BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Aug. 9, 2022) – The No. 15 Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing (TSR) is a familiar entry in the Knoxville Nationals, but race fans may notice a change from its familiar yellow and black scheme as Donny Schatz hits the track on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Paying tribute to the independent spirit and history-rich story of Carquest Auto Parts, the No. 15 will carry a retro red, white and blue paint scheme that boasts the brand’s original 1974 logo. Carquest is an automotive parts retailer in the Advance Auto Parts family of brands.
Just as Schatz and TSR’s track record at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway includes triumphs, so does the Carquest brand’s path through the automotive landscape. Recognizing the diligence and perseverance the independent Carquest store owners display, both the brand and the TSR team will pay tribute on-track carrying the retro scheme, which was inspired by Carquest’s 1984 Indianapolis 500 entry driven by Jerry Sneva. The scheme also sees influence from the brand’s entry into iRacing earlier this year when it was announced that Carquest would sponsor the iRacing World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
“We’re thrilled to feature Carquest on Donny’s car for one of the biggest motorsports events of the year,” said Junior Word, President, Carquest North America. “Carquest is a brand with winning heritage, thanks to our family of independent owners serving communities across the United States. Our team is proud to showcase the original Carquest logo at the Knoxville Nationals in respect to both our independent owners and customers who have been loyal to our brand over the years. We’re proud to support Tony Stewart Racing and Donny as they look to continue their winning tradition in Knoxville.”
Beginning with his preliminary night of racing at Knoxville Raceway, 10-Time event champion Schatz will attempt his 27th straight Knoxville Nationals event start, which would be the longest attempt streak of modern-era drivers. Schatz’s impressive event stats include winning streaks from four in a row from 2006 to 2009 and five straight from 2011 to 2015. Schatz has also finished first or second in the Knoxville Nationals 18 times in 21 years. One of his most impressive event wins came in 2013 when he won the B-main and charged from 21st to his seventh event triumph. That was the deepest starting spot in the field for any Knoxville Nationals winner to-date.
“I’m looking forward running the Carquest retro scheme this week at Knoxville Raceway,” said Donny Schatz, 10-Time Knoxville Nationals Champion. “The Knoxville Nationals is such a historical event and a cornerstone of our sport that it’s always a good way to recognize our partners with a special paint scheme.
“My family and I are also independent business owners, and we can relate to the spirit of entrepreneurship and competition that the Carquest store owners possess. It’s also always fun to run a paint scheme that has some historical symbolism for a race like the Nationals. It adds to the event outside of the on-track competition aspect too. I’m proud to be part of the Advance Auto Parts and Carquest family and we’re looking forward to chasing our 11th Knoxville Nationals title this week.”
Recent results for Donny Schatz and TSR include three consecutive top-five finishes, most recently capturing a podium performance in Knoxville Raceway’s annual Capitani Classic on Sunday, August 7. Schatz finished second in the $9,000-to-win main event, charging ahead from eighth on the grid before taking command briefly on lap 17 over Shark Racing’s Logan Schuchart.
An impressive campaign, nonetheless, Schatz rallied from fifth to second between laps six and nine, taking the runner-up position on lap ten before commencing his pursuit of the top spot. Nearly retaking command with just five remaining, Schatz was able to power back by Schuchart just as the Hanover native made slight contact with a lapped car. Caution flags followed forcing Schatz to take a backseat to Schuchart on the ensuing restart; Schuchart’s eventual margin of victory equaled .391 seconds.
Other recent highlights include finishing fourth on back-to-back occasions at I-55 in Pevely, Missouri. Dubbed Ironman weekend, the two-day affair featured the highly touted 55-lap Ironman 55 awarding $20,000 on Saturday, August 6; Schatz started fourth and finished in the exact same position, maintaining his place within the top-five to secure his 18th top-five result of the 2022 season.
The 2022 Knoxville Nationals will be held at Knoxville Raceway on Aug. 10 – 13. Schatz will compete in the Wednesday Knoxville Nationals preliminary night to determine the No. 15 TSR team’s schedule for the remainder of the week. The event can be viewed live on DIRTvision. For more information, please visit www.DIRTvision.com.
