The 2025 Pro Stock Championship has been decided ahead of the season’s final race, with John Barbagallo confirming he will not compete at the Spring Nationals at The Bend. His withdrawal removes the last remaining mathematical challenge to Rob Dekert, who now secures his second consecutive championship, cementing his place among the greats of Australian Pro Stock.
“Work commitments are at a high and this round was never in the calendar, therefore I had no choice but not to go. I am disappointed that I can’t be there but have had a good season considering this is the first time in a while that we have competed,” said Barbagallo.
Dekert’s triumph is the product of consistency. He opened the year strongly and maintained form across different venues and conditions. Where others faced mechanical setbacks or struggled to sustain momentum, Dekert and his team delivered the pace and reliability required to build a commanding lead. By mid-season, he had established a comfortable buffer and managed it with precision to the finish.
“It feels great to be a back-to-back champion. Pro Stock is tough, and to do it two years in a row is something I’m really proud of. We had a few setbacks during the season, the engine wasn’t quite right at times and we were chasing parts,” said Dekert.
While the Spring Nationals will still deliver plenty of competitive racing, the championship outcome is already settled. Dekert’s points margin has converted into his second Pro Stock title, while Barbagallo’s withdrawal signals a shift towards long-term planning. The contrasting paths highlight the season’s two key narratives: one driver rewarded for sustained excellence, the other recalibrating with an eye on redemption.
“I am getting ready to do some testing soon and be ready for the season opener in 2026. The great friendships that we have at the track make the decision to not go to The Bend a difficult one,” said Barbagallo.
