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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.”

Ashley Cappetta added another successful Weldon Sterner Memorial to her resume this past weekend, marking her second time this season organizing the special event. While Cappetta was juggling her role as both a promoter and competitor, she came away with pride in how the night unfolded on and off the track.

“I thought it went really well,” Cappetta said. “We had a strong car count, and aside from one bad crash in the 358 division, the night ran smoothly. Every time I promote one of these races, I learn more about what needs to be done, and it becomes easier. Sponsorship is always the hardest part, especially hosting two events in a season, but considering how quickly we put this one together, I’m really happy with the results.”

One of the highlights of the night was the added contingency bonus support for the 358 Sprint Cars, something Cappetta pushed hard to secure.

“As a 358 driver, I know how tough the pay is for us compared to the 410s,” she explained. “After some tough track conditions the week before that really hurt teams’ equipment, I thought it was important to get extra money and product awards for the division. A lot of great businesses stepped up to help, and I really admire people who support the ‘little guys.’ Many 410 drivers started in the 358s, so it’s nice to see that kind of support come full circle.”

On track, Cappetta battled a tough night behind the wheel.

“I went into the night knowing my grandmother wasn’t doing well, and my mind was definitely with her,” Cappetta shared. “I told myself to give myself grace no matter the outcome. We missed the setup in the heat race, which put me deep in the field. Starting 14th made it tough with everyone running the same line, but I passed a couple cars before giving one spot back. At the end of the day, I was just thankful the car came home in one piece, and we know what we need to adjust moving forward.”

With only two races left in the season, both at her home track of Lincoln Speedway, Cappetta is focused on closing out strong.

“I’d really love to get a win before the season ends, especially in honor of my grandmother who just passed,” Cappetta said. “But with a new crew chief and crew this year, the main goal is to build a strong notebook for next season. If we can finish the last two races in the top 10 and keep our equipment in good shape, I’ll be happy.”

Off the track, Cappetta also recently spoke at the York County Racing Club meeting, something she truly valued.

“It was a really cool experience,” she said. “Not everyone gets to meet drivers face-to-face and ask questions, so it’s a great way for people to connect with us. The club does so much behind the scenes, and going to the meeting gave me a new appreciation for their work.”

Cappetta will return to action at Lincoln Speedway for the final two 358 Sprint Car races of the 2025 season as she looks to end the year on a high note.

Ashley Cappetta has strung together another pair of solid finishes at Lincoln Speedway, adding to a season marked by consistency and determination. Cappetta recorded an eighth-place finish in the Kramer Klash and followed it up with a 10th-place run during the Labor Day Duels over the holiday weekend.

The Kramer Klash began with Cappetta starting mid-pack after a fourth-place finish in her heat. Despite a challenging heat race, she lined up 12th for the feature and drove to an eighth-place finish. “I wasn’t completely comfortable in the heat, but I knew we weren’t going to start worse than 12th,” Cappetta said. “In the feature, things worked out. A wreck happened in front of us, and if I had started farther up, I probably would’ve been caught in it. We were able to pick off some cars and come away with a top 10.”

During the Labor Day Duel on Sunday, Cappetta battled tricky track conditions. The track quickly took rubber, making passing opportunities scarce. After finishing third in her heat, she lined up seventh for the feature but slipped back to 10th. “It was one of those races where if you fell out of the groove just a little, you were going to get passed,” Cappetta explained. “We had some wheel spin early, but made adjustments. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but with the conditions, we’ll take another top 10.”

The two finishes continue a strong stretch for Cappetta and her team, who have scored top-10 results in eight of 10 completed features this season. Only a camshaft failure and engine trouble at Port Royal have kept the team from finishing a race in 2025.

Off the track, Cappetta is celebrating a milestone in her racing career with the release of her first-ever diecast sprint car. Produced in partnership with Acme, the diecast marks Cappetta as one of only a few female sprint car drivers to have a model car made in her likeness.

“This is definitely a childhood dream come true,” Cappetta said. “I grew up playing with diecast cars and pretending to be my favorite drivers. To now have my own is surreal. It’s special for me, for my nieces, and for the young fans who will have another female driver to look up to in their collections. It’s also great exposure for my sponsors, as these cars are going to fans all over the country.”

Cappetta and her team will return to Lincoln Speedway next Saturday for the 22nd annual Weldon Sterner Memorial as they continue their push toward closing out the 2025 season strong.