SCHATZ COMES HOME EIGHTH IN DODGE FINALE

Donny Schatz battles Sammy Swindell at Dodge City Raceway Park. (Ken Simon photo)

DODGE CITY, KS (June 23) – After Friday night’s run from 13th to fifth in the opener of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Boot Hill Showdown at Dodge City (Kan.) Raceway Park, Donny Schatz was looking to build on his run to the front.

Unfortunately, things didn’t get any easier for Schatz Saturday. The Fargo, N.D., racer qualified 14th, which resulted in him starting heat two in position five. He finished in that spot and lined up for the main event 14th. Schatz was able to work his way past two cars in the first five laps and the, by lap 15, he was inside the top-10. He battled for the eighth position during the final 10 laps and ultimately claimed the spot before the surface rubbered up, which made passing nearly impossible. The finish was his series-best 25th top-10 of 2012.

Schatz will return to Kansas this weekend with stops at the Belleville (Kan.) Highbanks Friday and Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City Saturday. The four-time WoO champion sits second in the standings, just six points behind Steve Kinser.