{"id":61519,"date":"2026-10-09T15:43:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T20:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=61519"},"modified":"2026-10-09T15:45:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T20:45:01","slug":"three-races-remain-nhra-championship-battles-heat-up-at-texas-motorplex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/09\/three-races-remain-nhra-championship-battles-heat-up-at-texas-motorplex\/","title":{"rendered":"Three races remain: NHRA championship battles heat up at Texas Motorplex"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Shawn Langdon. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Mike Haag | Raceday San Antonio<\/p>\n

ENNIS, Texas \u2014 Three races down. Three to go.<\/p>\n

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship has reached a critical stage. Every round victory, qualifying bonus point and mistake carries greater consequences as the championship battles intensify.<\/p>\n

When the NHRA returns to the Texas Motorplex for the 41st annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, Oct. 14-18, championship contenders in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will arrive knowing time is running out to make their move.<\/p>\n

Texas marks the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship. After the Motorplex, only Las Vegas and the season-ending NHRA Finals at Pomona remain.<\/p>\n

The championship battles could hardly be more different.<\/p>\n

Shawn Langdon is threatening to run away with the Top Fuel title. Matt Hagan is trying to hold off a determined group of Funny Car challengers. Greg Stanfield leads a crowded Pro Stock championship fight. And in Pro Stock Motorcycle, teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera are separated by just 32 points.<\/p>\n

With championship hopes hanging in the balance, here are five storylines in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle I am keeping an eye on going into the Texas FallNationals.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Shawn Langdon, Top Fuel winner at the NHRA Nationals at the Rock. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

TOP FUEL<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"\"
Shawn Langdon. NHRA photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Can anyone stop Shawn Langdon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There may not be a hotter driver in drag racing right now.<\/p>\n

Langdon has won four consecutive events, including all three races to open the Countdown, and arrives at the Motorplex with eight victories this season and a 116-point advantage over Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta.<\/p>\n

Another dominant weekend at Texas could put Langdon in position to take a commanding lead in the championship chase. With only two races remaining after the FallNationals, the rest of the field may be running out of opportunities to stop him.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Doug Kalitta celebrates after winning the NHRA Top Fuel race on Sunday at the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals held at the Texas Motorplex. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Doug Kalitta needs a big weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kalitta\u2019s championship hopes took a significant hit at St. Louis, where a first-round loss, combined with another Langdon victory, turned a 25-point deficit into a 116-point gap.<\/p>\n

Kalitta, who has enjoyed success at the Texas Motorplex, needs a deep elimination-round run Sunday to close the distance. An early exit by Langdon would certainly help.<\/p>\n

If Kalitta hopes to keep his championship aspirations alive, Texas could be one of the most important races of his season.<\/p>\n

3. Is Top Fuel becoming a two-driver championship?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Langdon and Kalitta appear to be separating themselves from the field, several other contenders remain mathematically alive.<\/p>\n

Tony Stewart is third, 225 points behind Langdon, followed by Leah Pruett (235 back), Will Smith (250) and Antron Brown (252).<\/p>\n

For those drivers, Texas represents an opportunity to make one final push toward the leaders.<\/p>\n

But with only three races remaining, they need more than strong performances. They also need Langdon and Kalitta to stumble.<\/p>\n

An early-round upset could dramatically change the championship picture.<\/p>\n

4. Will Smith has momentum and is looking for an encore<\/strong><\/p>\n

Smith turned heads at St. Louis by advancing to his first career Top Fuel final round.<\/p>\n

He defeated Maddi Gordon, Tony Stewart and Shawn Reed before falling to Langdon in the championship round.<\/p>\n

The performance moved Smith to fifth in the standings and gave him a significant confidence boost heading into Texas.<\/p>\n

Although he faces a steep climb in the championship standings, another strong showing could make Smith a dangerous spoiler against the leading contenders.<\/p>\n

