World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Donny Schatz Sweeps Outlaw Portion of Let’s Race Two Weekend at Eldora

ROSSBURG, OH – May 12, 2018 – The man is on a roll. Donny Schatz completed the weekend sweep of the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series portion of Let’s Race Two at Eldora Speedway holding off Logan Schuchart for the second consecutive night. It was Schatz’ eighth win of the 2018 season and fourth in his last five starts as he continues to extend his lead atop the Series Point Standings in search of his 10th Outlaw Championship.

Schatz won the Sears Craftsman Dash and shared the front row with Parker Price-Miller. It was PPM getting the jump on the start as the Indiana native set the pace for the first four laps on the cushion before Schatz took command of the field on the fifth circuit on the bottom.

Schuchart just barely edged Price-Miller to the line on Lap 7, which was significant because the caution flew for Sheldon Haudenschild, lining Schuchart to the outside of Schatz. Haudenschild, who entered the evening third in the World of Outlaws Point Standings, was unable to return to action.

The restart saw Schatz and Schuchart put a straightaway back to the rest of the field, as the duo, who finished first and second a night ago, were once again the class of the field. Schuchart was able to keep his Shark Racing No.1S glued to the bottom of the Eldora Speedway racing surface and close in on Schatz.

But, catching Donny Schatz and passing Donny Schatz are two entirely different things. Every time it appeared Schuchart may have a run to get underneath Schatz, the Fargo, ND native would go to the bottom, forcing Schuchart to the top. Schuchart’s No.1S was not as strong on the cushion, allowing Schatz to maintain the lead each time.

With consecutive Green Flag action, lapped traffic played a factor. Schatz reminded everyone why he is the nine-time and defending Series Champion with his prowess through a maze of lapped cars. Schuchart, an Outlaw winner at Eldora last year, stayed right with Schatz every step and just as he was about to pull even with the Champion, the caution flew for an ailing Spencer Bayston with five laps remaining.

With five or fewer laps remaining in the Feature, the start was single-file. Schuchart and third-place running Aaron Reutzel both stayed with Schatz on the restart, but Donny was too strong and went on to take the checkered flag 1.536 seconds ahead of Schuchart.

“We love lapped traffic. That’s where races are won and lost,” Schatz said in Victory Lane when prompted about the close-quartered racing action. “My guys are incredible. We keep working, keep digging and keep finding ways to be up here at the end of the night,” Schatz added before expressing his thanks to the fans for coming out and thanking the track and officials for running an accelerated program to beat Mother Nature.

When asked about the close racing with Schuchart, Schatz referenced an old tale from his father, “If you are worried about what is behind you, you are going to have a hell of a time handling what’s in front of you. I’ve always raced like that and tonight was no different.”

Schuchart was pleased with his second consecutive runner-up finish. “It was a lot of fun racing up there. I know my heart was pumping, it was hard to stay calm,” the upbeat Hanover, PA native said. “What a great weekend for us. Two podiums and if you are going to finish second to someone, that’s a hell of a team to finish behind. They are incredible, but we are going to try and keep working hard to beat them,” Schuchart added.

Reutzel’s 2018 speed continued as he followed up last night’s disappointment of wrecking while leading with a podium finish. “I probably should have been a little more aggressive on the top, but we definitely wanted to finish after last night,” the Texan and current All-Star point leader said.

Kraig Kinser had an impressive 15th to fourth run for his best finish of the season with Tim Shaffer completing the top five. Early race leader Parker Price-Miller settled for sixth with Kerry Madsen, 17th-starting Brad Sweet, 22nd-starting Ian Madsen and 24th-starting Daryn Pittman completing the top ten. Pittman claimed KSE Hard Charger honors for the second consecutive night.

The Greatest Show on Dirt continues its 40th Anniversary Season with a haul to the Hoosier State for a third-attempt at racing at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN tomorrow evening Sunday, May 13. After that, the Series will head to Central Pennsylvania to take on the tough Pennsylvania Posse at Lincoln Speedway on May 16 and at Williams Grove on May 18 and 19. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Eldora Speedway: May 12, 2018

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1][$10,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$5,000]; 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel [4][$3,000]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [15][$2,700]; 5. 49X-Tim Shaffer [6][$2,500]; 6. 4-Parker Price-Miller [2][$2,200]; 7. 2M-Kerry Madsen [5][$2,000]; 8. 49-Brad Sweet [17][$1,800]; 9. 18-Ian Madsen [22][$1,600]; 10. 9-Daryn Pittman [24][$1,450]; 11. 7S-Jason Sides [8][$1,300]; 12. 41-Jason Johnson [10][$1,200]; 13. 99-Brady Bacon [23][$1,100]; 14. 5-David Gravel [7][$1,000]; 15. 2-Shane Stewart [19][$950]; 16. 1A-Jacob Allen [18][$900]; 17. 26-Joey Saldana [14][$850]; 18. 24-Rico Abreu [13][$750]; 19. 13X-Paul McMahan [9][$725]; 20. 10H-Chad Kemenah [20][$700]; 21. 19-Brent Marks [21][$700]; 22. 39-Spencer Bayston [16][$700]; 23. 12N-Cole Duncan [12][$700]; 24. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [11][$700]; Lap Leaders: Parker Price-Miller 1-4, Donny Schatz 5-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman[+14]

Qualifying: 1. 5-David Gravel, 12.91; 2. 2M-Kerry Madsen, 12.939; 3. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.949; 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 13.007; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.032; 6. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.051; 7. 4-Parker Price-Miller, 13.057; 8. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 13.057; 9. 13X-Paul McMahan, 13.06; 10. 44-Trey Starks, 13.068; 11. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.076; 12. 12N-Cole Duncan, 13.076; 13. 24-Rico Abreu, 13.092; 14. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.101; 15. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 13.109; 16. 39-Spencer Bayston, 13.12; 17. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.152; 18. 26-Joey Saldana, 13.194; 19. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.199; 20. 10H-Chad Kemenah, 13.206; 21. 19-Brent Marks, 13.209; 22. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.214; 23. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.233; 24. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.251; 25. 99-Brady Bacon, 13.27; 26. 57-Gary Taylor, 13.296; 27. 3-Jac Haudenschild, 13.339; 28. 49D-Shawn Dancer, 13.395; 29. 45-Trevor Baker, 13.439; 30. 17C-Caleb Helms, 13.512; 31. 22M-Dan McCarron, 13.569; 32. 28-Brian Paulus, 13.603; 33. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.658; 34. 13-Clyde Knipp, 13.698; 35. 5QB-Quentin Blonde, 13.948; 36. 83-Cory Eliason, 14.283

