Cappetta Celebrates 11 Years Of Racing, Reflects on Career

“I was horrified when I first got started. There were so many doubters that said I would never win a race and never make it,” Cappetta reflected on how she felt at the start of her career. She had no racing experience when most of the other competitors had raced something before jumping into the 358 sprint car division. Now Cappetta can look back at the highlights of her 11 year career which include two very special Lincoln Speedway wins. “Your first win is always special, but my first win came on August 10 which is Pat Sterner, a long time supporter’s, birthday. It is also the day that the mother of Destiny Eckenrode, a young fan of mine who had passed away, got married.” Ashley’s second came at the 2021 Weldon Sterner Memorial which was special because of her relationship with Pat Sterner. In addition to her wins, Cappetta’s first podium finish happened at a Brandon Little Memorial race.

Throughout her career Ashley has had some impressive role models to look up to, with the first on her list being the late Greg Hodnett followed by Stevie Smith. Both Hall of Fame drivers spent quite a bit of time racing in Central PA and had an impact on Cappetta’s career. Ashley’s Uncle Rob, an engine builder, and Brad Sweet, the driver that her Uncle builds engines for, have also played an important role in getting Ashely to where she is today. Jeff Rohrbaugh, a veteran of the 358 sprint car division, helped Ashely at the beginning of her career and she credits him with teaching her how to run the bottom.

When asked what advice do you wish you could go back and give yourself before your first race 11 years ago Ashley had two important things she would share with her younger self, “First, don’t let people get under your skin and second, start your racing career sooner and in a different division.”

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