5. Could Texas become Langdon\u2019s championship statement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Langdon\u2019s remarkable stretch began with a victory at the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis to close the regular season. He followed that performance by sweeping the first three Countdown events.<\/p>\n

Now he has an opportunity to make it five consecutive victories.<\/p>\n

A win at the Texas Motorplex would further separate Langdon from the field and put him in excellent position to claim his second Top Fuel world championship.<\/p>\n

With Las Vegas and Pomona still to come, Texas could be remembered as the weekend Langdon took firm control of the title chase.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Matt Hagan on Sunday at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

FUNNY CAR<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Matt Hagan, Funny Car winner at the NHRA Nationals at the Rock. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Matt Hagan arrives in Texas with the points lead<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hagan enters the Texas FallNationals holding a 72-point advantage over Jordan Vandergriff in one of the most competitive championship battles of the season.<\/p>\n

Two-time defending world champion Austin Prock is third, 106 points behind, followed by Jack Beckman (123 back) and J.R. Todd (132).<\/p>\n

Unlike Top Fuel, the Funny Car championship remains wide open.<\/p>\n

A victory by Prock, Beckman or Todd, particularly if Hagan suffers an early elimination, could dramatically reshape the standings heading into Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Austin Prock, Funny Car. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. The \u201cProck Rocket\u201d is back in the championship fight.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Austin Prock reminded everyone at St. Louis why he is the two-time defending Funny Car world champion.<\/p>\n

Prock defeated Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and No. 1 qualifier Jack Beckman before beating Jordan Vandergriff in the final round.<\/p>\n

The victory propelled Prock to third in the standings and brought him back into serious championship contention.<\/p>\n

With three races remaining, Prock has momentum on his side and another opportunity at Texas to close the gap on Hagan.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Jordan Vandergriff and John Force. NHRA photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Is Jordan Vandergriff ready to make a championship run?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vandergriff continues to establish himself as a serious championship contender.<\/p>\n

At St. Louis, he reached the final round for the sixth time this season, further demonstrating the consistency that has kept him near the top of the standings.<\/p>\n

He enters Texas just 72 points behind Hagan.<\/p>\n

A victory at the Motorplex could put significant pressure on the four-time world champion and potentially tighten the championship battle heading into the final two events.<\/p>\n

The question now is whether Vandergriff can turn his impressive season into a championship-winning performance.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Jack Beckman, New England Nationals Winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Don\u2019t forget Jack Beckman and J.R. Todd<\/strong><\/p>\n

While much of the attention surrounds Hagan, Vandergriff and Prock, Beckman and Todd remain firmly in the championship conversation.<\/p>\n

Beckman, the 2012 world champion, trails Hagan by 123 points, while Todd, the 2018 champion, is 132 behind.<\/p>\n

Both have the experience to handle the pressure of a late-season championship battle.<\/p>\n

An early exit by Hagan, combined with a victory by either driver, could dramatically tighten the standings.<\/p>\n

Neither can afford a disappointing weekend at Texas, but neither should be counted out.<\/p>\n

5. Can Hagan protect the lead?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The biggest question entering the Texas FallNationals is whether Hagan can maintain his championship advantage.<\/p>\n

Consistency has been one of the keys to his position atop the standings, and avoiding an early-round loss could prove just as important as winning the event.<\/p>\n

Hagan does not necessarily need to leave Texas with another Wally trophy, but he cannot afford to surrender significant ground to his closest challengers.<\/p>\n

As a four-time world champion, Hagan understands what it takes to win under pressure.<\/p>\n

He also knows that every other contender is trying to chase him down.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Greg Stanfield on Sunday at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PRO STOCK<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Greg Stanfield, Pro Stock winner. NHRA photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Greg Stanfield leads one of the tightest championship fights<\/strong><\/p>\n

If there is one professional category where the championship standings could undergo a major shakeup at Texas, it is Pro Stock.<\/p>\n