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 2. 5-David Gravel [1]; 3. 13X-Paul McMahan [3]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu [4]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [5]; 6. 99-Brady Bacon [7]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [6]; 8. 45-Trevor Baker [8]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [9]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 2M-Kerry Madsen [1]; 2. 7S-Jason Sides [2]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [4]; 4. 26-Joey Saldana [5]; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen [6]; 6. 57-Gary Taylor [7]; 7. 44-Trey Starks [3]; 8. 13-Clyde Knipp [9]; 9. 17C-Caleb Helms [8]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 4-Parker Price-Miller [2]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 6. 3-Jac Haudenschild [7]; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman [6]; 8. 22M-Dan McCarron [8]; 9. 5QB-Quentin Blonde [9]

Heat #4 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel [1]; 2. 49X-Tim Shaffer [2]; 3. 12N-Cole Duncan [3]; 4. 39-Spencer Bayston [4]; 5. 10H-Chad Kemenah [5]; 6. 18-Ian Madsen [6]; 7. 83-Cory Eliason [9]; 8. 28-Brian Paulus [8]; 9. 49D-Shawn Dancer [7]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [2]; 2. 4-Parker Price-Miller [1]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [8]; 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel [3]; 5. 2M-Kerry Madsen [6]; 6. 49X-Tim Shaffer [4]; 7. 5-David Gravel [5]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [7]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 4 Transfer: 1. 19-Brent Marks [2][-]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [4][-]; 3. 99-Brady Bacon [5][-]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [3][-]; 5. 44-Trey Starks [1][$300]; 6. 57-Gary Taylor [6][$250]; 7. W20-Greg Wilson [13][$225]; 8. 3-Jac Haudenschild [7][$200]; 9. 83-Cory Eliason [16][$200]; 10. 45-Trevor Baker [9][$200]; 11. 22M-Dan McCarron [11][$200]; 12. 28-Brian Paulus [12][$200]; 13. 5QB-Quentin Blonde [15][$200]; 14. 13-Clyde Knipp [14][$200]; 15. 49D-Shawn Dancer [8][$200]; 16. 17C-Caleb Helms [10][$200]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Schatz Scores Third Win in Last Four Starts on Night One of Let’s Race Two at Eldora

ROSSBURG, OH – May 11, 2018 – Donny Schatz inherited the lead on Lap 14 and held off a late race charge from Logan Schuchart to claim the victory on the opening night of the Let’s Race Two weekend at Eldora Speedway. It was Schatz’ 7th win of the 2018, extending his point lead atop the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Point Standings. Schuchart finished second with Brad Sweet finishing third.

Ohio native Cole Duncan set fast time over the 37-car field, won his heat race and was victorious in the Sears Craftsman Dash to earn the pole for the 30-lap Feature. Duncan, in search of his first career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory, shared the front row with legend and fellow Buckeye Jac Haudenschild, who was seeking his 74th career Outlaw victory.

It was Haudenschild getting the jump at the tip of the Green and leading the opening circuit. Third-starting Donny Schatz swooped underneath Duncan to take second the following lap. Haudenschild, or more often referred to as ‘The Wild Child’, lived up to his nickname every bit as he flirted with the dangerous cushion and was up against the wall fending off Schatz narrowly at the line for the first five laps in exciting fashion.

A Lap 6 caution for Hunter Schuerenberg halted the action and bunched the field together. On the restart, Schatz, on the bottom, remained right with Haudenschild, but this time sixth-starting Aaron Reutzel was right in tow. The trio sliced and diced their way as they battled for the lead, utilizing every inch of the Eldora Speedway racing surface.

On Lap 11, Reutzel made an eye-catching move going around the nine-time Series Champion before going wheel-to-wheel with Haudenschild and pulling even with The Wild Child on the front stretch, trailing him by .005 at the conclusion of the 11th circuit. Reutzel would take command of the field on Lap 12.

Schatz continued to jockey with Haudenschild, which allowed Reutzel, who scored his first career Outlaw win earlier this season at Tulare, to put a couple car-lengths between himself and Schatz and Haudenschild. Schatz finally wrestled the runner-up spot away from Haudenschild on Lap 13 and set his eyes on the Texas native for the lead on what promised to be a great battle.

Disaster struck for Reutzel on Lap 14, as he bobbled just enough on the thin Eldora Speedway cushion to lose the handle on his No.87, before making heavy contact with the outside retaining wall, ending his night. Schatz and Haudenschild both showed their veteran prowess avoiding Reutzel’s ailing machine as it bounced back into the racing line. Reutzel was uninjured in the accident and expressed his apologies to his race team stating the dangerous Eldora cushion got the better of him tonight.

One lap later, David Gravel was left nowhere to go and spun in turn two, creating a logjam that included Carson Macedo, Rico Abreu and Joey Saldana. Gravel and Abreu were able to make repairs, but Macedo and Saldana’s nights both came to an end.

The action remained intense on the restart as cars scattered around the Eldora racing surface. Brad Sweet had an excellent restart and moved into the runner-up position and nearly completed a slider on Schatz for the lead, to no avail as the Fargo, ND native powered around Sweet on the cushion.

