BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND – Donny Schatz wasn’t pleased about his first lap crash on New Year’s Day at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway in Brisbane, Queensland. The five-time World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series champion had won his first two starts, but saw his win streak snapped after being caught up in an early accident in Wednesday evening’s A-Feature. Things were back to normal for the STP driver Saturday as he returned to victory lane after claiming Round Six of ENZED World Series Sprintcars event.
Schatz led the final seven laps of the 30-lap A-Feature to score his third win and continued to dial in his familiar No. 15 STP J&J for next weekend’s two-night Australian Open at the track.
“There’s a lot of good cars here tonight,” admitted Schatz in victory lane. “This is a good build up for next weekend’s Australian Open. I can’t thank Luch Monte (his car owner) enough for his support. I’ve been driving for Luch for the best part of 18 years I reckon. I’m really pleased we can get this one for him and I hope we can do the same next weekend when he’s over here.”
The Fargo, N.D., racer opened the evening by qualifying 11th in field of 31 cars. He finished fourth in both of his heat races before finishing third in the Pole Shuffle event. The finish earned the five-time Australian Open winner a starting position inside of row two. He patiently worked his way into second and set up early leader Luke Dillon for a few laps and took the top spot on late 23. He would lead the final seven laps en route to victory.
Schatz will be back in action next Friday and Saturday at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway for the two-night Australian Open, which culminates with a 50-lap finale Saturday. The race will also conclude his six-race Australian tour.