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

Winner Rico Abreu (Dave Biro Photo)

Rico Abreu Pockets $15,000 in Gold Cup Thriller

CHICO, CA – September 8, 2018 – Rico Abreu went from third to first to lead Lap 26 and never looked back, securing his second Gold Cup title in a slide job war Saturday Night at Silver Dollar Speedway. Tim Kaeding, in a second Sides Motorsports entry, finished second for the second consecutive night with Cory Eliason completing the all-California podium.

16-year-old Buddy Kofoid won the Sears Craftsman Dash by 4.921 seconds to earn the pole for the 40-Lap Gold Cup Race of Champions alongside Justin Sanders, both drivers in search of their first career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victories.

Kofoid and Sanders set a slow pace as the field came to Green and Kofoid slipped off the bottom, opening the door for third-starting Cory Eliason to blast into the lead and take command.

With three provisionals being used, there were 27 410 Sprint Cars blasting around the tight-quartered Silver Dollar Speedway. Eliason, aboard the famous Roth Motorsports No.83, reached lapped traffic on Lap 5 around the bullring oval. Cars were littered all around the racing surface as Eliason worked through traffic to extend his lead.

Tanner Thorson established himself as a threat, coming forward from his seventh starting position to grab second on Lap 10 as he set his eyes on Eliason in search of his first career Outlaw win. Rico Abreu, who came from eighth to fifth in the Dash, moved into third on Lap 12, shuffling young Kofoid back to fourth with Sanders in fifth.

As Eliason negotiated heavy lapped traffic, Thorson closed in on Lap 18 and took a peak underneath the Roth Motorsports No.83. The duo battled hard, allowing Abreu to clear slower cars and reel both of them in.

Thorson used a big slider in three and four on Eliason to take the lead on Lap 25. Eliason tried to get back by into turn one, but left the door open for Abreu who took second down the backstretch and then went for the home run slider in turn three and completed it to take the lead from Thorson and lead Lap 26 with the crowd on their feet.

Eliason and Thorson continued to battle it out for second with the pair making contact with 27 laps complete, resulting in a broken front axle of Thorson’s No.3C. Thorson’s night was done, moving ninth-starting Tim Kaeding into third and defending Gold Cup Champion Shane Stewart into fourth.

The first caution of the event allowed the fans and drivers to catch their breath after an action-packed first 27 laps. A pair of cautions on the ensuing double-file restart and two laps later kept the action tame.

When action resumed Abreu darted away from the field as Kaeding and Eliason waged for second. The duo made contact coming off of turn four on Lap 31, allowing Stewart to get to third in front of Kaeding. The final caution of the evening flew for Outlaw Rookie Ian Madsen with front end damage with nine laps remaining.

Again, Abreu blasted away from the field as Kaeding, Eliason and Stewart battled for position behind him. The trio of cars battling allowed Abreu to run and hide en route to his second Outlaw win of the season in popular fashion and be crowned Gold Cup Champion for the second time in his career.

“It is so much fun to drive when your car is like it was tonight,” Abreu said in compliments of his young team, which features no one older than 23 years old.

“They are a young group, but they are becoming the best in the business. It’s hard to find a group of young guys that want to work. They all want to race, but my guys want to work. Drivers can showcase their talents when their cars are fast,” Abreu added speaking highly of his crew headlined by Ricky Warner’s son, Drew.

“I grew up racing here every Friday night in Sprint Cars, so this track is close to home to me. It’s great to get a win, especially when you beat the Outlaws,” Abreu said with a big smile to a huge roar from the crowd.

Tim Kaeding edged in front Eliason for good to secure second on back-to-back nights. “I have to thank Jason Sides and everyone that came on board for this deal. They let me have fun and that’s the one thing that has been lacking the past few years,” Kaeding said.

“That was one hell of a race from my point of view, I hope you fans enjoyed it, because that was fun,” Kaeding added to another large applause from the engaged crowd.

Cory Eliason completed the all-California podium and took the time to apologize to Thorson. “I want to apologize to Tanner for getting into him,” Eliason said humbly. “Tim and I got into each other, but we both kept going and you get that racing hard on a slick track. It was a great week,” Eliason, who finished fifth Friday, added.

Shane Stewart was the highest finishing Outlaw, coming home fourth with young Kofoid netting a career-best fifth. Justin Sanders finished sixth with 13th-starting Shane Golobic coming forward to seventh, as California was well-represented up front for the second night in a row.

Outlaws Donny Schatz and Brad Sweet charged forward from 19th and 16th, respectively, to finish eighth and ninth with track champion Andy Forsberg completing the top ten. DJ Netto garnered KSE Hard Charger honors coming from 24th to finish 12th. Brent Marks made noise by running the alphabet, transferring from the C to the Feature, where he came home 17th in his second weekend at Silver Dollar. Joey Saldana set Quick Time over the 41-car field but was on the wrong end of contact in his Heat Race, sending him to the LCS, which he won and then came forward to 15th in the Feature.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and California locals get three days off before heading to Placerville for the $20,000 to win 49er Gold Rush Classic on Wednesday, September 12. As always, if you can’t make it to the track, catch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (40 Laps): 1. 24-Rico Abreu [5][$15,000]; 2. 3-Tim Kaeding [9][$5,700]; 3. 83-Cory Eliason [3][$3,500]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [6][$3,000]; 5. 4S-Michael Kofoid [1][$2,600]; 6. 121-Justin Sanders [2][$2,400]; 7. 17W-Shane Golobic [13][$2,300]; 8. 15-Donny Schatz [19][$2,200]; 9. 49-Brad Sweet [16][$2,150]; 10. 92-Andy Forsberg [4][$2,100]; 11. 9-Daryn Pittman [10][$1,600]; 12. 88N-DJ Netto [24][$1,350]; 13. O-Bud Kaeding [15][$1,300]; 14. 5-David Gravel [20][$1,200]; 15. 26-Joey Saldana [21][$1,100]; 16. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [11][$1,000]; 17. 19-Brent Marks [23][$900]; 18. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [14][$850]; 19. 45-Austen Wheatley [12][$800]; 20. 7S-Jason Sides [27][$]; 21. 11K-Kraig Kinser [18][$800]; 22. 21P-Robbie Price [22][$800]; 23. 29-Willie Croft [17][$800]; 24. 18-Ian Madsen [8][$800]; 25. 3C-Tanner Thorson [7][$800]; 26. 1S-Logan Schuchart [25][$]; 27. 1A-Jacob Allen [26][$]; Lap Leaders: Cory Eliason 1-24, Tanner Thorson 25, Rico Abreu 26-40; KSE Hard Charger Award: 88N-DJ Netto[+12]