Eighth-starting Logan Schuchart began making the bottom work and took the runner-up spot away from Sweet with eight laps remaining. Schuchart closed in on Schatz, who made a daring move splitting lapped cars, to extend the lead once again just as Schuchart was preparing to bid for the lead. Schuchart, who won during last year’s Let’s Race Two event at Eldora, closed in one last time with two laps remaining, but Schatz was too strong and took the checkered flag 1.041 seconds in front of the Hanover, PA native with Sweet completing the podium.

“I had a good car, we played around a little and tried something different, but this team just continues to work. We probably weren’t the best car tonight, but we are here standing with the checkered flag,” Schatz said in Victory Lane. When asked about Reutzel’s move for the lead and crash, Schatz said, “He was really fast, but he wore it out. That’s the big part of racing with the World of Outlaws. You’ve got to finish races to win the Championship and sometimes you can’t go as hard to make sure you finish these races.

Schatz also praised the Eldora Speedway track crew, “Everyone has a different perspective of what is a good race or not. There were multiple grooves and guys were making moves all over the place and that’s really all you can ask for.”

Jac Haudenschild settled for fourth with Duncan completing the top five. Gary Taylor, who was as high as second at one point, faded late to sixth. Sheldon Haudenschild came forward to seventh with 14th-starting Jason Johnson, 26th-starting Daryn Pittman and Kerry Madsen completing the top ten. Pittman’s effort was good enough to earn KSE Hard Charger honors, advancing 17 positions. Brady Bacon was the lone driver to compete in both portions of the Let’s Race Two. Bacon was victorious with USAC by nearly five seconds and finished 16th with the wing on in the Feature.

The Let’s Race Two weekend at Eldora Speedway wraps up tomorrow night Saturday, May 12. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to catch all the action live on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Eldora Speedway: May 11, 2018

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$10,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [8][$5,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$3,000]; 4. 3-Jac Haudenschild [2][$2,700]; 5. 12N-Cole Duncan [1][$2,500]; 6. 57-Gary Taylor [7][$2,200]; 7. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [11][$2,000]; 8. 41-Jason Johnson [14][$1,800]; 9. 9-Daryn Pittman [26][$900]; 10. 2M-Kerry Madsen [4][$1,450]; 11. 83-Cory Eliason [19][$1,300]; 12. 11K-Kraig Kinser [27][$500]; 13. 5-David Gravel [12][$1,100]; 14. 49X-Tim Shaffer [17][$1,000]; 15. 10H-Chad Kemenah [10][$950]; 16. 99-Brady Bacon [21][$900]; 17. 13X-Paul McMahan [20][$850]; 18. 18-Ian Madsen [9][$750]; 19. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg [16][$725]; 20. 39-Spencer Bayston [13][$700]; 21. 1A-Jacob Allen [24][$700]; 22. 2-Shane Stewart [25][$]; 23. 4-Parker Price-Miller [15][$700]; 24. 24-Rico Abreu [22][$700]; 25. 21B-Carson Macedo [18][$700]; 26. 26-Joey Saldana [23][$700]; 27. 87-Aaron Reutzel [6][$700]; 28. 7S-Jason Sides [28][$] Lap Leaders: Jac Haudenschild 1-11, Aaron Reutzel 12, Donny Schatz 13-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman[+17]

Qualifying: 1. 12N-Cole Duncan, 12.879; 2. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.925; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.948; 4. 5-David Gravel, 12.967; 5. 39-Spencer Bayston, 12.978; 6. 57-Gary Taylor, 12.999; 7. 3-Jac Haudenschild, 13.014; 8. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 13.029; 9. 99-Brady Bacon, 13.041; 10. 10H-Chad Kemenah, 13.06; 11. 83-Cory Eliason, 13.066; 12. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.086; 13. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.093; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.094; 15. 4-Parker Price-Miller, 13.126; 16. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg, 13.126; 17. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 13.13; 18. 21B-Carson Macedo, 13.133; 19. 24-Rico Abreu, 13.154; 20. 13X-Paul McMahan, 13.164; 21. 2M-Kerry Madsen, 13.185; 22. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.255; 23. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 13.262; 24. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.278; 25. 26-Joey Saldana, 13.285; 26. A79-Brandon Wimmer, 13.318; 27. 44-Trey Starks, 13.319; 28. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.326; 29. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.345; 30. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.361; 31. 45-Trevor Baker, 13.454; 32. 19-Brent Marks, 13.551; 33. 49D-Shawn Dancer, 13.558; 34. 22M-Dan McCarron, 13.599; 35. 13-Clyde Knipp, 13.802; 36. 5QB-Quentin Blonde, 13.819; 37. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.351

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 12N-Cole Duncan [1]; 2. 2M-Kerry Madsen [6]; 3. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 4. 39-Spencer Bayston [2]; 5. 49X-Tim Shaffer [5]; 6. 99-Brady Bacon [3]; 7. 26-Joey Saldana [7]; 8. 49D-Shawn Dancer [9]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [8]; 10. 7S-Jason Sides [10]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 57-Gary Taylor [2]; 3. 10H-Chad Kemenah [3]; 4. 41-Jason Johnson [6]; 5. 21B-Carson Macedo [5]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [8]; 7. A79-Brandon Wimmer [7]; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser [4]; 9. 22M-Dan McCarron [9]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 3-Jac Haudenschild [2]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6]; 4. 4-Parker Price-Miller [4]; 5. 83-Cory Eliason [3]; 6. 24-Rico Abreu [5]; 7. 44-Trey Starks [7]; 8. 45-Trevor Baker [8]; 9. 13-Clyde Knipp [9]

