Sprint car champion Donny Schatz would never consider himself a historian, but the accomplishments he’s earned during the past decade have certainly etched his name in the history books as one of short-track racing’s best.

The driver of the No. 15 STP/ Armor All/Chevy/ J&J for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) continues to build his legacy while competing in the World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series. The WoO, which started in 1978 in an effort to organize the most talented Sprint car racers, has tested many competitors through the years. Schatz worked tirelessly to reach champion status, earning his stripes as a young rookie and climbing the mountain in a sport dominated by iconic figures. This season, the 33-year-old finds himself in the category of “hunter” after coming up one position short in his quest to claim a fifth consecutive WoO championship in 2010. His hunger to regain championship status motivates him to keep improving and has his full attention in this, his 15th season of competition with “The Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Having the ability to meet challenges head-on has been a true asset for the four-time WoO champion. After capturing a pair of WoO titles piloting a Sprint car owned by his family, Schatz has made a seamless transition to driving for TSR the past three seasons. He’s thrived under the spotlight of racing for two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and continues to prove his thirst for success is far from being quenched. His 2010 campaign began with a season-opening victory during Speedweeks in Florida but, for the most part, resulted in too many difficult nights. He captured a total of five WoO A-Feature triumphs and came within a mile of claiming a fifth straight Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals victory. Second doesn’t sit well with him, and he’s made it known that 2011 will be different.

The Fargo, N.D., resident knows it wasn’t easy getting to this point in his career. His job is to sit behind the wheel of a 1,250-pound, 800-horsepower, open-wheel winged Sprint car close to 80 nights a year and perform at his best every night. He learned the fundamentals of becoming a WoO champion by spending many grueling years chasing Sprint car legends Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell and Mark Kinser around dirt tracks all across America. Those lessons not only allowed Schatz to reach the sport’s pinnacle following the 2006 season, but they helped him continue to be a driver to beat at every WoO event.

“I’m really proud to be able to continue to race at the level we do,” Schatz said. “In 2008, we didn’t change our path to the championship. We simply changed the way we got there. When Tony Stewart and Jimmy Carr talked to me a few years ago about driving for TSR, I’m pretty sure the results of the last couple of years are what they had in mind. I know I wanted to keep winning races and, ultimately, championships. Each year, we try to set the bar a little higher. Last year, we had some things that didn’t go our way, and we can’t dwell on it. That’s all behind us and we’re focused on getting back to our winning formula.”

 

The journey from being a teenage weekend racer to making Sprint car racing history for Schatz has been filled with lots of laps, miles, hours and effort perfecting his craft over the last 17 years.

As the oldest child of Danny and Diane Schatz, Donny was always the go-getter no matter what the game. Whether it was riding next to his dad behind mammoth Belgian Draft Horses at competitions around country as a 5-year-old, or jumping onto the ice and playing youth hockey like most young kids from the frigid north do, Schatz wasn’t afraid to take a chance. His chance at racing began thanks in part to a special gift on his 10th birthday.

Racing is in the Schatz genes. Three generations have steered the wheel of a No. 15 racecar. Danny drove Sprint cars in the upper Midwest during the early 1970s, and he was fully supportive of his son trying his hand at it. Four years of competitive go-kart racing followed that memorable 10th birthday before Donny got the chance of a lifetime as a 14-year-old at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. He was allowed to “hot-lap” a 360 Sprint car and, from that day on, driving a Sprint car was all he could think about.

His first race in his family owned Sprint car came at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia in 1993. For the rest of the summer, the family tried to find tracks that would allow a 15-year-old kid to compete. Once he turned 16, Schatz started racing at weekly events in Fargo, N.D., and Sioux Falls, S.D., and in events throughout the upper Midwest.

Schatz gained national attention in the summer of 1996 when he qualified for his first Kings Royal and finished an impressive eighth on national television. Later that season, he claimed the WISSOTA National Sprint Car championship.

In January 1997, Schatz began what now has become a 12-year odyssey with the World of Outlaws. He had a spirited duel with Paul McMahan to capture the coveted rookie award at the end of his first season. In August of 1998, he joined the exclusive list of WoO winners by scoring his first triumph in Cottage Grove, Ore. Each of the next two seasons, Schatz would score major wins, first in 1999 when he won the prestigious Western World at Manzanita Speedway, and in 2000 when he scored his first National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

Double-digit victories in 2001 proved Schatz was up to the challenge of finishing inside the top-five of the WoO standings. Adding another major-event triumph to his list of accomplishments – the $100,000-to-win Historical Big One at Eldora Speedway – and his breakthrough victory at the hometown Duel in the Dakotas were the highlights from an inconsistent 2002 campaign.

