MARK PAWUK CLINCHES FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN CHAMPIONSHIP WITH…read more
Mark Pawuk clinched the 2024 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series championship with a victory at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, capping off a remarkable season. In the final race, Pawuk defeated top qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci, securing his second win of the year. His previous victory came at the Gatornationals, helping solidify his path to the championship.
The race weekend was affected by rain, forcing the cancellation of Friday’s qualifying session. However, action resumed on Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season. Pawuk expressed his pride in finishing the year with a win and achieving a lifelong goal. “This was my dream,” Pawuk said. “My whole racing career. I started racing in the 70s, I won a Super Gas championship in 1981 when it was called Pro Gas. To be able to win a championship in the NHRA is something I always dreamt of. I wasn’t sure I could ever get it done.”
Pawuk credited his championship to the support of Don Schumacher, his team, and his late father. He said he prayed to both Schumacher and his father before the race, which gave him the strength to push through the competition.
The road to the title wasn’t easy. In Saturday’s first round, Pawuk faced fierce competition from his fellow championship contenders—David Janac, Stephen Bell, and Scott Libersher. All of them advanced from the first round, with Allegrucci getting a bye into the second round, where he faced and defeated Lee Hartman to reach the semifinals.
Reflecting on the tight championship race, Pawuk said, “I was third in points, but there was four of us within a round and a half of each other. The cards had to fall a certain way, and everything fell the right way for me.” Pawuk praised the work of his crew, specifically Ray Barton Engines and his co-crew chiefs David Barton and Mike Valerio, for their relentless efforts to improve the car’s performance.
The semifinal rounds determined the championship showdown. Pawuk triumphed over Libersher, while Allegrucci overcame Bell, setting up the final clash. In addition to securing the championship, Pawuk also earned the Flexjet $1,000 bounty for his achievements during the season.
In the final race, Pawuk’s Empaco Dodge Drag Pak faced off against Allegrucci’s Cobra Jet. Despite Allegrucci’s strong performance throughout the day, Pawuk’s reaction time of .023 seconds and a run of 7.792 seconds at 176.28 mph sealed the victory.
Pawuk expressed gratitude to Flexjet and its executive David Davies for their support of the Factory Stock Showdown series. He also thanked his company, Empaco, and his longtime sponsors, including Ohio Cat, Cat Rental Stores, and Mr. Heater, for their continued backing.
Although Pawuk’s wife, Bonnie, was unable to attend the race, he was joined by his children, Kassandra and Kyle, to celebrate the championship. “What a great experience, something I never, ever imagined would happen,” Pawuk said, overwhelmed with emotion after fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an NHRA champion.