Heat #4 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 87-Aaron Reutzel [2]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 3. 5-David Gravel [1]; 4. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg [4]; 5. 13X-Paul McMahan [5]; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman [7]; 7. 1A-Jacob Allen [3]; 8. 5QB-Quentin Blonde [9]; 9. 19-Brent Marks [8]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 12N-Cole Duncan [1]; 2. 3-Jac Haudenschild [2]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [5]; 4. 2M-Kerry Madsen [3]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [4]; 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel [8]; 7. 57-Gary Taylor [6]; 8. 1S-Logan Schuchart [7]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 4 Transfer: 1. 99-Brady Bacon [1][-]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [4][-]; 3. 26-Joey Saldana [5][-]; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen [2][-]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [10][$300]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [3][$250]; 7. A79-Brandon Wimmer [6][$225]; 8. 9-Daryn Pittman [8][$200]; 9. 49D-Shawn Dancer [13][$200]; 10. 44-Trey Starks [7][$200]; 11. 45-Trevor Baker [11][$200]; 12. 5QB-Quentin Blonde [16][$200]; 13. 22M-Dan McCarron [14][$200]; 14. 13-Clyde Knipp [15][$200]; 15. W20-Greg Wilson [9][$200]; 16. 19-Brent Marks [12][$200]; 17. 7S-Jason Sides [17][$200]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Brad Sweet Scores First Win of Season at Salina Highbanks

SALINA, OK – May 5, 2018 – Brad Sweet landed in Victory Lane for the first time in 2018 with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series, coming from fifth to pass early leader Donny Schatz on Lap 5. Schatz, who was searching for his third straight win, would hold on for second with Daryn Pittman completing the podium, continuing his recent hot streak.

Oklahoma native Shane Stewart won the Craftsman Club Dash, earning the pole for the 30-lap Feature as the Kyle Larson Racing team looked for their first win of the season. Stewart took command of the field down the backstretch, but disaster struck as the Bixby, OK native got too high in turn three and hit the tire on the outside of turn four. Stewart’s crew was able to make repairs and tag the rear on the complete restart.

Donny Schatz officially led the opening lap with Brad Sweet quickly asserting himself into the runner-up position. Sweet, while running a car-length higher than Schatz, closed in and pulled even with the nine-time Series Champion at the completion of Lap 4. Sweet used the momentum to shoot underneath Schatz and take control down the backstretch to officially lead Lap 5.

Zach Chappell, a former Outlaw regular who was making his first winged 410 start in 11 years, brought out the caution with 21 laps remaining, when he failed to clear the racing surface after coming to a stop. Sweet elected the high line on the double-file restart and continued to control the pace with Schatz and Kerry Madsen in tow.

As rubber became more prominent on the racing surface, Sweet was forced to follow lapped traffic, allowing Schatz and company to close in. Daryn Pittman continued his charge forward from eighth to take third from Kerry Madsen before the caution came out for Jason Johnson, who blew a right rear tire with seven laps to go.

Schatz tried to power around Sweet by going a car-length higher than the NAPA Auto Parts No.49, but was unable to close in and settled back in line. Sweet would go on to take the checkered for the first time this season by a margin of 1.064 seconds over Schatz.

“These guys have been giving me great race cars all year, it’s nice to get the monkey off our back. It’s never fun to win rubber races, but we passed the best in the business to do it,” Sweet said. “I can’t thank my guys enough. We’re back in Victory Lane where we belong, we’ll celebrate this one and try and get on a roll here,” the Grass Valley, CA native added.

When asked about the late restart, Donny Schatz said, “I tried to rip the top on the restart, but the track was pretty locked down. We did the best we could and tonight that was second.” Schatz continues to lead the Series Point Standings in search for his 10th Series Championship.

Daryn Pittman was in good spirits and his effort was good enough to earn KSE Hard Charger honors. “We’ve had a good car for the last few weeks, it has been a blast to drive. The track changed a lot throughout the night and I’m glad to see the NAPA Racing team get their first win of the year, I know they’ve been working hard,” Pittman said. After the top three crossed the finish line, Jason Sides shredded a tire, bringing the race to an official end.

Madsen, last year’s winner at Salina, settled for fourth, his second consecutive top-five finish with the Outlaws with David Gravel completing the top-five. Shane Stewart charged back to finish 10th. The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its 40th Anniversary Season with its first trip of the season to the historic Eldora Speedway with the running of the Let’s Race Two program with USAC on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13, before hauling back to Indiana for the third-attempt at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Salina Highbanks - May 5, 2018

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$10,000]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2][$5,500]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [8][$3,200]; 4. 2M-Kerry Madsen [4][$2,800]; 5. 5-David Gravel [9][$2,500]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$2,300]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [10][$2,200]; 8. 83-Cory Eliason [7][$2,100]; 9. 3-Sammy Swindell [11][$2,050]; 10. 2-Shane Stewart [1][$2,000]; 11. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [15][$1,500]; 12. 18-Ian Madsen [12][$1,200]; 13. 11K-Kraig Kinser [13][$1,100]; 14. 1A-Jacob Allen [6][$1,050]; 15. 7S-Jason Sides [14][$1,000]; 16. 41-Jason Johnson [16][$900]; 17. 13-Clyde Knipp [18][$800]; 18. OO-Dane Lorenc [20][$800]; 19. W20-Greg Wilson [17][$800]; 20. 50Z-Zach Chappell [19][$800]; 21. 1J-Danny Jennings [21][$800]
Lap Leaders: Donny Schatz 1-4, Brad Sweet 5-30;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman[+5]

Qualifying: 1. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.8; 2. 2M-Kerry Madsen, 11.885; 3. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.948; 4. 83-Cory Eliason, 12.029; 5. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.067; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.112; 7. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.114; 8. 3-Sammy Swindell, 12.131; 9. 5-David Gravel, 12.15; 10. 19-Brent Marks, 12.155; 11. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.186; 12. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.227; 13. 41-Jason Johnson, 12.23; 14. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.236; 15. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.246; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 12.34; 17. OO-Dane Lorenc, 12.555; 18. 13-Clyde Knipp, 12.562; 19. 50Z-Zach Chappell, 12.598; 20. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.852; 21. 1J-Danny Jennings, 13.259

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [3]; 3. 83-Cory Eliason [2]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6]; 6. 41-Jason Johnson [5]; 7. 50Z-Zach Chappell [7]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 2M-Kerry Madsen [1]; 2. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [4]; 4. 3-Sammy Swindell [3]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [5]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 7. OO-Dane Lorenc [6]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 3. 5-David Gravel [3]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [5]; 6. 13-Clyde Knipp [6]; 7. 1J-Danny Jennings [7]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 4. 2M-Kerry Madsen [4]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 6. 1A-Jacob Allen [5]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

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Schatz Tames Lake Ozark for Sixth Win of Season

Eldon, MO – May 4, 2018 – Donny Schatz survived an early Shark (Racing) attack to capture his sixth World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series triumph of the season in the Series first visit to Lake Ozark in 11 years. David Gravel finished second with Kerry Madsen coming forward to complete the podium.