After posting 13 wins in 2003 and claiming his first Gold Cup Race of Champions in Chico, Calif., and a second National Open win during the 2004 season, Schatz again was positioned to challenge for the WoO title the next season.

Following a difficult beginning to the 2005 season, veteran crew chief Ricky Warner joined the Schatz Motorsports team at the Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals, and Schatz finished second in the season’s biggest race. The duo clicked and reeled off seven wins, including a third National Open triumph, to finish the year on a roll looking toward 2006.

After nine seasons on the road with the Outlaws, Schatz finally overcame the greatest challenge of his career by winning his first WoO championship in 2006. He won 17 WoO A-Features, a pair of preliminary features, and his first Knoxville Nationals crown after finishing second four times.

The challenge in 2007 was to back up a championship campaign that some critics claimed only came because of a power struggle within the sport that sent a number of drivers, including 20-time WoO champion Steve Kinser, off to start a rival series.

Schatz loved the challenge of proving 2006 was just the beginning as he dominated the 2007 season, winning the opening-night feature and never looking back. He totaled 19 WoO A-Feature wins and repeated his Knoxville Nationals victory. He became the first driver ever to win the Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, Silver Cup, Summer Nationals and National Open in the same season.

For 15 seasons, Schatz drove a family owned car for his parents Danny and Diane. Two championships and 88 victories in World of Outlaws action were just part of their success as a team. The foundation they built continued in 2008 as Schatz again proved the doubters wrong.

“My parents gave me a great opportunity for most of my career, and we really enjoyed this past year,” Schatz said. “It was always a family effort and, even though their roles have changed, it’s been great having them around. We spent a lot of time together on the road last year that maybe we couldn’t in the past. We’re looking forward to that continuing this year and beyond.”

History shows that each WoO championship has provided Schatz a new challenge. After successfully making the transition to TSR in 2008, Schatz followed his season-ending World Finals victory in November 2008 with a thrilling last-to-first run in February’s 2009 season-opening race. The win was his first of four triumphs during the first six nights of competition and, after another victory in Las Vegas to close February, it was clear the champion wasn’t going to be satisfied with three titles.

Knoxville Raceway and Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway, the sport’s signature dirt tracks, once again were the setting for some of his best drives. On consecutive weekends in May, Schatz won WoO features at Knoxville and Eldora to regain the Outlaws championship standings lead after briefly dropping to third. Those wins provided a bit of foreshadowing for the competition. In July, Schatz captured his second career $50,000-to-win Kings Royal at Eldora and, one month later, he drove a Mario Andretti/STP-schemed No. 15 to victory at the Knoxville Nationals.

His performance on the track the past few seasons earned Schatz several awards, including four consecutive spots on the first team of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America team from 2006 through 2009. He earned the 2007 Economaki Champion of Champions Award, and the National Sprint Car Poll voted Schatz its “Driver of the Year” following each of his four WoO championship seasons.

Since 1999, Schatz has spent time during the winter months in the U.S. racing Sprint cars in Australia. His success “Down Under” has been remarkable, as he’s won a number of major events both in the World Series Sprintcar tour and major events at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway and Premier Speedway in Warrnambool. As a result, he’s created quite a following in Australia.

Schatz and his wife, Erica, reside in Fargo, N.D., with their daughter Savanna. Schatz is a licensed pilot and spends a great deal of time working with his parents in their family truck stop business and behind the scenes at Red River Valley Speedway. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, snowmobiling and boating.

BIO:

• Birthdate: Aug. 10, 1977
• Birthplace: Minot, N.D.
• Hometown: Minot, N.D.
• Residence: Fargo, N.D.
• Marital Status: Married to Erica
• Children: Daughter, Savanna

WORLD OF OUTLAWS (WoO) CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Best Point Standings Finish: First (four times: 2006-2009)
• WoO A-Feature Starts: 899
• Began his WoO career on January 30, 1997, at Manzanita Speedway and concluded that season by earning the 1997 WoO Rookie of the Year. He has competed exclusively with the series for 12 of the past 13 seasons (In 2003, he missed a few races while competing in the United States Auto Club Silver Crown series).
• Has won every major Sprint car race during his 16-year racing career.
• Has 105 career WoO A-Feature wins, ranking him fifth all-time in WoO victories.
• He and Steve Kinser are the only two drivers to win four consecutive WoO titles and four consecutive Knoxville Nationals.
• Four-time National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.
• Raced for his family owned team for 11 WoO seasons before joining Tony Stewart Racing in 2008.

2010

• Finished second in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won five WoO feature events, earned 37 top-five finishes and 54 top-10 finishes in 68 starts.

