Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / TONY STEWART RACING – BROWNSBURG, IN – Ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz put on another championship-caliber performance Saturday night at 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kansas, not only concluding the 30-lap contest with another podium outcome, but doing so from midfield, ultimately securing his ninth World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series top-ten performance in just as many attempts.
Schatz, who finished third in the Sunflower State visit, commenced action from the outside of row six, blasting his way to sixth by halfway before taking over fifth prior to lap 18. An eventual caution gave Schatz the opportunity he needed, using the bottom groove to scoot all the way to second. Although doing everything he could to maintain the runner-up spot, David Gravel stole the position on the final lap, sliding Schatz as the pair battled into turn one.
The podium performance was Schatz’ third in his last five World of Outlaws starts. The Fargo, North Dakota, native is currently second in the World of Outlaws standings.
“When you’re trying to win, you’re not really thinking about second or third,” Schatz said. “It’s all the same. All in all, a good night. We salvaged not getting Hot Laps. We ended up qualifying well and just kind of battled a few gremlins all night long. My guys got a new race car built, so you’re going to have that. But past that, they did a great job.”
Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing and Donny Schatz will continue their 2024 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series campaign with a Missouri and Oklahoma doubleheader, first visiting US 36 Raceway in Osborn, Missouri, on Friday, April 5, followed by a stop at Arrowhead Speedway in Colcord, Oklahoma, on Saturday, April 6. Saturday’s Jason Johnson Classic will award a $20,000 top prize.