FARGO, N.D. (July 1, 2023) – Donny Schatz was back behind the wheel of his Schatz Crossroads / Petro Stopping Center / Fastlane Car Wash No. 15 Rocket XR1 Late Model on Thursday night at Red River Valley Speedway with the World of Outlaws Late Models.
Despite being out of his Late Model since the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in February and having to compete with his WISSOTA spec engine (which runs about 300 horsepower less than the open engines of the World of Outlaws), Schatz turned in a strong performance and was in the mix for a top 10 finish.
A late pill draw resulted in a 21st quick qualifying effort for Schatz, which buried him in his heat where he finished seventh.
Fortunately for Schatz, the night was all downhill from there. The 25-time Red River Valley Speedway feature winner cruised to the Last Chance Showdown win to earn the 19th place starting spot in the main event.
Schatz quickly got up on the wheel during the feature, gaining positions at the drop of the green.
Schatz drove by the likes of Outlaw regulars Todd Cooney and Cade Dillard before battling with four-time series champion Brandon Sheppard for 10th. Sheppard was able to hold off Schatz in the closing laps, however, as Schatz crossed the line 11th.
Donny Schatz Motorsports would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support.
DKW Transport, Schatz Crossroads, JMS Motorsports, Fargo Petro, Fastlane Car Wash, TP Fabricating, K3 Farms, C&R Racing, Mobil 1, Rocket Chassis