Shark Racing’s Jacob Allen won the Craftsman Club Dash, earning the pole for the 40-lap Feature alongside his teammate Logan Schuchart. Allen and Schuchart would exchange slide jobs multiple times out front of the Dash and on the opening few circuits of the Feature.

For the second time in his career, Allen would lead the opening lap of competition. Third-starting Donny Schatz began making the bottom work as he closed in and surpassed Schuchart for second on the fifth circuit. Two laps later, Schatz was knocking on the door of Allen, who went low to block Schatz to no avail as the nine-time Champion powered around the Shark Racing No.1A off of turn four to lead Lap 7.

Schatz began working traffic through the middle of the speedway and Allen actually closed back in running a car length higher but was unable to get back the top position. A slight bobble by Allen allowed Schuchart to take the runner-up position on Lap 14.

David Gravel continued his charge forward and secured second from Schuchart just as the first caution flew for the first time on Lap 26 for Daryn Pittman.

The caution cleared Donny Schatz of heavy traffic but allowed Gravel to start beside him. Two laps later, while battling for the third position, Logan Schuchart and 10th-starting Spencer Bayston, who set a new Lake Ozark track record in Qualifying, made heavy contact, ending the latter’s evening with a damaged front axle. Schuchart would restart, but with significant wing damage that would hinder his handling around the tight-quartered racing surface.

Schatz powered away on the restart with Gravel commanding second, but the big mover on the restart was Kerry Madsen who surged into third. Donny Schatz cleared traffic once again and went on to win by 1.495 seconds. It was Schatz’ first career win at Lake Ozark, sixth triumph of the season and 267th career victory with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series.

When asked about the thrill of winning at a new race track Schatz said, “It’s awesome to win anywhere with the World of Outlaws, let alone for the first time a track. I don’t remember being here in 2007, but I remember being here tonight. Hats off to this race team. It’s a lot of fun to race with guys that you have a special bond with.”

Coming off an 18-win season, a single win as the calendar turns to May could be viewed as a little bit of a disappointment for Gravel and CJB Motorsports, but they seem to have turned the corner lately. “We’ve been battling a lot of stuff here to start the year off. We had a really good car, but were never really the same after that caution. We were close tonight, we’ll move on to Salina tomorrow,” Gravel said.

It was a season-best podium finish for Kerry Madsen, who acknowledged his excellent restart on Lap 28. “We really came alive on that restart. This team has worked very hard and we haven’t had the results to show for it yet this year,” Madsen, a five-time Outlaw winner a year ago, said.

Shane Stewart and Jason Johnson, who resides 10 miles from Lake Ozark, completed the top five. Daryn Pittman bounced back and charged to seventh in the final 14 laps after bringing out the caution. Schuchart limped his ailing Shark Racing No.1S to a 10th place finish, with his teammate and early leader Allen settling for 11th. The KSE Hard Charger honors went to Kraig Kinser, who recovered from an incident in his Heat Race to charge from 21st to 12th.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to action tomorrow night, Saturday May 5, 2018, at the always-exciting Salina Highbanks in Oklahoma. Catch all the action from Salina and every night of the World of Outlaws 40th Anniversary Season live on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Lake Ozark Speedway: May 4, 2018

Feature: (40 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$10,000]; 2. 5-David Gravel [4][$5,500]; 3. 2M-Kerry Madsen [7][$3,200]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$2,800]; 5. 41-Jason Johnson [6][$2,500]; 6. 49-Brad Sweet [9][$2,300]; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman [5][$2,200]; 8. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [11][$2,100]; 9. 18-Ian Madsen [12][$2,050]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2][$2,000]; 11. 1A-Jacob Allen [1][$1,500]; 12. 11K-Kraig Kinser [21][$1,200]; 13. 19-Brent Marks [20][$1,100]; 14. 7S-Jason Sides [14][$1,050]; 15. W20-Greg Wilson [22][$1,000]; 16. 13-Clyde Knipp [23][$900]; 17. OO-Dane Lorenc [17][$800]; 18. 21-Brian Brown [19][$800]; 19. 39-Spencer Bayston [10][$800]; 20. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg [13][$800]; 21. 3-Sammy Swindell [16][$800]; 22. 24-Terry McCarl [15][$800]; 23. 17A-Austin McCarl [24][$800]; 24. 83-Cory Eliason [18][$800];
Lap Leaders: Jacob Allen 1-6, Donny Schatz 7-40;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 11K-Kraig Kinser[+9]

Qualifying: 1. 39-Spencer Bayston, 11.351; 2. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.367; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.433; 4. 41-Jason Johnson, 11.467; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.472; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.488; 7. 5-David Gravel, 11.504; 8. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.546; 9. 83-Cory Eliason, 11.574; 10. 2M-Kerry Madsen, 11.602; 11. 7S-Jason Sides, 11.61; 12. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.615; 13. 3-Sammy Swindell, 11.627; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.627; 15. 13-Clyde Knipp, 11.634; 16. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg, 11.678; 17. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.705; 18. 24-Terry McCarl, 11.73; 19. 21-Brian Brown, 11.733; 20. 19-Brent Marks, 11.754; 21. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.783; 22. 17A-Austin McCarl, 11.847; 23. OO-Dane Lorenc, 11.967; 24. W20-Greg Wilson, 11.969; 25. 5X-Kory Bales, 12.362; 26. 20K-Kevin Ulmer, 12.976; 27. 9X-Paul Nienhiser, NT

