A pagewidth printing mechanism includes a support structure. A print media feed mechanism is arranged on the support structure to feed print media along a feed path. A pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted on the support structure to span a print media feed path. The printhead assembly includes an ink delivery cartridge mounted on the support structure to span the print media feed path. A micro-electromechanical inkjet printhead is mounted on the ink delivery cartridge to receive ink from the ink delivery cartridge. A capping mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is operable to engage the printhead to inhibit drying of ink when the printhead is not in operation. A drive mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is connected to the capping mechanism to drive the capping mechanism into and out of engagement with the printhead. The drive mechanism is engaged with the print media feed mechanism such that the capping mechanism is driven out of engagement with the print head while the print media feed mechanism is driven by the drive mechanism.