World of Outlaws

Contact: Colby Gorniewicz
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0229 | cgorniewicz@dirtcar.com

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Abreu Closes Out Western Swing in Victory Lane Arizona Speedway

Gravel and Brown finish on the podium at Arizona Desert Shootout

QUEEN CREEK, AZ - April 8, 2017 - Coming into the Arizona stretch of the 2017 season, the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series full-time drivers scored wins in first 12 events of the season. That stat changed after Brian Brown ran away with the Yuma Valley Showdown at Cocopah Speedway on Friday Night. The outsiders were looking to make it two-for-two in Arizona when the Series visited the Arizona Speedway for the second time in their history.

For the second night in a row, Brown started from the pole position. After jumping out to an early lead, Brown opened up a half-second lead over Abreu after a pass attempt that didn't stick.

On lap 12 of the 30-lap Arizona Desert Shootout, David Gravel who was running third made a move on Jason Sides to move him inside the top three.

At the half-way point, Abreu, from St. Helena, CA closed the gap on Brown while he was dealing with lap traffic and took advantage of the opportunity and threw a perfectly executed slide-job pass on Brown in Turn 2 to vault him into the lead.

"It's so easy to slow down to someone's pass, especially when they're in traffic," said Rico Abreu. "You've got to be committed on your slide jobs - that's what I do nowadays. I got a little impatient when we got to lap traffic but once I cleared some lap cars I felt really confident and made the move. I just tried to save my tires for the end as I knew it was going to get trickier for someone to peel off and pass."

While Abreu was making his move on Brown, Gravel was also able to sneak his No. 5 GoMuddy.com machine by for second.

"[traffic] started to play an issue there but I'm happy with a second-place finish," said David Gravel. "It was a really fun race with a lot of sliders. I just wanted to thank all my guys and everyone at CJB Motorsports. We'll take a second and move onto next week."

Out front as the leader, Abreu was left to navigate his way around heavy lap traffic but Abreu made quick work and was able to grow his lead to a one-second advantage.

As the laps started to tick away, Gravel worked his way back up to the rear bumper of Abreu. With just a few laps remaining, Gravel didn't get the opportunity to get by Abreu to add to his win total, instead it was Rico Abreu playing spoiler to the Outlaw regulars as the outsiders swept the Arizona weekend.

The Outlaws will head back east after a spending a month on the west coast of the United States for a makeup race at Gator Motorplex on Thursday April 13. A trip back to the place where it all started for the Outlaws at Devil's Bowl Speedway for a doubleheader on April 14 and 15.

For tickets visit WorldofOutlaws.com/Tickets or by calling 844-DIRT-TIX.
Arizona Speedway Notebook

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 6 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); David Gravel - 3 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17, Placerville Speedway on March 29, Perris Auto Speedway on April 1); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Brad Sweet - 1 (Stockton Dirt Track on March 25), Logan Schuchart - 1 (Keller Auto Speedway), Brian Brown - 1 (Cocopah Speedway), Rico Abreu - 1 (Arizona Speedway).

CONTINGENCY WINNERS - MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Billy Chester; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): David Gravel; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Donny Schatz; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Jason Sides; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Shane Stewart; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Joey Saldana; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Paul McMahan; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Sheldon Haudensheld,; Super Flow ($50 cash): Daryn Pittman; Craftsman Club ($100 cash each):Jason Johnson, Joey Saldana, Jason Sides, David Gravel, N/A; Craftsman/Sears ($100 cash): Brian Brown; KSE Racing Products ($100 product certificate): Kraig Kinser; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): David Gravel; JE Pistons (Set of Rings each): Logan Schuchart, Jacob Allen.

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Arizona Speedway, AZ. April 8, 2017

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 24-Rico Abreu [2][$10,000]; 2. 5-David Gravel [6][$5,500]; 3. 21-Brian Brown [1][$3,200]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [7][$2,800]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [5][$2,500]; 6. 15-Donny Schatz [9][$2,300]; 7. 41-Jason Johnson [3][$2,200]; 8. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$2,100]; 9. 17-Joey Saldana [4][$2,050]; 10. 4-Paul McMahan [10][$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [19][$1,500]; 12. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [15][$1,200]; 13. 18-Ian Madsen [12][$1,100]; 14. 9-Daryn Pittman [18][$1,050]; 15. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [13][$1,000]; 16. W20-Greg Wilson [16][$900]; 17. 1S-Logan Schuchart [14][$800]; 18. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [17][$800]; 19. 19-Brent Marks [11][$800]; 20. 82-Stevie Sussex [21][$800]; 21. 2A-Austin Pierce [22][$800]; 22. 1A-Jacob Allen [20][$800]; 23. 5C-Billy Chester [23][$800], 24. 90-Lance Norick [24][$800]

