The NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series has become one of the toughest factory-based categories in drag racing, and Lee Hartman has spent the last several seasons proving he belongs among the class contenders. Now, heading into the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK at Route 66 Raceway, Hartman is bringing extra horsepower and extra motivation with his son Matthew officially joining the family effort.
After multiple final-round appearances in his Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Lee Hartman is still chasing that elusive first Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown victory. But with the addition of Matthew Hartman behind the wheel of a Chevrolet COPO Camaro, the Hartman operation is starting to build serious momentum as the 2026 season progresses.
For Lee Hartman, having his son racing alongside him has added a new level of excitement to the program.
“It’s great having my son Matthew on the team and to have someone else to help in the cause,” said Hartman. “He is doing great, and who wouldn’t be proud of having their son beside you learning how to get it done. I’m really proud of how quickly he’s gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities to take that racecar down the track.”
The father-son duo represents one of several family combinations currently competing in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown category, a class that continues to showcase fierce manufacturer rivalries between Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
Despite becoming a consistent threat in the category since joining the series in 2020, Lee Hartman knows just how difficult earning a first NHRA national event victory can be in Factory Stock competition.
“Every race I go into I think this could be the first win, but there has always been something in the way so far,” said Hartman. “There is always something to address, and we are just working our way through the issues and getting closer to that first win. We have several cars that we’ve been working on, so right now it’s going to be side by side to the finish line. We’ll continue to make things better, bigger, stronger and faster. Racing in Chicago, that’s a really nice facility.”
While Lee continues chasing his first win, Matthew Hartman has quietly put together an impressive start to his rookie campaign. The second-generation driver has advanced out of the opening round in both of his first two NHRA appearances, showing maturity and consistency well beyond his experience level.
“It’s been great,” said Matthew Hartman. “I have been very fortunate to have a good team behind me with my dad and Stanfield Racing. In Gainesville, I was fortunate to test before the race, and that allowed me to get some more runs on the car. I had never even been to a four-wide track before the Charlotte race. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far through a little perseverance, working on some things with my driving and staying steady, working on the car. I am just happy to have the opportunity to do what I’ve been doing.”
Matthew’s transition into the COPO Camaro platform has gone smoother than expected, especially considering how quickly the opportunity materialized.
“Getting to drive this Chevrolet COPO Camaro is one of those things that kind of just came together,” said Hartman. “Anthony Troyer was wrapping up his operation, and we were able to take over. We were already comfortable with Camaros. I am comfortable in the racecar, and it feels like I’ve been racing it for way longer than two races. I wouldn’t say I’m a Chevy or Dodge guy yet. I think I’m still too early to decide from the racing aspect. I love all three of these manufacturers.”
Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding the Hartmans isn’t just performance, it’s the opportunity to race together as father and son on the NHRA national stage.
“Getting to race with my dad is one of those moments that I only dreamed about,” said Matthew Hartman. “It feels like just yesterday, but six years ago, he and I were going to Indy for his first race. I was his crew chief at 16 years old, trying to figure out how to help him pack a parachute. I just remember going to multiple races each season and thinking, man, it would be cool if I could be side by side, racing him. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity, and it’s just one of those things that you only prayed could happen and here I am living it.”
That family atmosphere has become one of the defining characteristics of the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series, where racers often balance fierce competition with strong camaraderie in the pits.
While the Hartmans continue searching for their first victories, defending Chicago winner Jason Dietsch returns to Route 66 Raceway with confidence after a runner-up finish at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals. Last season, Dietsch enjoyed one of the most memorable weekends in Factory Stock history, capturing both the delayed Gatornationals victory and the Chicago national event win during the same weekend.
“Last year was just unforgettable,” said Dietsch. “I mean, to go there and we have never won a Wally, and we leave with two Wallys as well as the Gatornationals trophy and the Globe trophy.”
Dietsch believes his program is even stronger entering the 2026 Route 66 Nationals.
“I’m pretty confident, and I think I have a better car now than I did last year,” said Dietsch. “This will be our fifth race of the year and second Flexjet Factory Stock race. The Chicago track has always have been good to me. I don’t know why. I really like the track. It’s a shame that track doesn’t get used more. It’s just an awesome place to race, and it is close to home.”
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