Heat #1 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 41-Jason Johnson [2]; 2. 5-David Gravel [3]; 3. 2M-Kerry Madsen [4]; 4. 39-Spencer Bayston [1]; 5. 20N-Hunter Schuerenberg [6]; 6. 3-Sammy Swindell [5]; 7. 17A-Austin McCarl [8]; 8. 5X-Kory Bales [9]; 9. 21-Brian Brown [7]

Heat #2 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [4]; 6. OO-Dane Lorenc [8]; 7. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5]; 8. 19-Brent Marks [7]; 9. 20K-Kevin Ulmer [9]

Heat #3 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer:1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [7]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 5. 24-Terry McCarl [6]; 6. 83-Cory Eliason [3]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [5]; 8. W20-Greg Wilson [8]; 9. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [9]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 4. 5-David Gravel [3]; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman [6]; 6. 41-Jason Johnson [5]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 21-Brian Brown [3][-]; 2. 19-Brent Marks [4][-]; 3. 11K-Kraig Kinser [1][-]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson [6][-]; 5. 13-Clyde Knipp [2][-]; 6. 17A-Austin McCarl [5][-]; 7. 5X-Kory Bales [7][$300]; 8. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [8][$250]; 9. 20K-Kevin Ulmer [9][$225]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

MESQUITE, TX – April 28, 2018 – “I heard Ted Johnson telling me to get my ass in gear,” an elated Donny Schatz said after making a late race pass on Brad Sweet to capture the finale of the Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Sweet led the first 25 laps, but settled for second with Shane Stewart completing the podium.

For the second night in a row, Jason Johnson paced the field in Qualifying and won his heat race. Brad Sweet edged his boss Kasey Kahne to take the Craftsman Club Dash, earning the pole for the 30-lap Feature.

Sweet set a torrid pace as Schatz and Stewart waged war for the runner-up position. Schatz wrestled the runner-up position away from Stewart on the eighth circuit and set his eyes on the leader. The lone caution during the race flew on Lap 11 as Tucker Klaasmeyer lost the handle on his Keith Kunz No.67K.

Stewart edged in front of Schatz on the double-file restart, but Schatz re-gained control of second down the backstretch. Sweet continued to lead and navigated traffic at a quick pace, but Schatz stayed with the Grass Valley, CA native through traffic and began to close on the bottom side of the speedway.

Sweet, who won the Texas Outlaw Nationals last year, continued to pound the cushion as Schatz showed his nose underneath him. With anticipation building amongst the crowd, Schatz powered off of the bottom of turn four to take command of the top spot and never look back.

“What an awesome race track. They gave us a top and bottom, the bottom was tricky, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it,” Schatz said. The win for Schatz was his fifth of the 2018 season and was worth $20,000 and the Ted Johnson Memorial trophy.

“Ted looked after his people, he had great relationships with his guys. He had a serious passion, not only for his guys, but for putting on a great race. I remember watching him bounce up and down because Steve [Kinser] and Sammy [Swindell] were putting on a show,” Schatz reminisced of the late great Johnson. “He was a race fan.”

Sweet settled for second and was in good spirits, but understandably disappointed as he was searching for the first win of the season. “That’s the difference between winning and losing and Donny’s the best at it. The race track was great, it slicked off with multiple grooves,” Sweet said.

Shane Stewart was pleased with his podium finish, “This is a special place for me. I have a lot of friends and family out here, so to finish on the podium is special. I wish we could have been fighting for the lead up there, it was a great race, I watched it.”

Logan Schuchart charged from 12th to finish fourth for his second consecutive top-five finish with crowd favorite Jason Johnson completing the top five. After changing motors after his Heat, David Gravel bounced back with the KSE Hard Charger award coming from 19th to complete the top ten.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series heads to Missouri next for a date at Lake Ozark Speedway on Friday, May 4 before making its annual trip to the Salina Highbanks Saturday, May 5. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [5][$20,000]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [1][$6,000]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3][$3,750]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [12][$3,250]; 5. 41-Jason Johnson [6][$2,750]; 6. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [7][$2,500]; 7. 11K-Kraig Kinser [11][$2,400]; 8. 9-Daryn Pittman [4][$2,300]; 9. 19-Brent Marks [13][$2,200]; 10. 5-David Gravel [19][$2,100]; 11. 1A-Jacob Allen [8][$1,700]; 12. 18-Ian Madsen [10][$1,400]; 13. 7S-Jason Sides [9][$1,300]; 14. 45-Paul McMahan [15][$1,200]; 15. 67-Ryan Robinson [18][$1,100]; 16. 4K-Kasey Kahne [2][$1,000]; 17. W20-Greg Wilson [14][$1,000]; 18. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer [17][$1,000]; 19. 12W-Dale Wester [22][$1,000]; 20. 17G-Channin Tankersley [20][$1,000]; 21. 13-Clyde Knipp [21][$1,000]; 22. 83-Cory Eliason [16][$1,000] Lap Leaders: Brad Sweet 1-25, Donny Schatz 26-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 5-David Gravel[+9]

Qualifying 1. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.605; 2. 4K-Kasey Kahne, 13.728; 3. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.73; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.803; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.808; 6. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.81; 7. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.838; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.922; 9. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.95; 10. 19-Brent Marks, 13.955; 11. 15-Donny Schatz, 13.974; 12. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.975; 13. 83-Cory Eliason, 14.012; 14. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.015; 15. 67-Ryan Robinson, 14.037; 16. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.048; 17. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer, 14.064; 18. 45-Paul McMahan, 14.09; 19. 5-David Gravel, 14.159; 20. 17G-Channin Tankersley, 14.474; 21. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.674; 22. 12W-Dale Wester, 15.296

Heat #1 - (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 41-Jason Johnson [1]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [3]; 5. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 6. 83-Cory Eliason [5]; 7. 5-David Gravel [7]; 8. 12W-Dale Wester [8]

Heat #2 - (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 4K-Kasey Kahne [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [3]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson [5]; 6. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer [6]; 7. 17G-Channin Tankersley [7]

Heat #3 - (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 3. 7S-Jason Sides [3]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [4]; 5. 45-Paul McMahan [6]; 6. 67-Ryan Robinson [5]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [7]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 2. 4K-Kasey Kahne [1]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [5]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 6. 41-Jason Johnson [6]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Daryn Pittman Scores Third Win in Four Starts with Devil’s Bowl Triumph

MESQUITE, TX – April 28, 2018 – Daryn Pittman is on a roll. The Owasso, OK native earned his third win in his last four World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series starts on the opening night of the Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Logan Schuchart scored his best finish of the season in second with Jason Johnson completing the podium.

