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Cappetta Reflects on a Season of Growth and Looks Ahead to 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Oxford, PA – October 28, 2025
by Emily Winslow / Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Mgmt
Image Credit: Jeremy Zarfos / WRT Speedwerx

Ashley Cappetta wrapped up her 2025 season at Lincoln Speedway last Saturday, closing out a year filled with growth, resilience, and consistency.

After switching from her #89 to the Apple #12 car early in the season, Cappetta set a clear goal for herself and her team — to be stronger and more consistent than in previous years — and she feels confident they achieved just that.

“I just wanted to be better than we’ve been in past seasons, and I feel like we met that expectation,” Cappetta said. “I never expected to end up in the Apple 12 after just a few races, so living that childhood dream has been incredible. Some days it still doesn’t feel real.”

The 2025 season brought several changes for Cappetta, including a new crew chief and crew adjustments midway through the year. Despite those challenges — and setbacks like a broken camshaft that sidelined her while leading the points — Cappetta remained a steady presence in Lincoln’s competitive 358 division.

“We were consistent all season except for a handful of nights,” she noted. “Saturday’s regular feature was probably one of our toughest nights, but overall, this was the most consistent year we’ve had in a long time.”

Cappetta’s night at Lincoln’s season finale was a mixed one, with mechanical gremlins testing her team’s persistence.

“In the make-up feature, I felt okay. If we’d started a little further up, I think we could’ve done better than seventh,” Cappetta said. “The cautions hurt us, but overall, I was happy with that race. In the regular feature, we just couldn’t get things to click — I think the motor is getting tired. It’s time to freshen up our motor program this winter.”

The team plans to rebuild both engines during the off-season, and Cappetta is already setting her sights on an even stronger 2026 campaign.

“This off-season, I want to get back in the gym, get stronger, and make sure the cars and motors are in top shape,” Cappetta said. “We’ll be working on sponsorship, getting ready for our annual fundraiser, and just mentally resetting. I’m in a much better headspace this year, and that gives me the motivation to really push for next season.”

In addition to her time behind the wheel, Cappetta took on a new challenge in 2025 — helping to promote, which included focusing on two races specifically for the 358 division.

“It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it,” she said. “It really gives you a new appreciation for how much effort goes into putting these shows together. I’m looking forward to doing it again next year with the Weldon Sterner Memorial.”

Cappetta expressed deep gratitude for her supporters, crew, and sponsors who helped make the season possible.

“I can’t thank my sponsors enough, especially Gettysburg Trading Post — they’ve been with me for 14 years, and next year will mark our 15th season together,” she said. “The fans mean the world to me, too. Their support, whether it’s buying merchandise or cheering us on at the track, keeps me going.”

As the off-season begins, Cappetta is already preparing for her 14th Annual “Night at the Races” Fundraiser, set for February 14, 2026, at the Irishtown Fire Company.

Tickets will be $25 from November 1–30, and $30 starting December 1. The first 150 attendees through the door will receive a free event T-shirt. Tickets will be available through Cappetta beginning November 1.

“We’ve got a great support system around us right now,” Cappetta said. “I’m grateful for everyone who’s part of this team, and I’m already looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026.”

ABOUT ASHLEY CAPPETTA

Ashley Cappetta is a second-generation racer following her uncle’s footsteps. She started her racing career in 2012. It was her first year piloting her race car, but certainly not her first exposure to the sport. She was introduced to racing by her father, who was Steve Smith’s crew chief. Her uncle, Rob Cappetta was also involved in the sport, driving his own #89 sprint car and went on to be a gasman for Robert Yates Racing. Ashley is making her own way by being the first female in her family to take center stage as a driver. Ashley has had a couple of years of sprint car experience with various teams, starting out as a crew member doing such simple tasks as scraping mud to advancing her skills into doing maintenance for her own race car. Ashley is showing her success with not only her abilities working on her race car, but also by winning a Hard Charger Award in only her first season racing. Ashley feels she has the best of both worlds by not only knowing how to race but also having the knowledge of the mechanics and being able to provide detailed feedback to her team. Her goal is to continue to grow as a racer and work her way up through the sprint car division.

Follow Ashley’s season:

Press Releases: A2DPR.com/latest-news
Facebook: Facebook.com/ACappettaRacing89
Twitter and Instagram: Twitter.com/A_Cappetta89
Website: AshleyCappettaRacing.com

THANKS TO OUR 2025 PARTNERS!

Gettysburg Trading Post
Mike's Towing & Recovery
JZ Construction
Snelbecker Electric
The Gun Center
Stoners Auction of Glen Rock
Yesteryear Antique Center
Jersey Mike’s Subs – Hanover PA location
Iron Horse Trains
FK Rod Ends
Hooker Harness
Brenneman Painting
DW Automotive
Schaeffer’s Oil — Doug Smith
CP Carrillo
Republican Club of Hanover
Victory Fuel
Deans Auto Plaza
The Racing Trading Post
Food Adventures
Fastener Specialties
Bam Lifters
Kinsler Fuel Injection
My Race Pass
3 Feathers Racing
K1 RaceGear
Chris’s Coins, Antiques & Collectibles

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities with Ashley Cappetta Racing are available for the 2026 season! Contact the team today at AshleyCappettaRacing89@gmail.com.

ABOUT ADDICTED2DIRT PR & MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management specializes in enhancing race teams’ visibility through strategic PR services. A2D offers a comprehensive range of services, from handling strategic PR initiatives like press releases and social media content to providing coaching and consulting to empower teams to manage their own public relations effectively and affordably. Whether you need A2D to manage your PR or want to learn how to do it yourself, A2D is committed to helping you build a loyal fanbase and attract marketing partners!

Visit A2DPR.com to learn more!

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Rich “MrAddicted2Dirt” Watts is a passionate fan-turned-PR expert who helps elevate racing teams’ public relations in the dirt motorsports industry. With extensive knowledge and connections, he helps teams boost visibility, grow loyal fanbases through proven strategies, and secure marketing partnerships. Rich also offers PR coaching and consulting services, plus shares his insights as a speaker and podcast guest.

To learn more or to contact Rich about an opportunity, visit MrA2D.com!

SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

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X/Twitter: Twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR
Threads: Threads.com/Addicted2DirtPR
Bluesky: Addicted2DirtPR.bsky.social
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/A2D-Enterprises

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