Qualifying : 1. 5-David Gravel, 12.747; 2. 17-Joey Saldana, 12.751; 3. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.773; 4. 41-Jason Johnson, 12.79; 5. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.825; 6. 21-Brian Brown, 12.827; 7. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.852; 8. 24-Rico Abreu, 12.94; 9. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.971; 10. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 12.974; 11. 19-Brent Marks, 12.977; 12. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.977; 13. 4-Paul McMahan, 12.994; 14. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.041; 15. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.064; 16. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.099; 17. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 13.188; 18. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.215; 19. 82-Stevie Sussex, 13.219; 20. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.25; 21. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.267; 22. 90-Lance Norick, 13.351; 23. 2A-Austin Pierce, 13.354; 24. 5C-Billy Chester, 13.503; 25. 22-Cori Andrews, 13.781; 26. 13-Clyde Knipp, 13.784. Lap Leaders: Brian Brown 1-15, Rico Abreu 16-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 11K-Kraig Kinser[+8]

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature: 1. 5-David Gravel [1]; 2. 41-Jason Johnson [2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [3]; 4. 4-Paul McMahan [5]; 5. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [4]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [6]; 7. 82-Stevie Sussex [7]; 8. 90-Lance Norick [8]; 9. 22-Cori Andrews [9]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature: 1. 17-Joey Saldana [1]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [3]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart [5]; 6. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [6]; 7. 11K-Kraig Kinser [7]; 8. 2A-Austin Pierce [8]; 9. 13-Clyde Knipp [9]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature: 1. 7S-Jason Sides [1]; 2. 21-Brian Brown [2]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [5]; 5. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [3]; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman [6]; 7. 1A-Jacob Allen [7]; 8. 5C-Billy Chester [8]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown [1]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [2]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [3]; 4. 17-Joey Saldana [5]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [4]; 6. 5-David Gravel [6]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature: 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2][-]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [3][-]; 3. 82-Stevie Sussex [1][-]; 4. 2A-Austin Pierce [5][-]; 5. 5C-Billy Chester [6][-]; 6. 90-Lance Norick [4][-]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [8][$300]; 8. 22-Cori Andrews [7][$250]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Colby Gorniewicz
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0229 | cgorniewicz@dirtcar.com

Please link back to the original article here

'Blackjack' Brian Brown Returns to Victory Lane at Cocopah Speedway

Browns first World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory in three years

SOMERTON, AZ - April 7, 2017 - Brian Brown ousted the field in the Yuma Valley Showdown at Cocopah Speedway for his first World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series win in over three years. It was a race where track position was key and Brown had just that by starting on the pole of the 30-lap Feature event. Donny Schatz grabbed his tenth top-five of the season with a runner-up finish.

By winning the Craftsman Club® Dash, Brian Brown was awarded the pole position - a starting position that proved to be invaluable. At the drop of the green flag, the Grain Valley, MO-driver quickly jumped out to an early lead over the 24-car field.

"This is awesome, we've had a rough couple of nights," said Brian Brown. "It's been an awesome start to the year, but the last couple of nights haven't been good. The [crew] had a talk before the race and decided to hit the reset button. We've been in position to win some of these races this year, we just haven't capitalized. To beat these guys is an honor and we're excited to get to [Arizona Speedway] tomorrow. I can't thank Casey General Stores, FVP and my crew enough for this."

With Jason Sides settling into the second position from the get go, Sheldon Haudenschild tried to strike early at advancing his position with a slide job on Sides. The aggressive move didn't stick however, proving costly as Schatz took advantage and vaulted into the fourth position.

The field started to search for more moisture on the track and eventually saw the groove move from the top of the 3/8th-mile oval down to the bottom. With leaders quickly approaching lap traffic, Schatz who was running third was able to get by Sides to move him into the runner-up position.

"We had a decent enough car to win but the way the track played out we had to be another row forward," said Donny Schatz. "Everyone's tires were bald and it was one groove in Turns 1 and 2 but Turn 3 and 4 had two grooves, we just used so much tires at the end. Just happy to salvage a second-place finish."

The only slow down on the day for World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series came on lap 25 of the 30-lap Feature event. The No. 13 of Clyde Knipp and Shane Stewart tangled in Turn 4; Stewart was able to rejoin the field, while Knipp's night was done early as he got a tow to the infield.

On the ensuing single-file restart Brown got off to a quick restart and jumped out to a five car-length lead over the No. 15 Arctic Cat machine of Donny Schatz. Making one last-ditch effort at Brown, Schatz came up unsuccessful allowing Brown to cruise to his first win of the 2017 season and his third career World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series win.