The night started off with a bang with Jason Johnson breaking a 19-year old Devil’s Bowl track record in Qualifying with a lap of 13.306. Daryn Pittman won the Craftsman Club Dash, earning the pole for the 25-lap Feature.

Pittman led the opening circuit, but it was fourth-starting Jason Johnson that brought the crowd to their feet charging from fourth to the lead on the second lap only for it to be negated by a caution for Ryan Robinson. Pittman saw Johnson utilize the cushion and elected the top on the double-file restart. Johnson restarted third with Schuchart alongside Pittman on the front row.

Pittman established a healthy lead as Johnson followed suit around the cushion. With the top of the speedway clearly the preferred line, lapped traffic was stacking up in front of Pittman, allowing the rest of the field to close in on the Kasey Kahne Racing No.9. Just as Johnson was ready to make a bid for the lead on Lap 13, the Yellow Flag flew for Texan Channin Tankersley.

The caution cleared Pittman of traffic and gave him an open track, which was essential given the racing surface. The double-file restart allowed Schuchart to roll by Johnson around the top for the second spot. Pittman would approach traffic one more time in the closing laps, allowing Schuchart and Johnson to close the gap to under a second at the finish. It was Pittman’s 75th career World of Outlaws victory.

“I knew the place to be was going to be on the top, I just didn’t know that it was going to be on Lap 2. We obviously got real lucky there with the caution,” Pittman said in Victory Lane. “This car is a lot of fun to drive right now. It speaks volumes to the progress this Ionomy team has made this season, we have gone from the lowest of lows to this.

Pittman wasn’t the only one fired up with the victory as his crew chief Justin Adams was pumped up to win at the historic facility, “I’ve never won at Devil’s Bowl before. This is bad ass.”

“I got one of my first Outlaw wins here back in 2000. I’ve got a lot of friends and family here and it is even better to see them in Victory Lane,” Pittman added.

When asked about the untimely cautions, Jason Johnson, despite finishing third, was in good spirits, “That’s racing. Devil’s Bowl is one of my favorite tracks and it’s an honor to be able to run up front here with the World of Outlaws.”

Logan Schuchart had his best outing of the 2018 season and was pleased his Shark Racing No.1S all night. “We’ve always had speed here, the driver just needs to his job,” Schuchart said with a smile before referencing the big pay day tomorrow night.

Donny Schatz finished fourth with Brad Sweet completing the top five. Pittman’s car owner Kasey Kahne was strong all night coming home in sixth.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series return to action at Devil’s Bowl Speedway tomorrow, Saturday, April 28, 2018. The 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Series will pay $20,000 to the winner of the Feature, if you can’t make it to the track DIRTVision.com is your one stop shop for live streaming of the World of Outlaws!

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1][$8,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2][$4,000]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [4][$2,500]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$2,200]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [8][$2,100]; 6. 4K-Kasey Kahne [5][$2,000]; 7. 18-Ian Madsen [7][$1,800]; 8. 5-David Gravel [9][$1,600]; 9. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [14][$1,500]; 10. 2-Shane Stewart [6][$1,300]; 11. 19-Brent Marks [10][$1,200]; 12. 83-Cory Eliason [17][$1,100]; 13. 45-Paul McMahan [11][$1,000]; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser [15][$700]; 15. W20-Greg Wilson [16][$600]; 16. 7S-Jason Sides [13][$600]; 17. 1A-Jacob Allen [12][$600]; 18. 13-Clyde Knipp [20][$600]; 19. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer [19][$600]; 20. 67-Ryan Robinson [18][$600]; 21. 17G-Channin Tankersley [21][$600]; 22. OO-Dane Lorenc [22][$600]; 23. 12W-Dale Wester [23][$600] Lap Leaders: Daryn Pittman 1-25; KSE Hard Charger Award: 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[+5]

Qualifying: 1. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.306; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.376; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.705; 4. 4K-Kasey Kahne, 13.707; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.789; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.814; 7. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.835; 8. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.949; 9. 15-Donny Schatz, 13.951; 10. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer, 13.997; 11. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.005; 12. 67-Ryan Robinson, 14.012; 13. 18-Ian Madsen, 14.021; 14. 45-Paul McMahan, 14.097; 15. 5-David Gravel, 14.131; 16. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.175; 17. 83-Cory Eliason, 14.179; 18. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 14.181; 19. 19-Brent Marks, 14.385; 20. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.39; 21. 17G-Channin Tankersley, 14.422; 22. OO-Dane Lorenc, 14.526; 23. 12W-Dale Wester, NT

Heat #1 - (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 41-Jason Johnson [1]; 2. 4K-Kasey Kahne [2]; 3. 18-Ian Madsen [5]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [7]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [3]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [6]; 7. 67K-Tucker Klaasmeyer [4]; 8. OO-Dane Lorenc [8]

Heat #2 - (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [3]; 4. 45-Paul McMahan [5]; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 6. 83-Cory Eliason [6]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [7]; 8. 12W-Dale Wester [8]

Heat #3 - (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [3]; 3. 5-David Gravel [5]; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6]; 6. 67-Ryan Robinson [4]; 7. 17G-Channin Tankersley [7]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [3]; 4. 41-Jason Johnson [4]; 5. 4K-Kasey Kahne [5]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [6]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

David Gravel Tames Lightning-Fast Surface at Cotton Bowl for First Win of 2018

PAIGE, TX – April 26, 2018 – After being rained out twice earlier in the year at the facility, but the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series finally completed the event at Cotton Bowl Speedway. David Gravel and the CJB Motorsports No.5 team swept the entire evening en route to picking up his first win of the 2018 season. Brad Sweet and Jason Johnson completed the podium.