Qualifying Flight-A: 1. 26-Joey Saldana, 12.29; 2. 3C-Tanner Thorson, 12.405; 3. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.418; 4. 4S-Michael Kofoid, 12.443; 5. 3-Tim Kaeding, 12.488; 6. O-Bud Kaeding, 12.559; 7. 83-Cory Eliason, 12.58; 8. 31C-Justyn Cox, 12.616; 9. 88N-DJ Netto, 12.626; 10. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.637; 11. 17W-Shane Golobic, 12.728; 12. 21P-Robbie Price, 12.752; 13. 25-Bobby McMahan, 12.765; 14. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.778; 15. 98-Sean Watts, 12.795; 16. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.826; 17. 29-Willie Croft, 12.857; 18. 37-Mitchell Faccinto, 12.866; 19. 28-Nathan Rolfe, 12.967; 20. 22-Mason Moore, 13.036; 21. 96-Andy Caruana, 13.202

Qualifying Flight-B: 1. 121-Justin Sanders, 12.313; 2. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.423; 3. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 12.667; 4. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.671; 5. 92-Andy Forsberg, 12.724; 6. 45-Austen Wheatley, 12.727; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.759; 8. 24-Rico Abreu, 12.837; 9. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 12.849; 10. 5-David Gravel, 12.91; 11. 21W-Jake Wheeler, 12.923; 12. 21-Michael Ing, 12.994; 13. 83T-Tanner Carrick, 13.015; 14. 16A-Colby Copeland, 13.128; 15. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.189; 16. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.299; 17. 19-Brent Marks, 13.347; 18. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.367; 19. 7-Scott Bogucki, 13.487; 20. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier, 13.839

Heat #1 - Flight (A) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 2. 83-Cory Eliason [4]; 3. 3-Tim Kaeding [3]; 4. 17W-Shane Golobic [6]; 5. 29-Willie Croft [9]; 6. 25-Bobby McMahan [7]; 7. 96-Andy Caruana [11]; 8. 98-Sean Watts [8]; 9. 26-Joey Saldana [1]; 10. 28-Nathan Rolfe [10]; 11. 88N-DJ Netto [5]

Heat #2 - Flight (A) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 3C-Tanner Thorson [1]; 2. 4S-Michael Kofoid [2]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [5]; 4. O-Bud Kaeding [3]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [7]; 6. 21P-Robbie Price [6]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [8]; 8. 37-Mitchell Faccinto [9]; 9. 22-Mason Moore [10]; 10. 31C-Justyn Cox [4]

Heat #3 - Flight (B) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 121-Justin Sanders [1]; 2. 92-Andy Forsberg [3]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [4]; 4. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [5]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [9]; 7. 83T-Tanner Carrick [7]; 8. 1S-Logan Schuchart [8]; 9. 21W-Jake Wheeler [6]; 10. 7-Scott Bogucki [10]

Heat #4 - Flight (B) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 18-Ian Madsen [1]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [4]; 3. 45-Austen Wheatley [3]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 5. 5-David Gravel [5]; 6. 21-Michael Ing [6]; 7. 16A-Colby Copeland [7]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [9]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [8]; 10. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier [10]

Dash - Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 4S-Michael Kofoid [7]; 2. 121-Justin Sanders [2]; 3. 83-Cory Eliason [5]; 4. 92-Andy Forsberg [6]; 5. 24-Rico Abreu [8]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 7. 3C-Tanner Thorson [3]; 8. 18-Ian Madsen [4]

C-Main (10 Laps) - Top 2 Transfer: 1. 7S-Jason Sides [3][-]; 2. 19-Brent Marks [4][-]; 3. 37-Mitchell Faccinto [5][$150]; 4. 7-Scott Bogucki [8][$150]; 5. 22-Mason Moore [9][$150]; 6. 98-Sean Watts [1][$125]; 7. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier [10][$125]; 8. 96-Andy Caruana [11][$125]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [2][$125]; 10. 28-Nathan Rolfe [7][$125]; 11. 1A-Jacob Allen [6][$125]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 4 Transfer: 1. 26-Joey Saldana [1][]; 2. 21P-Robbie Price [7][]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [12][]; 4. 88N-DJ Netto [5][]; 5. 16A-Colby Copeland [8][$300]; 6. 7S-Jason Sides [11][$250]; 7. 83T-Tanner Carrick [6][$225]; 8. 25-Bobby McMahan [9][$200]; 9. 21W-Jake Wheeler [2][$200]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [10][$200]; 11. 21-Michael Ing [4][$200]; 12. 31C-Justyn Cox [3][$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

Winner Brad Sweet (Dave Biro Photo)

Brad Sweet Gets His 6th of the Year in Front of Hometown Crowd at Silver Dollar Speedway

CHICO, CA – September 7, 2018 – Grass Valley, California native Brad Sweet passed Tim Kaeding on Lap 17 and powered around a Kaeding slide job in the Green-White-Checkered finish to win his sixth World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature of 2018. Tim Kaeding, aboard a second Sides Motorsports entry, settled for second and his brother Bud Kaeding completed the podium.

Tim Kaeding, fresh off of a fifth-place finish at the Knoxville Nationals, won the Sears Craftsman Dash to earn the pole for the 30-Lap Feature alongside fellow California native Cory Eliason. Eliason powered off the cushion of turn four to lead the opening lap with Kaeding in tow.

Eliason, aboard the famous Roth Motorsports No.83, reached traffic quickly around the quarter-mile oval and Kaeding took advantage with a slider to lead Lap 9. Meanwhile, Brad Sweet worked his way forward from his fifth-starting spot to third on Lap 10.

Sweet battled with Eliason for second for a couple circuits before securing the position for good on Lap 14. Sweet set his eyes on Kaeding and reeled him in quickly in heavy lapped traffic before completing the slide job for the lead in turn one to lead Lap 17.

As Sweet motored away, Kaeding and Eliason waged war for second with the latter taking the position at the conclusion of the 18th circuit. Bud Kaeding closed in on his brother and Eliason making it a three-car battle for the runner-up position. Tim Kaeding established the position and tried to reel Sweet back in as the leaders sliced and diced their way through traffic around the bullring.

Sweet had a comfortable lead coming to the White Flag, but a caution for Buddy Kofoid put the celebration on hold. A Green-White-Checkered finish would end the race, officially making the event 31 laps.

Tim Kaeding threw a big slider into turn one, but Sweet stayed on the gas, powered around him down the backstretch and went on to win his sixth Feature of 2018.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and it’s cool to get a win here. It’s all about tomorrow night now, it would be awesome to get a Gold Cup victory tomorrow, that’s something I dreamed about as a kid,” Sweet said next to his NAPA Racing, Kasey Kahne No.49.

When prompted about the late restart, Sweet didn’t hold back, “I made a mistake and I will learn from it in the future. I think I had the best car, but you’ve got to finish races and I was fortunate to survive that restart,” the Grass Valley, CA native added.

Tim Kaeding continued his impressive week coming home second in the Sides Motorsports No.3.

“It’s a privilege to be able to drive for Jason. Jason is a great guy and one of the last true guys in the sport. It’s great to be competitive with the Outlaws again,” Kaeding said.

