FARGO, North Dakota – Seven-time World of Outlaws (WoO) Craftsman Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz will begin his 20th season of competition with “The Greatest Show on Dirt” Friday night at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida. A milestone that only a few have reached in one of the most decorated short track racing series in motorsports.
“I dreamed of being a World of Outlaws driver, but 20 years… this is something pretty big,” said Schatz, who comes in the 2016 off a career season that included 31 WoO A-Feature wins and concluded with his seventh WoO championship. “I’ve said it before, but a guy can only dream so big. I wanted to be out here on the road with the Outlaws since I was a kid and I’m so thankful for everyone that’s helped me live out this dream. It started with my parents pushing me to be the best I could. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by so many good people today. It’s all about the people. The fans. The sponsors. Tony Stewart and his staff. My team. Everyone. I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to continue living this dream.”
Since January 30, 1997 at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, Arizona, Schatz has been a fixture in the pit area of Outlaw events. He closed that first season by defeating Paul McMahan in the WoO Rookie of the Year race. The following season, he scored his first WoO A-Feature triumph passing both Steve Kinser and Sammy Swindell in the main event at Riverside Speedway in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Today, he ranks third all-time behind those two with 204 career WoO A-Feature victories.
Throughout the 2016 season look for photos and stories looking back at his previous 19 seasons with the Outlaws to be posted on his website and through his social media outlets.