For details pertaining to the 61st running of the Knoxville Nationals, including event information, gate times, ticket prices and happening throughout the week, please visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
About Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing (TSR)
Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is the title-winning sprint car team owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has captured 27 owners’ titles – 14 in USAC, nine in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car Series, and four in the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midget Racing Series. From its headquarters in Brownsburg, Indiana, TSR fields the No. 15 sprint car for 10-time World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz on the full World of Outlaws schedule, as well as in select sprint car races throughout the United States. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.TonyStewartRacing.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
About Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of April 23, 2022, Advance operated 4,687 stores and 311 Worldpac branches primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 1,318 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Performance
Ford’s racing program is part of the Ford Performance organization based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for major racing operations globally, including NASCAR (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Camping World Truck Series), IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, FIA World Rally Championship, Virgin Australia Supercars, Formula Drift, NHRA Funny Car, off-road desert racing, and sportsman drag racing. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit www.fordperformance.com, www.facebook/FordPerformance, Ford Performance on Instagram and @FordPerformance on Twitter.
About Curb Records
Celebrating 58 years in business, Curb Records is one of the world’s leading independent music companies. Owned and operated by Mike Curb since 1964, Curb Records has achieved 435 number one records, over 1,500 Top Ten records and charted over 4,500 total records. With over a half century in operation, Curb Records has been influential in the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including: Tim McGraw, Hank Williams, Jr., Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Dylan Scott, Sawyer Brown, Wynonna, Lyle Lovett, Jo Dee Messina, Hal Ketchum and Desert Rose Band, among many others. Today’s roster includes some of the top names across multiple genres of music. For more information, visit www.curb.com.
About Sage Fruit
Located in Yakima, Washington, Sage Fruit Company is the sales and marketing firm for four grower/packer/shippers of Northwest Tree Fruits. Our growers have been delivering the best apples, pears and cherries to customers for over three generations, specializing in both Organic and Conventional product, with several thousand acres of orchards throughout Washington and Oregon. At Sage Fruit Company, we take great pride in our commitment to quality, innovation, and service. We work hard on the farm, in the packing facilities and in sales in order to deliver “An Exceptional Eating Experience!” For more information, or to find Sage Fruit produce near you, visit: www.sagefruit.com.
About Digital Ally
Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ: DGLY) through its subsidiaries, is engaged in vehicle and body cameras, flexible software storage, automatic recording technology and various critical safety products; Shield™ Health Protection Products line, including all natural cleansers, a non-contact temperature-screening device, an electrostatic sprayer and a variety of personal protective equipment. With its recent formation of Digital Ally Healthcare, Inc., a medical records company and acquisition of TicketSmarter®, LLC, a national ticket broker, Digital Ally continues to add organizations that demonstrate the common traits of positive earnings, growth potential and organizational synergies.
About Absolute Automation
For 18 years Absolute Automation & Security has been empowering our clients by integrating technology into their lives with customized automation and security systems that add efficiency, convenience, and peace of mind. Reliable service before, during and after installation ensures the technology continues to enhance our client’s lifestyle. Follow Absolute Automation & Security on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheAASinc, on Twitter at @TheAASinc or on Instagram at @theaasinc.
About Hunt Brothers Pizza
With more than 8,000 locations in 30 states, Hunt Brothers® Pizza is the nation’s largest brand of made-to-order pizza in the convenience store industry. Hunt Brothers Pizza offers original and thin crust pizzas available as a grab-and-go Hunk perfect for today’s on-the-go lifestyle or as a customizable whole pizza that is an exceptional value with All Toppings No Extra Charge®. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Hunt Brothers Pizza is family owned and operated with more than 30 years of experience serving great pizza to convenience store shoppers through its store partners.
About Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts
Elliott’s Custom Trailers and Carts is an authorized Featherlite, inTech, United, ATC, Alumitech, Haulmark and EZGO dealership serving the Warsaw area. We are proud to carry a large selection of new and pre-owned inventory. When you are ready to invest in a new trailer or golf cart, our friendly and knowledgeable sales, financing, service and parts departments are prepared to make sure your buying experience is outstanding. Be sure to check out our inventory and contact us for your next custom trailer, toterhome or golf cart online at https://www.elliottscustomtrailers.com/ or by phone at 1-800-766-1886. Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/elliottstc, on Twitter at @ElliottsTrailer or on Instagram at @elliottscustomtrailers.
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CONTACT:
Misha Geisert
Tony Stewart Racing
(317) 432-4110, misha@tonystewart.com