2009

• Won the 2009 World of Outlaws (WoO) Championship, his fourth consecutive title.
• Earned his fourth career Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals championship, joining Steve Kinser as the only driver to win four consecutive Nationals A-main races.
• Won 12 WoO A-main events, earned 39 top-five finishes and 54 top-10 finishes.
• Earned his 100th WoO A-Feature victory on Aug. 22 at Dacotah Speedway in his home state of North Dakota.
• Was named a First Team selection on the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team for the "Short Track" division, his fourth consecutive selection.
• Named the 2009 National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.

2008

• Won the 2008 World of Outlaws (WoO) Championship, his third straight series title and first while driving for Tony Stewart Racing.
• Earned his third career and third consecutive Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals championship.
• Won 18 WoO A-main events, earned 46 top-five finishes and 58 top-10 finishes.
• Won the first round of the Ollie's 360 Challenge at Sharon Speedway.
• Competed in and won his first IMCA Modified race at State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Mo., on June 11. Following that victory, he scored a World of Outlaws feature win.
• Was named a First Team selection on the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team for the "Short Track" division.
• Named the 2008 National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.
• Was a finalist for the 2008 Economaki Champion of Champions Award.
• One of 12 finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award.
• Won his seventh $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)
• Was a finalist for the 2008 Economaki Champion of Champions Award.
• One of 12 finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award.
• Won his seventh $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)
• Was a finalist for the 2008 Economaki Champion of Champions Award.
• One of 12 finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award.

2007

• Won the 2007 WoO Championship, earning his second series title.
• Earned his second career and second consecutive Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals championship.
• Won 19 WoO A-main events, earned 53 top-five finishes and 71 top-10 finishes.
• Became the first driver to win the prestigious King's Royal at Eldora Speedway (Rossburg, Ohio), Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, Pa.), the Summer Nationals and National Open at Williams Grove Speedway (Mechanicsville, Pa.) in the same season.
• Was named a First Team selection on the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team for the "Short Track" division.
• Named the 2007 National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year and the Australian 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.
• Was awarded the 2007 Economaki Champion of Champions Award.
• Won his sixth $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)

2006

• Earned his first WoO Championship.
• Won the Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals championship for the first time in his career.
• Won 17 WoO A-main events, earned 42 top-five finishes and 49 top-10 finishes.
• Won his first Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, Pa.).
• Was named a First Team selection on the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team for the "Short Track" division.
• Named the 2006 National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.
• Was a finalist for the 2006 Economaki Champion of Champions Award.
• Won his fifth $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)

2005

• Finished fourth in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won 10 WoO A-main events, earned 29 top-five finishes and 56 top-10 finishes.
• Won his third career Williams Grove Speedway National Open.
• Won his fourth $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)

2004

• Finished third in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won six WoO A-main events, earned 31 top-five finishes and 48 top-10 finishes.
• Won his second career Williams Grove Speedway National Open.
• Won his first career Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.
• Won his third $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)

2003

• Finished fourth in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won seven WoO A-main events, earned 30 top-five finishes and 50 top-10 finishes.

2002

• Finished seventh in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won two WoO A-main events, earned 24 top-five finishes and 42 top-10 finishes.
• Won the hometown "Duel in the Dakotas" at Red River Valley Speedway.
• Won the $100,000 Historical Big One event at Eldora Speedway.
• Won his second $50,000 Sprintcar International at Parramatta City Raceway (Sydney, Australia)
• Won his second Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic at Premiere Speedway (Warrnambool, NSW, Australia)

2001

• Finished fifth in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won six WoO A-main events, earned 24 top-five finishes and 37 top-10 finishes.
• Won four WoO preliminary feature events, including his first career feature at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway during the Knoxville Nationals.
• Won his second Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic at Premiere Speedway (Warrnambool, NSW, Australia)

2000

• Finished 11th in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won one WoO A-main event, earned 12 top-five finishes and 26 top-10 finishes.
• Won his first career Williams Grove Speedway National Open.
• Won the preliminary feature event at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in October.

1999

• Finished seventh in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won three WoO A-main events, earned 16 top-five finishes and 50 top-10 finishes.
• Swept the Western World Championship weekend at Manzanita Speedway (Phoenix, Ariz.).
• Won the season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.
• Won the season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

1998

• Finished 12th in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Won his career first career WoO A-main event at Riverside Speedway in Cottage Grove, Ore., on Aug. 24.
• Won one WoO A-main event, earned five top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes.

1997

• Finished 12th in World of Outlaws championship standings.
• Scored three top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes in World of Outlaws action.
• Earned the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year.

1996

• Won the WISSOTA National Championship.
• Won 13 feature events, earned 24 top-five finishes and 29 top-10 finishes in 55 starts.