Pawuk Wins Second Consecutive NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Title

Mark “Cowboy” Pawuk has carved his name into NHRA history once again. The Ohio racer and longtime Mopar competitor secured his second straight Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series world championship at World Wide Technology Raceway, driving his Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak. For Pawuk, this title was about proving last year wasn’t a fluke—it was about consistency, execution, and keeping the pressure on all season long.

Building the Lead Early – 

Pawuk’s road to the 2025 championship was built on momentum from the middle portion of the year. He stormed to victory at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, and followed it up with another win at the Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. Add in a runner-up finish at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals, and Pawuk had the points lead locked down before the fall stretch.

That cushion gave him breathing room heading into the NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. He officially clinched the championship after qualifying, then reinforced it with a first-round elimination win over Josh Hart. Afterward, Flexjet executive David Davies II presented Pawuk with his championship trophy and medal.

Holding Off the Mustang Charge – 

While Pawuk made winning look easy at times, the competition was relentless. The Ford Mustang Cobra Jets of Jason and Taylor Dietsch kept the pressure on throughout the summer. Between them, the father-son duo racked up four wins, with Taylor coming into St. Louis riding a two-race win streak. Chevrolet COPO Camaros were also in the mix, creating one of the most balanced seasons the class has seen.

Still, Pawuk and his Dodge Drag Pak refused to fold. As he explained from the stage:

“I kind of knew I had it locked coming into St. Louis. During the season I kept going rounds and we had the lead after a couple wins. The guys that were right on my tail both got knocked out early at a couple races, and we were consistent all year. I have to take my hat off to David Barton and Ray Barton Racing Engines.”

From Pro Stock to Drag Pak – 

Fans know Pawuk’s journey didn’t start in Factory Stock. He spent over a decade battling it out in NHRA Pro Stock, where the margin of victory is measured in thousandths of a second. In 2018, he made the move into the Factory Stock Showdown, a class built for factory-engineered muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Chevrolet COPO Camaro, and Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.

Right away, Pawuk made his presence felt. In his rookie year, he notched runner-up finishes at both Norwalk and the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. By 2023, he was scoring wins, including a dominant weekend in St. Louis where he qualified No. 1 and ran the fastest pass of the event.

Championships, Old and New – 

Last year, Pawuk’s first title came after a season-long fight with Chevrolet rivals Stephen Bell and Scott Libersher. He clinched it at the final race of the season by winning the event outright. This year’s championship was different—decided earlier, but no less meaningful.

“Norwalk was on my bucket list,” Pawuk admitted. “I am very good friends with the Bader family who own the track. I started racing there in the 70s. That’s how far back I go. Bristol was another special win, and to clinch the championship in St. Louis again is special. For the car to perform the way it has, and for me to drive the way I’ve been driving, it’s just unbelievable. Somebody’s looking over me.”

Teamwork Behind the Wheel – 

Drag racing is a team sport, and Pawuk didn’t win this title alone. He credited assistant crew chief Mike Valerio, Frank Madonia, his wife Bonnie, his children Kyle and Kassandra, and even his executive chef Pat Donohue for helping keep the operation sharp and consistent throughout the year.

“We made consistent runs all year. I drove well when I needed to, and we won a couple of races. I really can’t believe I’m up here. I just wanted to come back and try to repeat, and here I am. I just can’t even believe it.”

Legacy Secured – 

With two straight titles under his belt, Pawuk has cemented his place as one of the most accomplished drivers in the class. His Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak is not only fast but reliable, and his experience keeps him composed even when younger challengers are nipping at his heels.

For a racer who started his career in the 1970s, winning back-to-back championships in one of drag racing’s toughest modern categories proves that Pawuk isn’t just a veteran—he’s still a winner. The Cowboy continues to ride tall.