When asked about the last restart Kaeding chuckled and said, “10 years ago I probably would have crashed both of us.”

The San Jose, CA fan-favorite concluded the interview by encouraging the large crowd to get some cold beer and go to the annual Chili Feed.

Tim’s brother, Bud, was pleased to be on the podium aboard the famous Williams No.0. “I don’t think I’ve ever been on the podium with the Outlaws. Morrie and Kate Williams have been doing this a long time and I can’t thank them enough,” Bud said in appreciation before thanking the fans for supporting Gold Cup and dirt track racing.

10th-starting Shane Golobic, who competed last night in the BC39 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finished fourth with Eliason fading to fifth.

Following Sweet to the line were seven California locals, meaning the first eight finishers were California natives to the delight of the hometown crowd. Outlaws Ian Madsen and Shane Stewart completed the top-ten. Daryn Pittman garnered KSE Hard Charger honors coming from 18th to 11th.

The Gold Cup Race of Champions concludes Saturday, September 8, 2018 with a $15,000 top prize on the line. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$8,000]; 2. 3-Tim Kaeding [1][$4,000]; 3. O-Bud Kaeding [4][$2,500]; 4. 17W-Shane Golobic [10][$2,200]; 5. 83-Cory Eliason [2][$2,100]; 6. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [6][$2,000]; 7. 121-Justin Sanders [13][$1,800]; 8. 92-Andy Forsberg [9][$1,600]; 9. 18-Ian Madsen [14][$1,500]; 10. 2-Shane Stewart [11][$1,300]; 11. 9-Daryn Pittman [18][$1,200]; 12. 15-Donny Schatz [17][$1,100]; 13. 16A-Colby Copeland [3][$1,000]; 14. 88N-DJ Netto [12][$700]; 15. 24-Rico Abreu [15][$600]; 16. 3C-Tanner Thorson [19][$600]; 17. 45-Austen Wheatley [8][$600]; 18. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [16][$600]; 19. 11K-Kraig Kinser [20][$600]; 20. 5-David Gravel [21][$600]; 21. 26-Joey Saldana [23][$600]; 22. 1S-Logan Schuchart [25][$]; 23. 22-Mason Moore [24][$600]; 24. 4S-Michael Kofoid [7][$600]; 25. 19-Brent Marks [26][$]; 26. 1A-Jacob Allen [22][$600]; Lap Leaders: Cory Eliason 1-8, Tim Kaeding 9-16, Brad Sweet 17-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman[+7]

Qualifying Flight-A: 1. 4S-Michael Kofoid, 11.812; 2. 45-Austen Wheatley, 11.889; 3. 16A-Colby Copeland, 11.93; 4. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.93; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.996; 6. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.023; 7. 92-Andy Forsberg, 12.053; 8. 24-Rico Abreu, 12.06; 9. 121-Justin Sanders, 12.08; 10. 83T-Tanner Carrick, 12.123; 11. 26-Joey Saldana, 12.138; 12. 3C-Tanner Thorson, 12.144; 13. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.157; 14. 37-Mitchell Faccinto, 12.158; 15. 21W-Jake Wheeler, 12.196; 16. 19-Brent Marks, 12.246; 17. 31C-Justyn Cox, 12.26; 18. 21P-Robbie Price, 12.324; 19. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.4; 20. 28-Nathan Rolfe, 12.436; 21. 96-Andy Caruana, 12.687

Qualifying Flight-B: 1. O-Bud Kaeding, 11.827; 2. 3-Tim Kaeding, 11.897; 3. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 11.933; 4. 5-David Gravel, 11.935; 5. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.94; 6. 88N-DJ Netto, 11.974; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.988; 8. 83-Cory Eliason, 12; 9. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.036; 10. 22-Mason Moore, 12.05; 11. 17W-Shane Golobic, 12.158; 12. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.16; 13. 7-Scott Bogucki, 12.162; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 12.191; 15. 2X-Chase Majdic, 12.24; 16. 29-Willie Croft, 12.273; 17. 98-Sean Watts, 12.298; 18. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.307; 19. 21-Michael Ing, 12.344; 20. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier, 12.83

Heat #1 - Flight (A) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 4S-Michael Kofoid [1]; 2. 16A-Colby Copeland [2]; 3. 92-Andy Forsberg [4]; 4. 121-Justin Sanders [5]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [7]; 6. 26-Joey Saldana [6]; 7. 1A-Jacob Allen [3]; 8. 31C-Justyn Cox [9]; 9. 21W-Jake Wheeler [8]; 10. 7S-Jason Sides [10]; 11. 96-Andy Caruana [11]

Heat #2 - Flight (A) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 45-Austen Wheatley [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu [4]; 5. 3C-Tanner Thorson [6]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [8]; 7. 83T-Tanner Carrick [5]; 8. 37-Mitchell Faccinto [7]; 9. 21P-Robbie Price [9]; 10. 28-Nathan Rolfe [10]

Heat #3 - Flight (B) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [2]; 2. O-Bud Kaeding [1]; 3. 17W-Shane Golobic [6]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [3]; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman [5]; 6. 7-Scott Bogucki [7]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart [4]; 8. 98-Sean Watts [9]; 9. 21-Michael Ing [10]; 10. 2X-Chase Majdic [8]

Heat #4 - Flight (B) (10 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer: 1. 3-Tim Kaeding [1]; 2. 83-Cory Eliason [4]; 3. 88N-DJ Netto [3]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [7]; 6. 5-David Gravel [2]; 7. 22-Mason Moore [5]; 8. W20-Greg Wilson [9]; 9. 29-Willie Croft [8]; 10. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier [10]

Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 3-Tim Kaeding [1]; 2. 83-Cory Eliason [5]; 3. 16A-Colby Copeland [4]; 4. O-Bud Kaeding [8]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 6. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [7]; 7. 4S-Michael Kofoid [3]; 8. 45-Austen Wheatley [2]

C-Main (10 Laps) - Top 2 Transfer: 1. 19-Brent Marks [1][-]; 2. 29-Willie Croft [2][-]; 3. 21P-Robbie Price [5][$150]; 4. 98-Sean Watts [4][$150]; 5. 21-Michael Ing [7][$150]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [6][$125]; 7. 28-Nathan Rolfe [8][$125]; 8. 18Z-Jennafer Frazier [9][$125]; 9. 31C-Justyn Cox [3][$125]; 10. 96-Andy Caruana [10][$125]; 11. 7S-Jason Sides [11][$125]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 4 Transfer: 1. 5-David Gravel [2][-]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [1][-]; 3. 26-Joey Saldana [5][-]; 4. 22-Mason Moore [6][-]; 5. 7-Scott Bogucki [8][$300]; 6. 37-Mitchell Faccinto [7][$250]; 7. 29-Willie Croft [12][$225]; 8. 83T-Tanner Carrick [3][$200]; 9. 19-Brent Marks [11][$200]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [4][$200]; 11. 2X-Chase Majdic [10][$200]; 12. 21W-Jake Wheeler [9][$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

Winner Donny Schatz (Dave Biro Photo)

Donny Schatz Does It Again at Willamette Speedway

LEBANON, OR – September 5, 2018 – Donny Schatz won for the second time in 48 hours, passing Logan Schuchart on Lap 14 to win his 19th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature of 2018 Wednesday at Willamette Speedway in the Series lone visit to Oregon. Schuchart, who passed Schatz on Lap 4 and led 10 laps, settled for second with David Gravel completing the podium.

