FARGO, N.D. (October 2, 2023) – Williams Grove Speedway was packed with fans and race teams alike over the weekend for the 61st National Open. Nearly 60 cars were checked in for action, the largest field for the National Open in almost a decade. 

Friday night’s feature was postponed to Saturday as persistent rains began to fall just as the World of Outlaws completed their four-wide salute to the fans. 

Schatz uncharacteristically had to use a provisional to start Friday’s feature, lining him up in the 27th starting spot. Several World of Outlaws regulars were forced to use provisionals for Friday’s program, leading to a huge 30-car field for the main event. 

Schatz put on a masterful drive in the feature, which was made up on Saturday night at the conclusion of the National Open program. The 10-time series champion charged from 27th to 13th. 

Schatz also put on a great drive through the field for the $75,000-to-win National Open feature. Starting 17th, Schatz maneuvered by both the Outlaws’ and Pennsylvania’s best to score a top 10 finish, coming home in the eighth position. 

In total, Schatz advanced 23 positions in feature competition over the weekend at Williams Grove. Schatz has shown speed the last several weeks as his plus/minus total for the month of September totaled 63 positions gained during A-main action. 

Schatz will hope to continue that speed and return to victory lane this weekend at another fast half-mile, Port Royal Speedway. 

Schatz has four career victories at The Speed Palace, including three in a row from 2017 through 2019. 

Schatz will start his weekend on Thursday at Port Royal with the All Star Circuit of Champions as they make up the rain-delayed Tuscarora 50, paying $60,000 to the winner, followed by the two-night Nittany Showdown for the World of Outlaws on Friday and Saturday. 

Schaz moved passed Logan Schuchart in the standings over the weekend to take over fifth heading into Port Royal. 

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, Advance Auto Parts, Curb Records, Ford Performance, Sage Fruit, Mobil 1, Absolute Automation & Security, Nivel Parts & Manufacturing,  Hunt Brothers Pizza,  J&J Auto Racing, Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts

World of Outlaws Stats:
Races: 63
Wins: 3
Top Fives: 20
Top Tens: 39