FARGO, N.D. (October 4, 2022) – Rain showers put the damper on a highly anticipated National Open weekend at Williams Grove Speedway. Going into the weekend, it appeared as though Saturday night would be a definite rain-out, but there was still hope for Friday’s show. The World of Outlaws moved up the start time with the weather approaching and the night was nearly completed in its entirety. However, the race was called after 10 laps of feature action. The feature is tied for the shortest in series history with the Feb. 16th, 1990 event at Bakersfield Speedway. Donny Schatz was running in the eighth position when the race was called.
Despite the feature being just 10 quick laps, Schatz still found time to make a charge through the field. Starting 14th, Schatz jumped up to 10th on the opening circuit before getting by Spencer Bayston for ninth the following lap.
The caution flew on lap seven as rain began to fall around the speedway, but series officials kept cars out on the racetrack to work the moisture in. After a few minutes, racing resumed.
The green flag was only out for three laps, however, as Brent Marks jumped the cushion and flipped over the fence in turn four to bring out an extended red flag. During the red flag, the rain began to fall heavier, forcing cars back to the pit area.
Officials tried to bring the cars back onto the speedway after the rain ceased, but several drivers did not approve of the racing surface, forcing the World of Outlaws to make the race official after 10 laps.
With Marks’ wreck, that moved Schatz up to eighth in the official finishing order.
Saturday’s $75,000-to-win National Open finale was washed out and rescheduled for October 22nd.
Schatz sits fifth in the point standings heading into this weekend doubleheader at Port Royal Speedway, 16 markers behind Sheldon Haudenschild.
Schatz and the entire Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team would like to thank all of their great partners for their continued support!
Carquest Auto Parts, Curb Records, Ford Performance, Sage Fruit, Digital Ally, Mobil 1, Absolute Automation & Security, Rush Truck Centers, Advance Auto Parts, Hunt Brothers Pizza, J&J Auto Racing.
Schatz’s Statbook
2022 World of Outlaws Results:
Races: 61
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 25
Top Tens: 49
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