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The start of the 2025 91���� Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will take off at the historic Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, March 6-9 with Ford, Dodge and Chevy competitors battling it out over eight races for the championship trophy. Last year, Mark Pawuk won a long-awaited championship in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown after opening the season with a win at the Gatornationals. Now, he has the challenge of defending a title.
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It took more than three decades for Mark Pawuk to earn the title of NHRA world champion, but if he has his way, it will take less than a year to become a two-time champion. The path will not be easy for the Ohio-based driver with veteran and new drivers eager to take the top spot.
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“I am excited to get the season started,” said Pawuk. “I looked at the entry list and to see all the Ford, Chevys and Dodges coming to this race is awesome. This reminds me of my early days in Pro Stock when all three manufacturers were so involved. The competitiveness of this class is off the charts, and I am so happy to have the No. 1 on the side of my race car. That is something I dreamed about. The one thing I know is now everyone will be giving me their best and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Pawuk was a successful sportsman racer before launching a Pro Stock career that produced eight wins and numerous Top 10 finishes. He is now enjoying similar success in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown including a pair of wins last season in Gainesville and St. Louis.

“I am going to have to be at the top of my game every race,” said Pawuk. “To win another championship would be a dream come true, but I know it won’t be easy. Heading into the Gatornationals everyone is back at zero so we will give it our best and try to win it again to start the season.”

The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series is entering its eighth season of NHRA competition. The class has wowed fans with side-by-side competition between Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Mustang Cobra Jets and Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Paks. The three manufacturers will once again be front and center at NHRA national events across the country.

“The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series is very healthy and growing,” said David Davies III, Flexjet executive and Factory Stock Showdown competitor. “I think we will have some new faces in the class as well as some teams running the full season that were part-time racers in 2024. This class is exciting because we have the Big Three manufacturers duking it out every race. The Chevy fans get Camaros, Ford guys have the Cobra Jets, and the Dodge guys have the Challengers. They all make great power and are fun to see on the track. When a Factory Stock car comes off the line with a great wheelie it is a thing of beauty. I have been in the class for a few years, and I am as excited as ever to get the season started. I know everyone at Flexjet is also looking forward to supporting the class.”
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The landscape of the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown class has changed for 2025. Stephen Bell, who won three races on his way to a third-place finish, has moved on to Pro Stock, eliminating one of Pawuk’s biggest rivals. Pawuk will still have to contend with championship runner-up David Janac and a host of other title hopefuls including Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, who will be pulling double duty behind the wheel of his Burnyzz Speed Shop Dodge Challenger.

"I tested in Valdosta and really enjoyed it," said Hart, a multi-time Top Fuel national event winner. "I had to get used to trusting the two step, but we made some good passes. I am looking forward to running the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown series this season. It will be a challenge, but I am excited about the opportunity. I have had this race car for a while, and I love the look of it as the Burnyzz Speed Shop Dodge Challenger."
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It is far too early to tell how the entire season will play out, but the initial entry list for the upcoming Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals would indicate that there is parity within the class as all three brands, Dodge, Chevrolet and Ford, are represented with multiple entries. Qualifying will begin on Friday, March 7 with two sessions on the famed Gainesville Raceway track.