Chad Green opened the NHRA’s 2025 Funny Car season in standout fashion, going 3.921 at 329.18 in his Bond-Coat Ford Mustang to roll past Ron Capps and earn his first career Gatornationals win. This will be one Green surely remembers, as Green went 3.922 and 3.921 in back-to-back rounds to claim his second career victory.
 
He defeated Paul Lee, Buddy Hull and Matt Hagan to reach the final round, posting a series of consistent runs to get past a loaded Funny Car class. Green will now leave Gainesville Raceway with the points lead for the first time in his career and also plenty of momentum after a magical performance on Sunday.

“This race is so special, I mean it’s the Gators,” Green said. “There are so many historical things that have happened at this race for so many years and I was saying in my [top end] interview that my very first race down the racetrack in an official race car was here at this track, so yeah, it means a lot to me.
 
“I’ve always said it’s so important to start off the year off and do well at the first race or else you’re behind the eight ball. This just takes the cake right here. To start off No. 1 in points, that really awesome. I’m just so excited.”
 
Capps, who is seeking his first win since the 2023 season, advanced to his 148th career final round with victories against John Smith, Bobby Bode and Alexis DeJoria.

Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals – Funny Car Class Summary

WIN: Chad Green – 3.921 secs 329.18 mph (Career win #2)
R/UP: Ron Capps – 6.500 secs 110.23 mph
Low ET: Jack Beckman – 3.832 secs
Top MPH: Ron Capps – 335.73 mph
Bump: 4.260
Entries – 18 cars

To view more fuel Funny Car photos from Gainesville – link to LMLCMedia gallery : HERE

Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler

Photos by Dave DeAngelis