and all that because it's just. It's like 3.8 seconds of the world flying apart. It's crazy" ([11:12]).

• Dale Hellas on Modern Conveniences:

  • "I plugged my new phone in the other day and I'm like, how does this charge? How does this stupid singular cord make this stupid thing hot enough or what does it just. I don't know" ([05:30]).

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a blend of humor, insightful discussions, and personal stories, anchored by Ron Capps' expertise in drag racing. From dissecting NCAA brackets to marveling at space technology and debating the future of NHRA, the hosts provide a comprehensive and entertaining dialogue. Personal anecdotes about anniversaries and travels add warmth, making this episode both informative and relatable for listeners.

For those who missed the live broadcast, this summary captures the essence of the conversation, highlighting key moments and memorable exchanges that define the dynamic spirit of Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.