Five drivers are separated by just 124 points.<\/p>\n

Greg Stanfield leads reigning world champion Dallas Glenn by 71 points. Matt Hartford is 81 points back, followed by six-time champion Greg Anderson (109) and Troy Coughlin Jr. (124).<\/p>\n

With so many championship contenders packed together, a single early-round upset could have significant consequences.<\/p>\n

By Sunday evening, the Pro Stock standings could look considerably different.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dallas Glenn, NHRA Pro Stock winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2<\/strong>. Dallas Glenn remains within striking distance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Glenn knows firsthand what it takes to win a Pro Stock championship.<\/p>\n

The defending world champion enters Texas just 71 points behind Greg Stanfield, a deficit that could shrink quickly with a strong weekend.<\/p>\n

Qualifying bonus points and elimination-round victories will be especially important as Glenn attempts to close the gap.<\/p>\n

If Stanfield suffers an early exit Sunday and Glenn advances deep into eliminations, the championship race could tighten considerably.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Pro Stock winner Greg Anderson. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Never count out Greg Anderson<\/strong><\/p>\n

When championships are on the line, Greg Anderson knows how to get the job done.<\/p>\n

The six-time Pro Stock world champion enters Texas 109 points behind Greg Stanfield, but his experience makes him a serious threat.<\/p>\n

Anderson also has an impressive history at the Texas Motorplex.<\/p>\n

He owns both ends of the track\u2019s Pro Stock record, with a 6.457-second elapsed time and a speed of 214.59 mph, both established in 2015.<\/p>\n

With three races remaining, Anderson has an opportunity to draw upon that experience and make another late-season championship push.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Troy Coughlin Jr., NHRA Pro Stock winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. What about Elite Motorsports?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elite Motorsports has dominated the opening three races of the Countdown, winning each event with three different drivers.<\/p>\n

Troy Coughlin Jr. captured the playoff opener, Greg Stanfield won at Rockingham and Aaron Stanfield completed the three-race sweep at St. Louis by defeating his father, Greg, in the final round.<\/p>\n

That success makes Elite Motorsports a formidable presence heading into Texas.<\/p>\n

Although Aaron Stanfield trails the points leader by 171 points, he could play a significant role in determining the championship outcome.<\/p>\n

With several Elite Motorsports drivers capable of winning on any given weekend, the team\u2019s influence on the title chase could be substantial.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Aaron Stanfield, NHRA Pro Stock winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Father-and-son battles could influence the championship<\/strong><\/p>\n

Family connections add another intriguing dimension to the Pro Stock championship battle.<\/p>\n

Greg Stanfield and his son, Aaron, have already demonstrated their ability to compete against one another, including their final-round meeting at St. Louis.<\/p>\n

Another showdown at the Texas Motorplex could have significant championship implications.<\/p>\n

Once the cars stage, family ties take a back seat to reaction times, horsepower and execution.<\/p>\n

There is another father-and-son storyline worth watching involving Greg Anderson and his son, Cody Anderson.<\/p>\n

Whether competing for victories or upsetting championship contenders, the father-and-son combinations could have a major influence on the Pro Stock title chase.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Richard Gadson, Pro Stock Motorcycle winner at the NHRA Nationals at the Rock. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Richard Gadson, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Richard Gadson vs. Gaige Herrera<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Pro Stock Motorcycle championship has developed into a heavyweight showdown between Vance & Hines teammates Richard Gadson and Gaige Herrera.<\/p>\n

Gadson enters Texas holding a slim 32-point advantage over Herrera after the two riders met in the final round at each of the last two events.<\/p>\n

Herrera won their most recent meeting at St. Louis, tightening an already intense championship battle.<\/p>\n

With three races remaining, another head-to-head showdown at Texas could produce a change atop the standings.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Gaige Herrera, Pro Stock Motorcycle winner at the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Herrera is charging<\/strong><\/p>\n

Herrera arrives at the Texas Motorplex with momentum following an impressive performance at St. Louis.<\/p>\n

