There was a time when the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series stuck to the traditional and larger venues on the NHRA tour. This weekend continues the trend of the series stepping outside of the comfort zone.
The Factory Stock Showdown division, comprised of Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Cobra Jets and Dodge Drag Paks, will make its debut at Brainerd International Raceway. One of those happy to see the series visit the Minnesota-based facility is point leader Stephen Bell.
“I have heard Brainerd is a lot of fun and great track,” said Bell, 2023 championship runner-up. “I have never raced there but from talking with guys, they say it reminds them of one of the old traditional racetracks. We don’t have any notes or data for when we get on the track on Friday for qualifying it will be a brand-new experience for us.”
Bell has a nearly 100-point lead of Mark Pawuk, a driver who has made more than his share of laps down the famed Brainerd quarter-mile.
“Heading to Brainerd will be cool because it is off the beaten path and they love to see cars like our Factory Stock Showdown race cars,” Pawuk said. “I went to my first final in Super Gas in 1981 at Brainerd and I have great memories of racing in Brainerd. They have The Zoo campground which has changed a lot over the years, but it is still awesome to go out there with all those fans and see what they have built to enjoy the race weekend.”
Lee Hartman, currently sixth place in points, raced to a runner-up finish in Chicago and has two No. 1 qualifiers to his credit in 2024 looks forward to introducing the class to new fans.
“This will be my first time ever racing at Brainerd International Raceway and I am looking forward to getting there,” Hartman said. “I am excited to see the track and get the full Brainerd experience. I have spent some time racing snowmobiles and that is a big deal in that area too.”
Qualifying will begin on Friday, August 16 with two sessions and conclude with one session on Saturday, August 17. Final eliminations will begin later on Saturday.
