Season Finale Ignites Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Teams’ Last Shot at Victory

Highlights

  • 2026 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown final race on October 14-18
  • Winner receives special 75th anniversary NHRA diamond Wally trophy
  • Top contenders include Mark Pawuk, Raymond Nash, and rookie Matthew Hartman
  • Qualifying starts Friday; eliminations begin Saturday and continue Sunday
  • Nash currently second in points, aims for strong Texas finish
  • Hartman seeks first major win following father’s recent Great Lakes victory

The 2026 NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown concludes at the Texas Motorplex on October 14-18, headlining the 41st Texas NHRA FallNationals. A 75th anniversary NHRA diamond Wally elevates the stakes.

Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford entrants face a final chance to convert development work into results. Reigning champion Mark Pawuk, points contender Raymond Nash, and rookie Matthew Hartman headline a tightly matched field.

Pawuk’s season centers on adapting to the Dodge Challenger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak. Progress has come incrementally, but the group targets a strong sign-off to validate the year’s learning.

Factory Stock Showdown teams prepare for the Texas FallNationals finale
Image Credit: Drag Illustrated
“I would love to get one of those 75th anniversary diamond Wallys. This year was a challenge with the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, but I have always loved a challenge.” — Mark Pawuk

The two-time champion’s experience should aid race-day execution. Finding a consistent setup window and clean early increments remains pivotal under eliminations pressure.

Nash arrives on form after narrowly losing the title fight to Jonathan Allegrucci at the NAPA Midwest Nationals, then finishing runner-up in Bristol. That resilience keeps him central to the Factory Stock Showdown series narrative as the finale begins.

“Winning the Texas FallNationals would mean a lot to us. Everyone is pulling for us to get a win to close out the season.” — Raymond Nash

Support from David Barton and Ray Barton Racing Engines underpins Nash’s push. Family involvement, including son Zachary and wife Christina, underscores a cohesive, detail-focused operation.

Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown entries on track during the season
Image Credit: NHRA

Hartman’s rookie season reflects steady progression on and off track. His father, Lee, recently broke through at the rain-delayed Great Lakes Nationals in St. Louis, giving the team timely momentum.

“Getting a win in Dallas would go a long way. I am so grateful for this opportunity.” — Matthew Hartman

Backed by Stanfield Racing Engines, Hartman targets a breakthrough at his first Stampede of Speed. The event also deepens his exposure within the 2026 NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown landscape.

The format is straightforward. Two qualifying sessions run Friday, with a final Saturday session leading directly to opening eliminations. Three elimination rounds then decide Sunday’s winner.

Qualifying starts Friday; eliminations span Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a 75th anniversary NHRA diamond Wally for the victor.

With Nash second in points, a composed weekend could cement a standout campaign. Pawuk chases redemption via execution and improved launch performance. Emerging drivers, led by Hartman, can disrupt the bracket.

The Texas NHRA FallNationals remains a showpiece for performance and discipline. Follow build-up and analysis around the Texas NHRA FallNationals weekend as the series signs off.

Visual Summary


One Race. One Diamond Wally.
Who will end 2026 as NHRA Factory Stock Showdown champion?

71
Mark Pawuk

77
Raymond Nash

13
Matthew Hartman




■ Dodge
■ Chevrolet
■ Ford

Oct 14–18, 2026 — Texas Motorplex
75th Anniversary Showdown

🏁
The last blast of 2026.
Who claims the Diamond Wally?
Chevy. Dodge. Ford. All in. One shot at history.

Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing’s biggest national events.

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Nicholas Rivera

Nicholas Rivera delivers NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car news, including eliminator-round results and reaction-time stats. He brings track-side interviews, contender profiles, and championship-point breakdowns straight from drag-racing's biggest national events.

Articles: 259

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