| CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 21, 2026) — This weekend Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges competing in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will converge on zMax Dragway for the 16th annual 4-Wide Nationals. The factory stock class is a fan favorite category, and the unique nature of the four-wide nationals ensures that racing will be fast and furious. Last years winner Jonathan Allegrucci will be looking for his first win of the 2026 season driving his Ford Mustang Cobra Jet and the prospect of going back-to-back has the driver from Scott Township, Pa. motivated and excited. “I’m excited but nervous, you know how that goes,” said Allegrucci. “I really do enjoy the four wide format, and I thought it was cool last year. Not just because we won, but there was a little more going on from the starting line to the finish line. It’s just that little extra bit that we don’t normally get that’s pretty cool.” Jonathan Allegrucci (bottom of photo) will look to win back-to-back NHRA 4-Wide Nationals this weekend at zMax Dragway after his 2025 final round victory, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary NastaseThis year the NHRA is celebrating its 75th anniversary and as part of the yearlong celebration race winners will be awarded a special diamond Wally trophy. The opportunity to take home some special hardware is another motivating factor for Allegrucci. He knows there will be nearly 20 other drivers looking to get their hands on the trophy as well. “We always wanted a big Wally, and we got it last year at this race,” said Allegrucci. “The 75thanniversary Wally looks awesome. It’d be pretty sweet to get one of those. It will be tough because I think there’s so many good teams out there. It’s anyone’s race any given day. You need to do your job on all ends, as far as the crew, the driver, the car, but you need a little luck to go your way too. Sometimes it’s just luck of the draw, who you’re up against to get through that round. Our KSR team are the best we got going. They work hard and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. I’m sure all these other guys would say the same about their teams, because everybody’s working hard but I am super proud of these KSR guys.” While Allegrucci will be looking for his second win in Charlotte, current points leader and Gatornationals winner Ricky Hord will be chasing his second win of the season. The driver from Orlando, Fla., will be looking to race his COPO Camaro to another winner’s circle and hold off the competition that will be looking to grab the $1,000 Flexjet bounty if they can beat him on race day. “I feel good. The car ran good at the end of last season, and it ran good in Gainesville,” said Hord. “We just like to take it one run at a time, and do whatever we can. I always liked the four wide. The way it’s laid out is pretty cool and it’s something different for the racers. It really keeps you on your toes. I got my first win at the Las Vegas 4-wide. I think it makes me focus more, because I must pay attention more right before guys stage. There’s always at least one person that’s laying back and trying to figure out what everyone else is doing.” Ricky Hord raced to victory at the season opening Gatornationals to take the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series points lead, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary NastaseIn addition to Hord and Allegrucci, two-time Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world champion Mark Pawuk will be focused on getting some early season momentum with his Empaco Dodge Challenger Drag Pak. There are a pair of father-son tandems also competing this weekend as Ford Cobra Jet drivers Taylor and Jason Dietsch will be joined by Lee and rookie Matt Hartman racing their Dodge Challenger Drag Pak and Chevrolet COPO Camaro, respectively. “It excites me whenever there’s new people. It’s always good to have new people in the class because it keeps the class alive,” said Hord. “The Gatornationals Wally is at the shop. It’s definitely cool to look at. It’s a heck of a lot flashier than the previous trophies. It’s good to know the NHRA has been around for 75 years and has a good looking future.” Qualifying will get underway on Friday for the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series at 3 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. On Saturday two more rounds of qualifying will set the all-run field. Four wide elimination rounds will be contested on Saturday evening and throughout the day on Sunday. For information on the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals visit www.nhra.com |
