CHICAGO (May 15, 2024) — The popularity of the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series has been on a steady rise since the launch of the multi-manufacturer backed door-slammer class in 2017. The heated competition between Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Mustang Cobra Jets and Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Paks will be front and center this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill. A full field of Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges will be racing for the coveted Wally winner’s trophy as well as points for the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world championship. Mark Pawuk and his Dodge Drag Pak sit No. 1 atop a stacked list of competitors heading into the fourth race of the 2024 season.
 
“We picked up the win at the Gatornationals and raced to the semifinals at Winternationals,” said Pawuk, driver of the Empaco Dodge. “This will be a special weekend celebrating the life of my friend Don Schumacher. We have been honoring him on our race car all season. He was a giant in drag racing as a driver and team owner. I would love to put on a good show in his memory.”

 Mark Pawuk (foreground) will be looking to extend his Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown points lead in Chicago, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase

Right behind Pawuk in the points standings sits Stephen Bell, winner of Winternationals and runner-up for the season opening Gatornationals. Bell was also the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown championship runner-up in 2023. The businessman from Shreveport, La., would like to collect his second win of the season and first title at Route 66 Raceway with a strong performance in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro.
 
“There are so many tough competitors out here like Mark (Pawuk), David Janac, David Davies, Ricky Hord and so many guys,” said Bell. “We went a couple rounds in Chicago last year and so far this season we have been running pretty good. I just need to keep doing my job on the starting line. We are almost to the halfway point of the season and I just want to be in the mix for the championship when we get to the end.”
 
Last year at the Route 66 Nationals, Doug Hamp was runner-up to Lenny Lottig, who drove his ITI Trailers & Truck Bodies COPO Camaro and won his second consecutive Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown race at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals. This year with Lottig racing in Factory X class, Hamp is hoping he can power his Hamp Racing Camaro into the winner’s circle.
 
“I am excited to get back to Chicago,” said Hamp, a two-time Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown runner-up. “Ever since we hooked up with Stanfield Engines, Aaron and Greg Stanfield have been awesome. We tested last week in Dallas and figured a few things out. My driving has improved and this has just been a great move. I am looking forward to getting to Chicago since it is closer to our home in York, Pa.”