After experiencing motor issues during qualifying, Daryn Pittman and the No. 9 Great Clips Kasey Kahne Racing team changed power plants before the heat race. Pittman was able to qualify into the Feature event through the Last Chance Showdown to start 22nd on the field. The KSE Hard Charger gained positions during the feature to finish 14th.

The World of Outlaws head east for a stop at the Arizona Speedway for the Arizona Desert Showdown on Saturday, April 8th to wrap up the Western Spring swing before making their way back to Texas for a make-up show at Gator Motorplex on Thursday, April 13th and Devil's Bowl for a two-night event on April 14 and 15. For tickets visit WorldofOutlaws.com/Tickets or call 844-DIRT-TIX.

Cocopah Speedway Notebook

SEASON WINNERS:
Donny Schatz - 6 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); David Gravel - 3 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17, Placerville Speedway on March 29, Perris Auto Speedway on April 1); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Brad Sweet - 1 (Stockton Dirt Track on March 25), Logan Schuchart - 1 (Keller Auto Speedway), Brian Brown - 1 (Cocopah Speedway).

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Cocopah Speedway, AZ. April 7, 2017

Feature (30 Laps) :
1. 21-Brian Brown [1][$10,000]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$5,500]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$3,200]; 4. 7S-Jason Sides [2][$2,800]; 5. 4-Paul McMahan [6][$2,500]; 6. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][$2,300]; 7. 5-David Gravel [10][$2,200]; 8. 18-Ian Madsen [7][$2,100]; 9. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [8][$2,050]; 10. 24-Rico Abreu [12][$2,000]; 11. 1S-Logan Schuchart [13][$1,500]; 12. 41-Jason Johnson [11][$1,200]; 13. 17-Joey Saldana [15][$1,100]; 14. 9-Daryn Pittman [22][$1,050]; 15. W20-Greg Wilson [14][$1,000]; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser [17][$900]; 17. 2-Shane Stewart [9][$800]; 18. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [18][$800]; 19. 19-Brent Marks [19][$800]; 20. 5C-Billy Chester [21][$800]; 21. 82-Stevie Sussex [16][$800]; 22. 2A-Austin Pierce [23][$800]; 23. 13-Clyde Knipp [24][$800]; 24. 1A-Jacob Allen [20][$800] Lap Leaders: Brian Brown 1-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman[+8]

Qualifying :
1. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.529; 2. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 13.67; 3. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.778; 4. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.907; 5. 4-Paul McMahan, 13.909; 6. 21-Brian Brown, 13.926; 7. 5-David Gravel, 13.948; 8. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 14; 9. 2-Shane Stewart, 14.001; 10. 15-Donny Schatz, 14.047; 11. 41-Jason Johnson, 14.129; 12. 17-Joey Saldana, 14.161; 13. 82-Stevie Sussex, 14.167; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 14.218; 15. 24-Rico Abreu, 14.333; 16. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.421; 17. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.459; 18. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 14.469; 19. 19-Brent Marks, 14.737; 20. 2A-Austin Pierce, 14.768; 21. 5C-Billy Chester, 14.878; 22. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.906; 23. 1A-Jacob Allen, 14.924; 24. 22-Cori Andrews, 14.968; 25. 9-Daryn Pittman, NT

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature:
1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 3. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 4. 5-David Gravel [3]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart [6]; 6. 82-Stevie Sussex [5]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [7]; 8. 9-Daryn Pittman [9]; 9. 13-Clyde Knipp [8]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature:
1. 4-Paul McMahan [2]; 2. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [1]; 3. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [3]; 4. 41-Jason Johnson [4]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson [6]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5]; 7. 1A-Jacob Allen [8]; 8. 2A-Austin Pierce [7]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer to Feature:
1. 7S-Jason Sides [1]; 2. 21-Brian Brown [2]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu [5]; 5. 17-Joey Saldana [4]; 6. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [6]; 7. 5C-Billy Chester [7]; 8. 22-Cori Andrews [8]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps):
1. 21-Brian Brown [1]; 2. 7S-Jason Sides [4]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [3]; 4. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 6. 4-Paul McMahan [5]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) :
Top 6 Transfer to Feature: 1. 19-Brent Marks [1][-]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [5][-]; 3. 5C-Billy Chester [3][-]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [7][-]; 5. 2A-Austin Pierce [2][-]; 6. 13-Clyde Knipp [4][-]; 7. 22-Cori Andrews [6][$300]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Colby Gorniewicz
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0229 | cgorniewicz@dirtcar.com

Please link back to the original article here

PERRIS, CA – April 1, 2017 – David Gravel was the driver to beat at Perris Auto Speedway for the SoCal Showdown bringing an end the spring California swing. As the track rubbered-up, Gravel was in the ideal position, out front. Running mainly the high-lane around the half-mile oval, Gravel was able to pull away on multiple restarts to take home his third World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series victory of the season.