Overcoming a mediocre Qualifying effort, Schatz was able to come from fourth to second in his Heat Race to earn a spot in the Sears Craftsman Dash. Schatz drew the one for the Dash and won it to earn the pole for the 30-Lap Feature, alongside David Gravel.

Schatz got the jump on the initial start and led the opening lap. Logan Schuchart and Shane Stewart fought their way to second and third, with Gravel getting shuffled back to fourth. Brent Marks came to a stop on Lap 2, bringing out the caution and setting up a double-file restart.

Schatz chose the bottom and stayed committed down there as Schuchart got a run to his outside. Schuchart used a big surge off the cushion of turn four to lead the fourth circuit.

Schuchart reached lapped traffic on Lap 9 and negotiated it well, but Schatz stayed right with him. Schatz continued to stalk Schuchart through traffic.

Schuchart followed the slower car of Willie Croft on the bottom into turn one on Lap 13 and then slipped up on the bottom off of turn four and that was all the nine-time Series Champion needed to steal the top spot back and lead Lap 14.

A long Green Flag run allowed Schatz to show his prowess in lapped traffic as he built a sizable advantage over Schuchart. Behind Schuchart a slew of cars were littered across the racing surface, waging war for third through sixth.

Ian Madsen brought out the Yellow Flag with 26 laps complete and four laps to run, giving Schuchart and company one last chance to get Schatz for the win. Schuchart followed Schatz into turn one on the bottom and tried to get a run off of turn four to no avail, as Schatz powered away and won by 1.804 seconds for the 19th time in 2018.

“I was a little evil early, I was trying to burn off the fuel and the more I did, the better I got. My car was really good, hats off to my guys, they are the ones that should be standing here,” Schatz said of his Tony Stewart Racing No.15 crew.

When asked about the long Green Flag run, Schatz said, “That’s what you live for when you are running second, or when you are leading. If you can get out front and you do the right things in lapped traffic, you know it.”

“There were a lot of grooves out there, a top, a bottom and a middle sometimes. Hats off to the track crew for providing an excellent race track,” Schatz, who also won at Willamette in 2016, said of the racing surface.

Schuchart settled for second and wasted no time complimenting Schatz. “Props to the 15 team, they do a great job every night and Donny drove a great race. Second-place is still pretty good and this Team Drydene, Shark Racing No.1S is really fast right now. I’m proud of where we are at,” Schuchart said with confidence.

After starting on the front row David Gravel fell as far back as sixth before finding speed on the top side of the racing surface to surge back to third. “We tried to run the bottom early and I went backwards so I had to move up and make some of that ground back up. It’s good to be on the podium, but when you start up front you want to get some wins. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going,” Gravel said next to his CJB Motorsports No.5 machine.

2014 Willamette winner Shane Stewart finished fourth with Sheldon Haudenschild rim-riding his way to fifth.

13th-starting Kyle Larson, in his 8th Outlaw start of the year, came forward to sixth with his brother-in-law Brad Sweet finishing seventh. Daryn Pittman, Joey Saldana, who set Quick Time to open the evening, and 20th-starting Rico Abreu completed the top-ten. Abreu’s efforts were good enough to garner KSE Hard Charger honors in his first visit to Willamette Speedway.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to California this weekend at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, CA with the running of the Gold Cup Race of Champions. Saturday’s Feature will pay $15,000 to win. Wednesday, September 12 the Outlaws stop at Placerville Speedway for the 49er Gold Rush Classic, which will pay $20,000 to win and $1,000 to take the Green. As always, 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 [1][$8,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$4,000]; 3. 5-David Gravel [2][$2,500]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [4][$2,200]; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6][$2,100]; 6. 57-Kyle Larson [13][$2,000]; 7. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$1,800]; 8. 9-Daryn Pittman [9][$1,600]; 9. 26-Joey Saldana [7][$1,500]; 10. 24-Rico Abreu [20][$1,300]; 11. W20-Greg Wilson [10][$1,200]; 12. 19-Brent Marks [11][$1,100]; 13. 7S-Jason Sides [12][$1,000]; 14. 1A-Jacob Allen [16][$700]; 15. 18-Ian Madsen [14][$600]; 16. 45-Austen Wheatley [15][$600]; 17. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [8][$600]; 18. 11K-Kraig Kinser [21][$600]; 19. 55-Trey Starks [19][$600]; 20. 29-Willie Croft [18][$600]; 21. 96-Andy Caruana [22][$600]; 22. 21P-Robbie Price [17][$600];
Lap Leaders: Donny Schatz 1-3, 14-30; Logan Schuchart 4-13;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 24-Rico Abreu[+10]

Qualifying: 1. 26-Joey Saldana, 12.454; 2. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.484; 3. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.499; 4. 57-Kyle Larson, 12.599; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.642; 6. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.651; 7. 5-David Gravel, 12.671; 8. 19-Brent Marks, 12.672; 9. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.749; 10. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.787; 11. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 12.894; 12. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.946; 13. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.965; 14. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.984; 15. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.033; 16. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.11; 17. 24-Rico Abreu, 13.116; 18. 45-Austen Wheatley, 13.133; 19. 55-Trey Starks, 13.152; 20. 21P-Robbie Price, 13.302; 21. 29-Willie Croft, 13.351; 22. 96-Andy Caruana, 13.158

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 5-David Gravel [3]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 3. 26-Joey Saldana [1]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson [5]; 5. 57-Kyle Larson [2]; 6. 1A-Jacob Allen [6]; 7. 55-Trey Starks [7]; 8. 96-Andy Caruana [8]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 3. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [4]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [3]; 5. 18-Ian Madsen [5]; 6. 21P-Robbie Price [7]; 7. 24-Rico Abreu [6]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [3]; 4. 7S-Jason Sides [1]; 5. 45-Austen Wheatley [6]; 6. 29-Willie Croft [7]; 7. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [2]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [6]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [5]; 6. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]

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

Winner Donny Schatz (Dave Biro Photo)

Donny Schatz Scores 18th Victory of 2018 at Grays Harbor

ELMA, WA – September 3, 2018 – Donny Schatz continued his recent dominance at Grays Harbor Raceway, leading all 30 laps en route to his 18th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Victory of the 2018 season and fourth in his last five starts at Grays Harbor. Daryn Pittman threw everything he had at Schatz but settled for second with David Gravel surging late to complete the podium.