David Gravel started off his clean sweep of the program by setting fast time over the field with a lap of 13.832. Gravel went on to win his Heat Race and the Craftsman Club Dash to earn the pole for the 35-lap Feature.

With the amount of rain Cotton Bowl Speedway received over the past week, the track continued to get faster throughout the evening. Gravel’s fastest lap in the Dash was an eye-opening 13.276, nearly three-tenths under the existing track record and .556 faster than his lap in Qualifying, that paced the field. Gravel's fastest lap in the Feature was a 13.598.

An opening lap Red Flag for Clyde Knipp, who slightly rolled over in turn one, reset the field. Gravel led the field down the frontstretch once again and began expanding his lead.

Brad Sweet cut the gap to less than a car-length with seven laps, giving flashbacks to Cotton Bowl fans that attended the World of Outlaws race at the facility in 2016, that saw Sweet steal the victory in thrilling fashion that night. It was not meant to be for Sweet tonight as Gravel powered by two lapped cars to seal his first victory of the season and a clean sweep on the evening.

“This is what this team deserves. I’ve got to thank Barry, Derek, Zach and everyone that worked on this car to make it go fast,” Gravel said. “We’ve been running decently, just not getting into Dashes. Track position was huge tonight. The track was really heavy and got faster all night. Going green-to-checkered was a little tiring,” the Watertown, CT native added.

When asked about Sweet pulling within striking distance, Gravel said, “I heard him. Turn three and four were so tricky tonight. It was a long overdue first win of the year. Hopefully, we can pick up from last year and get going” Gravel, an 18-time winner a year ago, crossed the line 1.453 seconds ahead of Sweet for the 35th win of his career.

Sweet was pleased with his second-place effort, “The lapped cars were so tricky. We had a shot there, but David did a great job getting by those last few lapped cars. We’ll move on to Devil’s Bowl the next two nights and try and pick up a victory.”

Jason Johnson made some daring moves early in the event to move into third and secure the podium finish. The Eunice, LA native acknowledged his previous racing career around this region and how great it is to come back with the World of Outlaws before thanking the fans for coming out on a Thursday evening.

Cory Eliason continued his strong start to the season with a fourth-place finish with Daryn Pittman completing the top-five. Nine-time Series Champion and current points leader Donny Schatz suffered from a rare mechanical issue as his Tony Stewart Racing No.15 visibly battled an ailing front end as he limped to a ninth-place finish. The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to action at its birthplace, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Friday and Saturday for the Series 40th Anniversary Celebration! If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Cotton Bowl Speedway - April 26, 2018

Feature (35 Laps): 1. 5-David Gravel [1][$10,000]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2][$5,500]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [3][$3,200]; 4. 83-Cory Eliason [6][$2,800]; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman [5][$2,500]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$2,300]; 7. 4K-Kasey Kahne [9][$2,200]; 8. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [7][$2,100]; 9. 15-Donny Schatz [4][$2,050]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [13][$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [10][$1,500]; 12. 45-Paul McMahan [12][$1,200]; 13. 18-Ian Madsen [14][$1,100]; 14. 7S-Jason Sides [15][$1,050]; 15. W20-Greg Wilson [16][$1,000]; 16. OO-Dane Lorenc [17][$900]; 17. 17G-Channin Tankersley [20][$800]; 18. 1A-Jacob Allen [19][$800]; 19. 19-Brent Marks [11][$800]; 20. 13-Clyde Knipp [18][$800]
Lap Leaders: David Gravel 1-35; KSE
Hard Charger Award: 1S-Logan Schuchart[+3]

Qualifying: 1. 5-David Gravel, 13.832; 2. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.877; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.907; 4. 15-Donny Schatz, 13.948; 5. 41-Jason Johnson, 14.011; 6. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.119; 7. 2-Shane Stewart, 14.144; 8. 18-Ian Madsen, 14.224; 9. 4K-Kasey Kahne, 14.232; 10. 83-Cory Eliason, 14.265; 11. 45-Paul McMahan, 14.272; 12. 19-Brent Marks, 14.293; 13. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 14.397; 14. 7S-Jason Sides, 14.4; 15. 1A-Jacob Allen, 14.401; 16. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.401; 17. OO-Dane Lorenc, 14.501; 18. 17G-Channin Tankersley, 14.557; 19. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.887; 20. W20-Greg Wilson, 15.071

Heat #1 - (8 Laps) - 1. 5-David Gravel [1]; 2. 41-Jason Johnson [3]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 4. 4K-Kasey Kahne [5]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [4]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [7]; 7. 45-Paul McMahan [6]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [8]; 9. 13-Clyde Knipp [10]; 10. OO-Dane Lorenc [9]

Heat #2 - (8 Laps) - 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2]; 3. 83-Cory Eliason [5]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [3]; 5. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [6]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart [8]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [7]; 9. 17G-Channin Tankersley [9]; 10. W20-Greg Wilson [10]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 5-David Gravel [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [3]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman [5]; 6. 83-Cory Eliason [6]

Qualifier (10 Laps) - Top 2 Transfer to the Back of the Dash: 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1][-]; 2. 83-Cory Eliason [2][-]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][-]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [5][-]; 5. 4K-Kasey Kahne [3][-]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [7][-]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [8][-]; 8. 45-Paul McMahan [9][-]; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart [10][-]; 10. 18-Ian Madsen [6][-]; 11. 7S-Jason Sides [12][-]; 12. W20-Greg Wilson [16][-]; 13. OO-Dane Lorenc [15][-]; 14. 13-Clyde Knipp [13][-]; 15. 1A-Jacob Allen [11][-]; 16. 17G-Channin Tankersley [14][-]