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Cappetta Opens 2026 Season with Strong Runner-Up Finish at Lincoln Speedway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abbottstown, PA – March 20, 2026
by Emily Winslow / Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Mgmt
Image Credit: Jeremy Zarfos / WRT Speedwerx

Ashley Cappetta kicked off her 2026 racing season in impressive fashion on Saturday, March 14, at Lincoln Speedway, with a second-place finish in the 358 Sprint Car division.

Despite an uncharacteristically low early-season car count, Cappetta and her team made the most of the opportunity, showing speed and consistency from the start of the night.

“We were a little surprised by the car count,” Cappetta said. “But it’s early in the season, it was cold, and not everyone is ready yet. We were just focused on making the most of what we had.”

While a hot lap experiment didn’t go as planned, she quickly rebounded, making the right adjustments for the remainder of the night. After a decent pill draw, Cappetta earned a strong feature starting position through her heat race performance.

“I knew after the heat race what we needed to change,” she said. “The car felt good, and I knew the track would get more challenging as the night went on.”

In the feature, Cappetta showcased both speed and composure, avoiding multiple incidents — including an early pileup and a close call with a spinning car — to remain in contention throughout the race.

“It was definitely intense,” Cappetta said. “There were a couple of really close moments that could have ended our night, but we were able to get through them.”

Battling near the front for the duration of the feature, Cappetta overcame a significant challenge as her brakes faded in and out, forcing her to adapt her driving style, especially on restarts.

“I didn’t have brakes consistently, which made it tough,” she explained. “Restarts were tricky, but in a way they helped because I could work the brakes and keep them somewhat there. On that kind of track, you really need them.”

Despite the setback, Cappetta held strong to secure a second-place finish — a result that carries extra meaning for both her and her team.

“It feels really good to start the season like this,” she said. “My dad puts a lot of work into this car, especially over the winter while I’m focused on my business. I was honestly just as happy for him as I was for myself.”

The strong opening night also carried emotional significance, as Cappetta dedicated the performance to her late grandmother.

“With everything going on, it meant a lot to have a run like that for her,” she added.

Off the track, Cappetta also expressed appreciation for the support shown at her annual preseason fundraiser, which saw a strong turnout despite a busy holiday weekend.

“We really appreciate everyone who came out,” she said. “It’s always great to kick off the season with the people who support us.”

Looking ahead, Cappetta plans to focus her 2026 schedule primarily on Lincoln Speedway and BAPS Motor Speedway, with additional appearances at Williams Grove Speedway and Port Royal Speedway.

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
Mikes 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!

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LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/A2D-Enterprises

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