Schatz won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 30-lap affair around the high-banked 3/8th oval alongside Sheldon Haudenschild, who was making just his second start at the Elma, WA facility. Schatz and Sheldon put on a show battling for the lead throughout the first five laps, exchanging slide jobs, trading lines and using the entire racing surface.

The caution came out with five laps complete for Brent Marks, who hit the infield tire and busted his front axle, ending his night. Although Haudenschild led momentarily on two occasions, Schatz officially led all of the first five laps and maintained the lead on the double-file restart.

Schatz elected the bottom, putting Haudenschild on the cushion. Haudenschild ventured out wide and tried to get a run on the restart but subsequently left the door open for Logan Schuchart, who restarted fourth, to cut to the middle and halt Haudenschild’s momentum causing him to fall back to fifth as Schuchart, Daryn Pittman and Brad Sweet passed the young Wooster, OH native by the backstretch.

As Sheldon tried to recover, Sweet, Pittman and Schuchart waged war for the second spot, allowing Schatz to pull away. Pittman established himself in the position by Lap 7 and set his eyes on Schatz.

With a long Green Flag run, Schatz was able to showcase his premier ability to navigate lapped traffic. Schatz was strong on both the cushion and down low hugging the berm, allowing him to move through traffic at a quick pace. Pittman was equally strong though, closing the gap on the nine-time Series Champion ever so slightly each lap.

The caution flew with eight laps remaining for Andy Caruana, who fell off the pace down the backstretch.

The ensuing double-file restart saw Pittman go for gold into turn one and attempt to slide Schatz. Pittman couldn’t clear the Tony Stewart Racing No.15 and left the bottom open off turn two for Sweet to get a run. Pittman fended off his fellow Kasey Kahne Racing teammate to secure the second spot, but the laps were winding down to reel in Schatz.

As Pittman tried to chase down Schatz, Logan Schuchart and Brad Sweet had a hellacious battle going for third, with Schuchart sliding in front for good with four to go.

As the leaders were coming to the White Flag, Caruana slowed drastically on the frontstretch, forcing both Schuchart and Sweet to take evasive action. Both Schuchart and Sweet did 360’s in the infield and kept going while Caruana brought out the Yellow. Sweet and Schuchart both had wing panel damage and unfortunately for Schuchart, he also had a flat left rear that would force him to the pits, relinquishing third. The caution was for Caruana and Sweet never came to a stop, so he was given his spot back, with noticeable wing damage.

With less than five to go in the Feature, the restart was single-file giving Pittman one last chance to steal the win from Schatz. Schatz entered turn one high and Pittman followed him, leaving the bottom open for David Gravel, who surged from fourth across the bottom. Pittman checked up anticipating a full slider from Gravel, allowing Schatz to secure the victory for the fourth time in the last five Outlaw visits to Grays Harbor.

“The track was really good, you had to move around to get through traffic. I actually wish we would have stayed in lapped traffic more, that’s when it gets really fun,” Schatz said in Victory Lane. “I don’t know any driver that wants cautions,” Schatz added about the Green-White-Checkered finish. “I was hoping we could stay in lapped traffic because my car was good all over the race track and that I can attribute to my guys.”

Pittman, who won Saturday at Skagit, settled for second and kept it simple. “He’s tough to beat. I was hoping he would get slowed up behind the 96 and I would be able to get a run, but then it took me longer to get by him than I would have liked,” Pittman said about the lapped traffic before thanking his crew and car owner Kasey Kahne for the opportunity.

David Gravel was pleased with third, but wish he had 10 more laps to work with. “The track was really fast, hopefully we can get some momentum and build on this. I have two new crew guys - Tyler and Andy - so I thank them and Barry for their hard work,” Gravel said in good spirits.

Sheldon Haudenschild charged late to fourth with Brad Sweet fading to fifth with his damaged car. Greg Wilson picked up KSE Hard Charger honors coming from 17th to ninth. Logan Schuchart set a New Track Record in Qualifying with a lap of 11.699 and was poised for a podium finish before getting into the lapped car of Caruana.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its 40th Anniversary Season with the Series lone visit to Oregon on Wednesday, September 5 when The Greatest Show on Dirt stops at Willamette Speedway in Lebanon. Tickets are still available for the event here. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1][$8,000]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [4][$4,000]; 3. 5-David Gravel [6][$2,500]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2][$2,200]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$2,100]; 6. 26-Joey Saldana [7][$2,000]; 7. 18-Ian Madsen [10][$1,800]; 8. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$1,600]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [17][$1,500]; 10. 24-Rico Abreu [12][$1,300]: 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [16][$1,200]; 12. 1A-Jacob Allen [13][$1,100]; 13. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$1,000]; 14. 21P-Robbie Price [9][$700]; 15. 29-Willie Croft [11][$600]; 16. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [14][$600]; 17. 7S-Jason Sides [20][$600]; 18. 55-Trey Starks [21][$600]; 19. 33V-Henry VanDam [15][$600]; 20. 45-Austen Wheatley [19][$600]; 21. 96-Andy Caruana [22][$600]; 22. 19-Brent Marks [18][$600];
Lap Leaders: Donny Schatz 1-30;
KSE Hard Charger Award: W20-Greg Wilson[+8]

Qualifying: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.699; 2. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.822; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.865; 4. 5-David Gravel, 11.897; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.964; 6. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.967; 7. 26-Joey Saldana, 11.972; 8. 29-Willie Croft, 12.002; 9. 24-Rico Abreu, 12.03; 10. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.051; 11. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.073; 12. 21P-Robbie Price, 12.186; 13. 1A-Jacob Allen, 12.208; 14. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.218; 15. 33V-Henry VanDam, 12.229; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 12.262; 17. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.347; 18. 19-Brent Marks, 12.398; 19. 45-Austen Wheatley, 12.455; 20. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 12.475; 21. 55-Trey Starks, 12.564; 22. 96-Andy Caruana, 12.714

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [2]; 3. 26-Joey Saldana [3]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen [5]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6]; 7. 45-Austen Wheatley [7]; 8. 96-Andy Caruana [8]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [4]; 4. 29-Willie Croft [3]; 5. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [7]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [5]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [6]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2]; 3. 21P-Robbie Price [4]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu [3]; 5. 33V-Henry VanDam [5]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [6]; 7. 55-Trey Starks [7]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [6]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [3]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [4]; 6. 5-David Gravel [5]

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

Winner Daryn Pittman (Lisa Dynes Photo)

Daryn Pittman Goes Flag-to-Flag at Skagit for 7th Win of 2018

ALGER, WA – September 1, 2018 – Daryn Pittman led all 40 laps to score his 7th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory of the season on the second night of the Outlaw Energy Showdown at Skagit Speedway. Donny Schatz and Brad Sweet exchanged the runner-up position multiple times in the closing stages with Schatz grabbing the position and Sweet settling for third.

