Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / TONY STEWART RACING – BROWNSBURG, IN – Ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion, Donny Schatz, is certainly a fan of the great state of Ohio, and the Fargo, North Dakota, native absolutely proved that point yet again during the recent weekend, not only acquiring a top-ten in Eldora Speedway’s annual Befour the Crowns Showdown on Friday, September 22, but hard charging his way through the field to do so.
It was a nine-spot rally for the reigning Kings Royal champion, commencing his drive from 15th before crossing under the final checkers sixth in the running order.
The result was good enough to secure the evening’s Hard Charger Award, given to the driver who makes the most forward progress.
Schatz, ace of the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, Advance Auto Parts, Carquest, Ford Performance, MadJax XSeries, Curb Records, Sage Fruit, Absolute Automation and Security, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Elliott’s Custom Trailers and Carts, Mobil 1, Hoosier Racing Tires, VP Racing Fuels, GEARWRENCH, No. 15 sprint car, now owns 38 top-ten finishes on the season, three of which resulting in trips to victory lane – the aforementioned Kings Royal title included, the sixth of his storied career.
Unfortunately, Schatz was unable to repeat his hard charging ways Saturday night at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio; he was scored 16th after winning the Last Chance Showdown.
Donny Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing will continue their 2023 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series campaign with Williams Grove Speedway’s 61st Champion Racing Oil National Open on Friday and Saturday, September 29-30. Saturday’s finale will award a $75,000 payday. Schatz is a six-time champion of the prestigious event.