SCHATZ BEGINS “OFF-SEASON” SCHEDULE
PEORIA, AZ (Nov. 15) – It’s only been 10 days since Donny Schatz picked up his fifth World of Outlaws championship trophy in Charlotte, but that’s just enough down time for the Fargo, N.D., who is ready to return to action. Schatz begins his 10-race “off-season” schedule tonight in Arizona at the Western World Championship and will follow that by competing in New Zealand and Australia.
“We’re looking forward to another good run of races in Arizona, New Zealand and Australia,” said Schatz, who began competing Internationally in 1999. “The Western World has a rich tradition in Sprint car racing and we enjoy racing in that event. The people in New Zealand were great last year and we’re happy that we’re able to go back this year. After coming home for a few weeks, I’ll then head back to Brisbane and race at Supercheap Auto Archerfield, a track my friends – John and Kathy Kelly operate. By the time I get back in January, I’m sure the boys back at Tony Stewart Racing will probably be ready to go testing somewhere.”
In this weekend’s Western World, Schatz will drive for Edmonton car-owners Richard and Lana Saumure. The car will be a J&J with Shark power and sponsored by Carlan Services. Schatz won the 1999 Western World and then returned to victory lane in the event in 2010 and 2011.
“Richard and Lana have become good friends over the years,” said Schatz. “They put a car together for me a couple of years ago and wanted to do it again this year. They are a lot of fun to be around. Hopefully we can make it three wins in a row in the Western World.”
From Phoenix, he’ll travel to New Zealand during Thanksgiving and compete on consecutive Saturday’s at Western Springs Speedway in Auckland. He’ll drive one of his 2012 STP J&J’s that TSR’s Jimmy Carr worked with Mark Cooper to deliver it to New Zealand. Last year, Schatz made his first-ever appearance at the track and was victorious in the feature event. By competing in New Zealand, he qualifies for the SpeedSport News World Challenge event held annually at the Knoxville Nationals. Last August, Schatz celebrated his 35th birthday by racing from 10th to first in the race at Knoxville.
He’ll return to the United States after a second race in New Zealand just in time to take part in the annual IMIS Show in Indianapolis December 6-8. The few days in Indy will allow him the chance to spend time at the TSR shop in Brownsburg as well as catching up with a number for the manufacturers and vendors in the Sprint car industry, who will participate in the IMIS event.
Just before Christmas, Schatz will travel to Australia to compete in Brisbane for six races in Luch Monte’s J&J. He’ll race three times leading into Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway hosting the World Series Sprintcars for two consecutive races on Jan. 4-5. He’ll close his Australian tour on Jan. 8 by racing in the Capalaba Sprintcar Cup.
“I have really enjoyed racing in Australia the last 10 years,” said Schatz. “We’ve met so many people and fans that have become friends, including John and Kathy Kelly. Luch and all the guys at Monte Motorsport are first-class. I just love being able to go over and race and also be able to relax as well. ”
DONNY SCHATZ – 2012/13 UPCOMING RACES
Thursday, Nov. 15 – Western World – Canyon Raceway, Peoria, Ariz.
Saturday, Nov. 17 – Western World – Canyon Raceway, Peoria, Ariz.
Saturday, Nov. 24 – Western Springs Speedway – Auckland, New Zealand
“World Sprintcar Classic at Western Springs”
Saturday, Dec. 1 – Western Springs Speedway – Auckland, New Zealand
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia
Saturday, Dec. 29 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia
Tuesday, Jan. 1 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia
Friday, Jan. 4 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia
“Supercheap Auto World Series Australian Sprintcar Open”
Saturday, Jan. 5 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia
“Supercheap Auto World Series Australian Sprintcar Open”
Tuesday, Jan. 8 – Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway, Brisbane, Australia “Capalaba Sprintcar Cup”