Pittman won the Sears Craftsman Dash to earn the pole of the 40-lap Feature, alongside Schatz. Pittman controlled the initial start and led the opening lap as Schatz and Logan Schuchart jockeyed for the runner-up position before a Red Flag halted action. A handful of slowed cars littered the racing surface, resulting in Dominic Scelzi getting upside down. Scelzi was alert and talking to the safety crew but was transported to the local hospital with a hip injury.

Friday night’s winner Sheldon Haudenschild spun to a stop on Lap 3, ending his top-ten run and bunching the field back together. The next 10 laps allowed the leaders to delve into lapped traffic. With the preferred racing line up on the cushion, Pittman was able to methodically work his way through traffic efficiently with calculated slide jobs.

Buddy Kofoid’s good run came to an end on Lap 13, when he stopped in turn one. On the ensuing restart, Brad Sweet went to work on Schuchart, as the duo exchanged slide jobs for third. Schuchart resisted, but Sweet was able to wrestle the position away for good on Lap 15 and began to close in on Pittman and Schatz.

As lapped traffic picked up, Pittman was forced to slow his pace around the cushion, allowing Schatz and Sweet to knock on the door. The best racing action of the night came on Lap 27 through 30 as Pittman remained committed to the top, Schatz found some traction on the bottom and Sweet was looking for a way around both of them. The trio were within inches for the better part of those laps, exciting the large Skagit Speedway crowd.

Donny Schatz bobbled on the tricky cushion off of turn two on Lap 31, allowing Sweet to steal the runner-up position and, more importantly, allow Pittman to extend his advantage. Sweet began to close in on his Kasey Kahne Racing teammate, potentially setting up another nail-biting finish. Although, unlike last night, this time the battle was for second, as Schatz and Sweet waged war in lapped traffic, ultimately allowing Daryn Pittman to pull further away and pocket the $12,000 payday at Skagit Speedway for the second consecutive year.

“My guys did a good job. Glad to get the Adams family a win, Justin lost his Grandfather the other day and he’s been doing a great job for us this year, so this one was for him,” Pittman said sincerely in the Victory Lane. “It’s great to get another win, you cherish every one of this because you never know when your next one is going to come,” Pittman, who collected his 79th career Outlaw win, added humbly.

“I am so grateful to have my family here and that they can travel with me. I’m far from my home but there’s obviously a lot of Kasey Kahne fans here in Washington, so I’m glad to get this win for him,” Pittman said to a large cheer from the crowd.

When asked about his game plan starting on the front row, Pittman was honest. “My plan was if the 15 got under me, I better get my butt in gear,” the Owasso, OK native said with a smile.

Schatz got back by Sweet coming to the White Flag and held on for second. “It’s not where anyone wants to be, but you have to take it some days,” Schatz said of his runner-up finish. “40 laps is 40 laps, I felt like I needed it to be 100 laps to win tonight,” the Fargo, ND native added with a grin.

Brad Sweet came home third and talked about the three-car battle for the lead. “It was a good battle, I was trying to give it all I’ve got, I thought we had a really good car. It’s a little disappointing to give that spot back to Donny on the last lap, but still a good run for this team and to end the weekend on the podium is nothing to be ashamed of,” Sweet said in good spirits.

Logan Schuchart was strong all evening and finished fourth, with Ian Madsen completing the top-five in his second-ever weekend at Skagit Speedway.

Brent Marks earned a career-best Skagit finish in sixth with Shane Stewart finishing seventh. Washington’s own Trey Starks finished eighth. David Gravel earned KSE Hard Charger honors coming from 16th to ninth while Kraig Kinser completed the top ten.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its West Coast swing and 40th Anniversary Season with a return to the Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA on Monday, September 3rd before the Series makes its lone appearance in Oregon on Wednesday, September 5th at Willamette Speedway. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (40 Laps): 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1][$12,000]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2][$5,700]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$3,500]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$3,000]; 5. 18-Ian Madsen [4][$2,600]; 6. 19-Brent Marks [8][$2,400]; 7. 2-Shane Stewart [9][$2,300]; 8. 55-Trey Starks [6][$2,200]; 9. 5-David Gravel [16][$2,150]; 10. 11K-Kraig Kinser [11][$2,100]; 11. 24-Rico Abreu [18][$1,600]; 12. 26-Joey Saldana [13][$1,350]; 13. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [7][$1,300]; 14. W20-Greg Wilson [15][$1,200]; 15. 1A-Jacob Allen [19][$1,100]; 16. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [17][$1,000]; 17. 29-Willie Croft [21][$900]; 18. 7S-Jason Sides [20][$850]; 19. 21P-Robbie Price [23][$800]; 20. 8R-Michael Kofoid [14][$800]; 21. 45-Austen Wheatley [10][$800]; 22. 7S50-Keoni Texeira [24][$800]; 23. 18S-Jason Solwold [12][$800]; 24. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [22][$800]; Lap Leaders: Daryn Pittman 1-40; KSE Hard Charger Award: 5-David Gravel[+7]

Qualifying: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 10.995; 2. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.021; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.055; 4. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.091; 5. 55-Trey Starks, 11.092; 6. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.102; 7. 26-Joey Saldana, 11.108; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.119; 9. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.197; 10. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.201; 11. 19-Brent Marks, 11.206; 12. 18S-Jason Solwold, 11.209; 13. 45-Austen Wheatley, 11.214; 14. 8R-Michael Kofoid, 11.251; 15. 7S-Jason Sides, 11.268; 16. 5-David Gravel, 11.298; 17. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.306; 18. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.323; 19. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 11.326; 20. 7S50-Keoni Texeira, 11.365; 21. W20-Greg Wilson, 11.397; 22. 29-Willie Croft, 11.431; 23. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 11.525; 24. 21P-Robbie Price, 11.53; 25. 96-Andy Caruana, 11.56

Heat #1 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 4. 45-Austen Wheatley [5]; 5. 26-Joey Saldana [3]; 6. 5-David Gravel [6]; 7. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [7]; 8. 29-Willie Croft [8]; 9. 96-Andy Caruana [9]

Heat #2 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 55-Trey Starks [2]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6]; 5. 8R-Michael Kofoid [5]; 6. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [8]; 7. 1A-Jacob Allen [3]; 8. 7S50-Keoni Texeira [7]

Heat #3 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 18S-Jason Solwold [4]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 6. 24-Rico Abreu [6]; 7. 21P-Robbie Price [8]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [5]

Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [2]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [5]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [3]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [4]; 6. 55-Trey Starks [6]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1][-]; 2. 7S-Jason Sides [2][-]; 3. 29-Willie Croft [5][-]; 4. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [3][-]; 5. 21P-Robbie Price [6][-]; 6. 7S50-Keoni Texeira [4][-]; 7. 96-Andy Caruana [7][$300]

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

Winner Sheldon Haudenschild (Dave Biro Photo)

Sheldon Haudenschild Wins Thriller on Night One at Skagit on his 25th Birthday

ALGER, WA – August 31, 2018 – Sheldon Haudenschild celebrated his 25th birthday in style, sliding Shane Stewart for the lead coming to the White Flag on Night One of the Outlaw Energy Showdown at Skagit Speedway to win his 5th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature of 2018. Stewart did everything in his power to get back by Haudenschild but settled for second in the thrilling finish. Rico Abreu completed the podium in his first Outlaw start at Skagit.

