[ Printable Version | Create PDF ]
Schatz Continues On His Winning Way
Author : Tyrepower Sydney Speedway
 North Dakota’s Donny Schatz continued his run of success at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway when he took out the 35-lap Sprintcar International, Wednesday, January 12.
It was another US clean sweep of the major placings after Shane Stewart filled the runner-up spot on the podium, while NASCAR ace Tony Stewart was third.
The best of the Aussies was Kerry Madsen who came from a mid-field starting position and finished fourth.
In the latter part of the race Madsen and Stewart swapped positions in an enthralling battle for third placing before the two times NASCAR Sprint Cup titleholder gained the last remaining spot on the dais.
But the man of the moment was Schatz who was in superb touch and picked up where he left off following his sensational victory the previous Saturday night in the $50,000 Scott Darley Sprintcar Classic.
Schatz described his car as “awesome” during his acceptance speech.
“The boys did a great job tonight. It’s fun to race on a track like we had tonight where you can use the high line and the low line and there’s something in the middle. There were three different lines out there tonight,” he explained.
Meanwhile Shane Stewart paid homage to the two Americans who also occupied the podium.
“I am with two legends, here,” Stewart said.
“Well, one is a legend and the other one’s becoming a legend. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” Stewart lamented in his adulation of Schatz.
The 35 lap main event was marred by a number of yellow lights and a red light after a multi car bingle on the back straight that involved Kelly Linigen, James Thompson, Max Johnson, Lynton Jeffrey, Glen Saville and Roddy Bell-Bowen.
Two attempts were made to get the main event underway after firstly James Thompson spun on turn one, while American Cody Darrah spun on the second attempt to start the main event.
When the race finally got underway Adrian Maher, who started from pole position, immediately took command of the race. In the early laps Maher looked strong before he was later run down by a fast-running Shane Stewart.
While all this was happening, Schatz moved into contention and it took only nine laps for the four times World of Outlaws National Champion to move into second position.
Grant Tunks and Matt Young brought on the yellow lights in turns three and four. At this point the top ten read out was: Shane Stewart, Schatz, Maher, Ian Madsen, Joey Saldana, Marty Perovich, Tony Stewart, Lynton Jeffrey, Cody Darrah and Garry Brazier.
Not long after Schatz made his move and took over the front running.
Despite several more yellow lights, Schatz was always in complete control.
Meanwhile further back there was an intense battle for the minor placings as Tony Stewart looked to have third in his keeping before Kerry Madsen made a late challenge for the podium.
Madsen got up to third before Stewart came back even stronger in an enthralling battle that virtually went right to the chequered flag before Stewart consolidated third.
Meanwhile earlier in the night heat wins were recorded by Shane Stewart, Perovich, Tony Stewart, Schatz, Garry Brazier and Cody Darrah.
A rough and tumble Speedcar feature race was won by Mark Brown from Anthony Brien and Jeremy Evans.
Midway through the event Glenn Revell and Andy Hassan were involved in a spectacular incident in which both cars flipped between turns one and two. Both drivers escaped uninjured.
Tony Stewart (3rd), Donny Schatz (1st), Shane Stewart (3rd) Sprintcar Classic - Donny Schatz. All Photos: Jo Richards
Donny Schatz
Shane Stewart
Tony Stewart
|
Can the American dominance continue in the Sprintcar International events at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway tonight, Wednesday night, January 12?
