SCHATZ SECOND IN WESTERN SPRINGS GO

AUCKLAND, N.Z. – (Nov. 25) Donny Schatz returned to New Zealand during the Thanksgiving weekend and once again had a great time competing at Western Springs Speedway on Saturday night.

Schatz raced his familiar Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) No. 15 STP/Armor All/Chevy J&J and put on an entertaining so as he chased eventual winner Jonathan Allard to the checkered flag. Schatz, who last year at the Springs, will be back again next Saturday night at the flat, dirt oval in Auckland.

“Jonathan did a great job,” said the five-time WoO champion. “At one point I thought we’d be OK here, but his car went by and he threw everything at it. But I hit everything there was to hit too. That’s the way it goes some days.

“Any race you go to, you hope to win – but some nights just aren’t that way.”

The reigning WoO champion is enjoying the first of two trips he’ll make to the area. He’ll return to Australia later in December for races in Brisbane.

“We’re having such a good time it’s a shame we only get to be here for two nights. I wish we could stay here and run a whole season. But I think my family has a little bit more to say about that than what I want.

“But I’m looking forward to coming back next week and hopefully leave with a big trophy.”