WEEDSPORT, N.Y. — Matt Caprara noticed what it could take to run a full tour with the Tremendous DIRTcar Collection in 2024.
Realizing he and his workforce weren’t prepared on the time, they spent the final couple of years build up their program in preparation for a full-time run.
Now, he’ll return to the collection as an MD3 Rookie of the 12 months contender when the 2026 championship season opens at Georgetown Speedway for the Delaware Diamond on Saturday, March 28.
Probably the most important issue permitting Caprara to return to the collection this season is straightforward. Extra assist.
“We’ve bought Chris Fleming engaged on our stuff,” Caprara mentioned. “He used to race at Brewerton, and Fulton, and throughout there. It’s large to have the assistance, particularly with my work schedule. It’s form of wanted to have the assistance. Chris has been superb, and he’s undoubtedly trying ahead to this yr with us.
“That’s why we determined to do that. We bought the assistance and felt like we had a good yr final yr, and it’s the following step. If you wish to get higher, you’ve bought to race with these guys on the Collection.”
Not solely has extra crew helped pave the best way for Caprara’s return, however so has gaining extra expertise prior to now two seasons – each on and off the monitor. That offers him extra confidence heading into the season, one thing he mentioned he didn’t have in 2024.
“It’s not straightforward occurring the street in all places,” Caprara mentioned. “Now I’ve just a few extra years within the enterprise, so I’m just a little extra comfy leaving to go race. It creates just a little bit extra freedom, however it’s not simply that. I’ve just a few years beneath my belt. It’s going to be a variety of trial and error, however we’re excited. The most important factor is to only preserve pushing ahead.”
Caprara made sporadic begins with the Tremendous DIRTcar Collection during the last two years, all at tracks the tour will go to once more this yr.
Nonetheless, the crowning achievement of his Modified profession, thus far, got here at Brewerton Speedway final June when he earned his first Huge Block Modified Characteristic win, holding off Collection driver Darren Smith for the victory.
The win is a second Caprara mentioned gave him an edge, realizing he can beat a number of the Collection stars on any given evening.
“That’s a collection race in itself at Brewerton each week,” Caprara mentioned. “Getting a win there’s large. It form of boosts our confidence that we are able to do it. And we are able to go win in all places else. It’s only a matter of getting your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted. The most important factor is simply focusing in your program and getting it dialed in as a lot as you’ll be able to.”
Together with becoming a member of the Tremendous DIRTcar Collection tour, Caprara additionally plans to race his 358 Modified weekly on Fridays at Can-Am Speedway. However when Can-Am takes the evening off, he’ll return to Brewerton for extra laps in a Huge Block.
Saturdays can be a unique story.
“Saturday is form of free vary for us to dial in our automobiles to get higher at each monitor,” Caprara mentioned. “We’ll be going to completely different tracks like [Land of Legends Raceway], to Brockville (Ontario Speedway), and into Canada some extra. Simply to fine-tune our race automotive to have a pocket book.”
One of many issues that enticed Caprara to return this yr is the variety of races in Northern New York and Canada. When the Beasts of the Northeast journey to these areas, Caprara received’t solely be representing himself as a driver, but additionally as a businessman. Most of his household’s FX Caprara dealerships are in these areas.
“With the ability to symbolize our dealerships in Northern New York and even in Canada, it’s large,” Caprara mentioned. “Dust Modified racing is big in these areas, and we are able to see that with the turnout in Canada, that it’s large, and that’s simply one thing we have to hit on. I’m so excited to go north and be capable of symbolize our firm.”