California fan favorite Rico Abreu won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 30-Lap Feature alongside Shane Stewart. Abreu got the jump on the initial start to lead the opening lap before action was halted for a backwards Jacob Allen, who spun to avoid a logjam of cars with one lap complete.

Abreu chose the bottom on the ensuing double-file restart and led the field down the backstretch but Shane Stewart, a two-time Outlaw winner at Skagit, got a massive run on the cushion off of turn four to lead Lap 2. As Abreu searched around the race track, Sheldon Haudenschild snuck by into second on Lap 4 and began closing in on Stewart.

Stewart and Haudenschild gave the Skagit Speedway fans a glimpse of what was to come on Lap 7 as Sheldon got underneath Stewart to lead down the backstretch, only to have Stewart blast back around to lead the lap at the line by a hair.

The intense action halted on Lap 10 when Keoni Texeira spun to a stop. On the opposite end of the track, Jason Solwold’s eventful evening continued as he stopped with a flat right front tire. Solwold would return, but Texeira would not.

The ensuing double-file restart saw contact in the back of the pack and Austen Wheatley end up in the infield with damage that would end his evening. Following that, the decision was made to conduct single-file restarts the rest of the evening.

Lap 13 saw Solwold’s night go from bad to worse as his No.18S went end-over-end down the backstretch into turn three after incidental contact with Jacob Allen. Solwold walked away from his mangled car under his own power.

The remaining 17 laps went Green-to-Checkered and they did not disappoint. Haudenschild hawked the veteran Stewart through heavy lapped traffic, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seat as the drivers navigated a tacky racing surface.

Haudenschild looked to be within striking distance multiple times, but remained patient until the perfect opportunity, which came on Lap 28. Stewart bobbled ever-so-slightly on the treacherous cushion off of turn four, opening a narrow window for Haudenschild to pounce and the young Wooster, OH native did just that.

Haudenschild threw his NOS Energy Sponsored, Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall racing No.17 hard into the corner and inched in front of Stewart at the edge of turn four. Stewart and Haudenschild made slight contact after the slide job but both drivers kept going under the White Flag. Stewart tried one last ditch effort to get the lead back coming to the checkered, but to no avail as he would finish .311 behind Haudenschild in an exciting Feature.

“I knew I was running out of time and had to make something happen. I don’t think my slider was dirty, you kind of had to stop his momentum to pull it off. I know he bumped by back bumper, but on a small track like this, I think you’re going to have some wheel-banging and the track tonight was beautiful,” Haudenschild said in Victory Lane.

Shane Stewart despite the tough finish remained in good spirits, “I thought we were going to have one, I knew Sheldon was going to be tough. I thought I was getting through lapped cars pretty good, but I jumped the cushion just a little bit coming to the White and allowed Sheldon to get a good run on me. That’s how these races go, you can’t stub your toe, can’t slow down at all or you’re going to get passed.”

Rico Abreu, who has been following the Outlaws back to his home state of California since Knoxville, came home third in his first Outlaw start at Skagit. “This place races great. I didn’t get to the top soon enough on that restart and that’s where we lost the race. My car was perfect and I’m excited for tomorrow,” an upbeat Abreu said.

Though it was Sheldon Haudenschild’s fifth win of the 2018 Season, it was his first since Fairbury back on June 5th. “To get a win after not winning for a while feels really good. I can’t thank Ricky [Stenhouse Jr.], the Marshall family, our sponsors and my crew guys enough,” Haudenschild added in Victory Lane.

Joey Saldana was strong all night and finished fourth with Brad Sweet completing the top five. Ian Madsen, in his first look at Skagit Speedway, earned KSE Hard Charger honors coming forward 10 positions to 12th.

Washington’s own and former World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series regular Jason Solwold had a night he will certainly never forget, for all the wrong reasons. Solwold set Quick Time over the field, only to have a water pump issue on his team’s only 410 motor. The team was forced to change to their 360ci engine for the Heat Race, where he fended off numerous charges to finish second to advance to the Dash. While that was ongoing and during the intermission and dash draw, Solwold and the team successfully scrambled to fix the water pump issue on the 410 in time for the Feature. All for the Burlington, WA native to get a flat tire 10 laps into the Feature while running eighth and go for a wild ride down the backstretch three laps later. Fortunately, Solwold was uninjured in the accident, but the rest of his weekend remains in jeopardy.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its 40th Anniversary Season back at Skagit Speedway Saturday, September 1, 2018 before heading over to Elma, WA on Monday, September 3 for an appearance at the Grays Harbor Raceway. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][$8,000]; 2. 2-Shane Stewart [2][$4,000]; 3. 24-Rico Abreu [1][$2,500]; 4. 26-Joey Saldana [3][$2,200]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [8][$2,100]; 6. 15-Donny Schatz [10][$2,000]; 7. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [5][$1,800]; 8. 9-Daryn Pittman [7][$1,600]; 9. 5-David Gravel [16][$1,500]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [17][$1,300]; 11. 19-Brent Marks [9][$1,200]; 12. 18-Ian Madsen [22][$1,100]; 13. W20-Greg Wilson [18][$1,000]; 14. 29-Willie Croft [11][$700]; 15. 11K-Kraig Kinser [23][$600]; 16. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [21][$600]; 17. 1A-Jacob Allen [15][$600]; 18. 55-Trey Starks [19][$600]; 19. 18S-Jason Solwold [6][$600]; 20. 45-Austen Wheatley [13][$600]; 21. 7S50-Keoni Texeira [12][$600]; 22. 7S-Jason Sides [20][$600]; 23. 21P-Robbie Price [14][$600]; 24. 8R-Michael Kofoid [24][$600]; Lap Leaders: Rico Abreu 1, Shane Stewart 2-28, Sheldon Haudenschild 29-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 18-Ian Madsen[+10]

Qualifying: 1. 18S-Jason Solwold, 4; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.146; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.176; 4. 26-Joey Saldana, 11.2; 5. 29-Willie Croft, 11.224; 6. 7S50-Keoni Texeira, 11.227; 7. 55-Trey Starks, 11.261; 8. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.261; 9. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 11.294; 10. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.306; 11. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.324; 12. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.35; 13. 45-Austen Wheatley, 11.375; 14. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.39; 15. 7S-Jason Sides, 11.422; 16. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.432; 17. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.462; 18. 19-Brent Marks, 11.471; 19. 83JR-Kyle Hirst, 11.476; 20. 8R-Michael Kofoid, 11.491; 21. W20-Greg Wilson, 11.491; 22. 5-David Gravel, 11.528; 23. 21P-Robbie Price, 11.541; 24. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.571; 25. 96-Andy Caroana, 12.278

