Mark Pawuk capped off another stellar season in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series, clinching his second straight championship this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. The veteran racer wheeled his Empaco-backed Dodge Challenger Drag Pak to consistent wins and deep round appearances all season long, holding off a strong late-season charge from Mustang Cobra Jet pilots Jason and Taylor Dietsch.

Pawuk’s 2025 title defense was anchored by wins at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, and the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. Add in a runner-up at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals, and Pawuk had already built a healthy points lead coming into St. Louis. By the time qualifying wrapped up at the Napa Auto Parts Midwest Nationals, the championship was already his.

“I kind of knew I had it locked coming into St. Louis,” said Pawuk. “During the season, I kept going rounds, and we had the lead after a couple of wins. The guys who were right on my tail both got knocked out early at a couple of races, and we were consistent all year. I have to take my hat off to David Barton and Ray Barton Racing Engines. I want to thank all my sponsors, Ohio Cat, Mr. Heater, Summit, Red Line Oil, E3, and Westfield Bank, for all their support all season. ”

The win is another milestone in Pawuk’s long career. After over a decade in Pro Stock, Pawuk joined Factory Stock Showdown in 2018, and in 2023, scored his first St. Louis victory as a number-one qualifier. Last year, he broke through for his first championship, and now he’s doubled down with another.

The Dietsch father-and-son duo kept the pressure on all year, combining for four wins and showcasing the depth of talent in the category. In total, five different drivers representing all three manufacturers visited the winner’s circle this season, proving Factory Stock Showdown remains one of the toughest battlegrounds in drag racing.

Pawuk now has a shot at adding another Wally to his 2025 tally, as eliminations continue at the Midwest Nationals. Already past Josh Hart in round one, he’ll square off against Richard Hord in round two as he hunts his third win of the year.