He qualified No. 1 with a track-record 6.644-second run before defeating Gadson in the final round.<\/p>\n

The victory marked Herrera\u2019s fourth consecutive St. Louis triumph and moved him within 32 points of the championship lead.<\/p>\n

After winning back-to-back world championships in 2023 and 2024, Herrera has an opportunity to put himself in position for a third title.<\/p>\n

Another victory at Texas could shift the championship momentum firmly in his favor.<\/p>\n

\"\"
John Hall, NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Other contenders remain in the hunt<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Gadson and Herrera have captured much of the attention, several other riders remain within striking distance.<\/p>\n

John Hall is third, 105 points behind Gadson, followed by six-time world champion Matt Smith (113 back) and Ryan Oehler (119).<\/p>\n

Those deficits are significant, but with three races remaining, the championship picture is far from settled.<\/p>\n

A strong performance at Texas, coupled with early losses by the two leaders, could bring the chasing group back into contention.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, the title fight could become a two-rider showdown heading into Las Vegas and Pomona.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Matt Smith, Pro Stock Motorcycle winner. (NHRA photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Matt Smith remains dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n

Few riders understand the pressure of championship racing better than Matt Smith.<\/p>\n

The six-time world champion enters Texas 113 points behind Gadson and knows he needs to gain ground before the series heads to Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

Smith has enjoyed success at the Texas Motorplex, winning in 2021 and finishing runner-up to Herrera in 2024.<\/p>\n

His championship experience and history at the track make him a dangerous contender.<\/p>\n

A victory at Texas could put Smith back into the championship conversation and prevent Gadson and Herrera from pulling further away.<\/p>\n

5. Teammates are becoming championship rivals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gadson and Herrera may share the same Vance & Hines team, but their championship rivalry continues to intensify.<\/p>\n

When they line up against one another, their shared team affiliation takes a back seat to the pursuit of a victory and valuable championship points.<\/p>\n

Herrera described their battle as a \u201cdogfight\u201d following St. Louis, and there is every reason to believe that intensity will continue at the Texas Motorplex.<\/p>\n

Another final-round meeting could add a compelling chapter to their rivalry and dramatically influence the championship standings.<\/p>\n

With so much at stake, their battle could become one of the defining storylines of the final three races.<\/p>\n

THE PRESSURE POINT<\/h2>\n

Since opening in 1986, the Texas Motorplex has produced its share of championship-defining moments. The 2026 Texas FallNationals has all the ingredients to add another chapter to that history.<\/p>\n

Langdon arrives looking to transform one of the hottest winning streaks in recent NHRA history into a second Top Fuel world championship.<\/p>\n

Hagan faces a determined group of Funny Car challengers, each hoping to take advantage of the slightest mistake.<\/p>\n

Greg Stanfield is trying to maintain his advantage in a crowded Pro Stock championship battle where one round could change everything.<\/p>\n

And in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gadson and Herrera are separated by little more than a round of racing as their rivalry continues to intensify.<\/p>\n

Three races remain.<\/p>\n

By Sunday evening at the Texas Motorplex, some championship contenders could be one step closer to achieving their dreams.<\/p>\n

For others, the road to a world championship could become considerably more difficult.<\/p>\n

In the Countdown to the Championship, there is little room for error. And at Texas, every round matters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With just three races remaining in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, title contenders face a pivotal weekend at the Texas Motorplex. Here are 20 storylines to watch as the championship battles intensify at the Texas FallNationals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":57518,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1213,1216,1212,4],"tags":[6,841,328,1129],"class_list":["post-61519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-editors-picks","category-from-the-editor","category-mike-haags-notebook","category-nhra","tag-nhra","tag-stampede-of-speed","tag-texas-motorplex","tag-texas-nhra-fall-nationals"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-g0f","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Langdon_BS-768x512-1.webp?fit=768%2C512","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61519"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61524,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61519\/revisions\/61524"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}