Heat #1 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 26-Joey Saldana [2]; 2. 18S-Jason Solwold [1]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [4]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [6]; 5. 45-Austen Wheatley [5]; 6. 5-David Gravel [8]; 7. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [7]; 8. 55-Trey Starks [3]; 9. 96-Andy Caroana [9]

Heat #2 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [3]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [4]; 4. 29-Willie Croft [2]; 5. 21P-Robbie Price [8]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart [5]; 7. 8R-Michael Kofoid [7]; 8. 18-Ian Madsen [6]

Heat #3 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [3]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [4]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [6]; 4. 7S50-Keoni Texeira [2]; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [5]; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser [8]

Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 3. 26-Joey Saldana [4]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 5. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [6]; 6. 18S-Jason Solwold [5]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 55-Trey Starks [1][-]; 2. 7S-Jason Sides [2][-]; 3. 83JR-Kyle Hirst [4][-]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [3][-]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6][-]; 6. 8R-Michael Kofoid [5][-]; 7. 96-Andy Caroana [7][$300]

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

Winner Daryn Pittman (Dave Biro Photo)

Pittman Goes Back-To-Back at Big Sky Speedway for 6th Win of Season

BILLINGS, MT – August 25, 2018 – Daryn Pittman got by Jacob Allen on a double-file restart halfway through the race and never looked back, scoring his second consecutive win at Big Sky Speedway and capturing his sixth World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory of 2018. Allen settled for second with Donny Schatz completing the podium.

For the second consecutive night, Jacob Allen won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 35-Lap Feature. Allen drag raced with fellow front row starter Pittman the entire opening lap and edged ahead off of turn four to lead Lap 1.

The first 15 laps went non-stop, forcing Allen to negotiate lapped traffic and allowing Pittman and Schatz to close in. Brent Marks had a right rear explode, bringing out the first of a handful of cautions.

The ensuing double-file restart saw Allen elect the top of the speedway. Allen fought off two Pittman slidejobs to maintain control and lead Lap 16 before the yellow flew for Dominic Scelzi, who lost the handle of his family-owned machine off of turn one.

The caution restacked the field double-file once again, but this time the veteran Pittman prevailed over young Allen, controlling the field off of turn two to lead Lap 17.

A pair of cautions for Alan Gilbertson and Jason Sides gave Allen ample opportunity to steal the lead back from Pittman, but the Owasso, OK native was too strong on the double-file restarts and motored away.

The final caution of the evening came with four to go as Sheldon Haudenschild’s engine gave out. With less than five laps to go in the Feature, Outlaw rules dictate single-file restarts, giving Allen a different chance to wrestle the lead back.

Allen stayed with Pittman on the restart, but couldn’t mount a serious challenge as Pittman went on to win by .904 seconds.

“To get this win the way the last few months have been is really something special. Man, our last win was tough,” Pittman said solemnly before thanking his Kasey Kahne Racing crew for their continued support.

“There’s nothing better than winning these races, you never know when your last one is going to be,” Pittman, who now has 78 career Outlaw wins, added. "As you can see there’s nothing on the side of this car and there’s no better way to sign a sponsor than by winning races. That’s my job, to go out there and focus on putting this car in Victory Lane so I can keep this job and keep doing what I love,” Pittman said before thanking the sellout crowd at Big Sky Speedway.

Jacob Allen’s first World of Outlaws win continues to elude him, but the young Hanover, PA native remains in good spirits. “Leading laps and running up front is a lot of fun. Obviously, I want to get that first win, but to be able to be on the podium, finish top-five and contend for a win against these guys is something to be proud of and I’m proud of my race team,” Allen said positively.

Donny Schatz was pleased to come home third but wished the race got into more lapped traffic. “It’s fun to be in traffic, but that wasn’t in the cards tonight. Third is pretty respectable, the race track was fun and that’s all you can ask for as a racer. Full house tonight, thank you guys for being here, it was an awesome night for all of us,” Schatz said in good spirits.

Brad Sweet picked up KSE Hard Charger honors coming forward to fourth with Kraig Kinser completing the top five.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its trek west to Washington and has a pair of dates at Skagit Speedway this upcoming weekend Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1 in Alger, WA. Following that, the Series will head to Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma on Monday, September 3rd before making its lone appearance in Oregon at Willamette Speedway on Wednesday, September 5.

If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (35 Laps): 1. 9-Daryn Pittman [2][$10,000]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [1][$5,500]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [4][$3,200]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [9][$2,800]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [8][$2,500]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart [10][$2,300]; 7. 2-Shane Stewart [5][$2,200]; 8. 5-David Gravel [3][$2,100]; 9. 19-Brent Marks [7][$2,050]; 10. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [12][$2,000]; 11. 18-Ian Madsen [6][$1,500]; 12. W20-Greg Wilson [16][$1,200]; 13. 24-Rico Abreu [15][$1,100]; 14. 99-Skylar Gee [13][$1,050]; 15. 7S-Jason Sides [11][$1,000]; 16. 97-Alan Gilbertson [17][$900]; 17. 37-Trever Kirkland [19][$800]; 18. 9K-Kory Wermling [22][$800]; 19. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [14][$800]; 20. 2JR-Kelly Miller [18][$800]; 21. 27DD-David Hoiness [20][$800]; 22. 77-Damon McCune [21][$800];
Lap Leaders: Jacob Allen 1-16, Daryn Pittman 17-35;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 49-Brad Sweet[+5]

Qualifying: 1. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.631; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.655; 3. 5-David Gravel, 11.655; 4. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.673; 5. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.675; 6. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.699; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.731; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.81; 9. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.817; 10. 19-Brent Marks, 11.859; 11. 7S-Jason Sides, 11.912; 12. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 11.944; 13. W20-Greg Wilson, 11.965; 14. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.971; 15. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.979; 16. 99-Skylar Gee, 12.274; 17. 97-Alan Gilbertson, 12.42; 18. 2JR-Kelly Miller, 12.531; 19. 37-Trever Kirkland, 12.744; 20. 27DD-David Hoiness, 12.884; 21. 77-Damon McCune, 12.934; 22. 9K-Kory Wermling, 13.162

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 5. 99-Skylar Gee [6]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [5]; 7. 37-Trever Kirkland [7]; 8. 9K-Kory Wermling [8]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 3. 11K-Kraig Kinser [3]; 4. 7S-Jason Sides [4]; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [5]; 6. 97-Alan Gilbertson [6]; 7. 27DD-David Hoiness [7]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 5-David Gravel [1]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [3]; 4. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [4]; 5. 24-Rico Abreu [5]; 6. 2JR-Kelly Miller [6]; 7. 77-Damon McCune [7]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 3. 5-David Gravel [4]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [5]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 6. 18-Ian Madsen [6]