“I’m happy I got the jump on the restarts and got the lead to manipulate the race for yourself,” said the driver of the No. 5 CJB Motorsports GoMuddy.com machine. “Just happy to get another win, this is definitely huge, this the most wins I’ve had this early in the season. Not that it takes the pressure off but you just want to keep it rolling.”

A top-five qualifying effort, a heat-race win, and a second in the Craftsman Club Dash, allowed for Gravel to start on the front row of tonight’s 30-lap Feature. The driver that started the SoCal Showdown from the pole was California-native, Brad Sweet. With Gravel checking-out on the initial start, Sweet had his hands full fending off the rookie-of-the-year contender, Sheldon Haudenschild for the second position. A red flag was displayed on Lap 10 when the No. 2x of Parker Price-Miller went for a tumble in Turn 2; Price-Miller walked away unscathed.

The battle between Haudenschild and Sweet continued with sporadic challenges from series points leader, Donny Schatz and Friday night’s runner-up Ian Madsen.

Coming off a last-place finish the night before, the No. 49 Kasey Kahne Racing team was able to rebound for a second-place finish to round out the California trip.

“[Gravel] was just able to get the run on the restarts,” said the driver of the No. 49 NAPA Auto Parts machine. “Hats off to our guys, we had a great car all night. We got into lap traffic and I would get a good run and a caution came out — sometimes [cautions] fall when you want them to sometime they don’t. We’ll keep digging and hopefully we can get the NAPA Auto Parts car back into Victory Lane soon.”

The young-gun, Sheldon Haudenschild who has been consistent the last couple of weeks brought home a podium finish for the second time this season.

“I tried to get position on Brad [Sweet] on those restarts but I didn’t gain enough ground,” said Sheldon Haudenschild. “I’m still happy with tonight — thanks to my guys for all their hardwork.”

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will be back in action next Friday, April 7 when they make their first visit to Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, AZ. The following night, the Outlaws will head east to Arizona Speedway for their second trip.

Tickets for these events can be purchased on dirtcar.ticketforce.com or by calling 844-DIRT-TIX.

Perris Auto Speedway Notebook

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 6 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); David Gravel - 3 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17, Placerville Speedway on March 29, Perris Auto Speedway on April 1); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Brad Sweet - 1 (Stockton Dirt Track on March 25), Logan Schuchart - 1 (Keller Auto Speedway).

CONTINGENCY WINNERS - MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Parker Price-Miller; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): David Gravel; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Donny Schatz; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Paul McMahan; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Jason Sides; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Greg Wilson; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Greg Wilson; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; Super Flow ($50 cash): Brent Marks; Craftsman Club ($100 cash each): Brad Sweet, David Gravel, Jason Sides, Sheldon Haudensheld, Shane Stewart; Craftsman/Sears ($100 cash): N/A; KSE Racing Products ($100 product certificate): Greg Wilson; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): David Gravel; JE Pistons (Set of Rings each): Kraig Kinser, Randy Waitman.

Feature (30 Laps) - 1. 5-David Gravel [2][$10,000]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [1][$5,500]; 3. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][$3,200]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [7][$2,800]; 5. 18-Ian Madsen [8][$2,500]; 6. 4-Paul McMahan [12][$2,300]; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman [10][$2,200]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [3][$2,100]; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo [15][$2,050]; 10. W20-Greg Wilson [19][$2,000]; 11. 17-Joey Saldana [11][$1,500]; 12. 21-Brian Brown [16][$1,200]; 13. 1S-Logan Schuchart [17][$1,100]; 14. 19-Brent Marks [14][$1,050]; 15. 1A-Jacob Allen [21][$1,000]; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser [13][$900]; 17. 2-Shane Stewart [5][$800]; 18. 82-Stevie Sussex [20][$800]; 19. 41-Jason Johnson [6][$800]; 20. 26-Tayler Malsam [18][$800]; 21. 90-Randy Waitman [23][$800]; 22. 9Z-Jared Goerges [22][$800]; 23. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [9][$800]; 24. 73-Clyde Knipp (Substitute for Brady Bacon) [24][$800] Lap Leaders: David Gravel 1-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: W20-Greg Wilson[+9]

Qualifying - 1. 49-Brad Sweet, 14.468; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 14.482; 3. 41-Jason Johnson, 14.517; 4. 7S-Jason Sides, 14.603; 5. 5-David Gravel, 14.631; 6. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.635; 7. 15-Donny Schatz, 14.654; 8. 18-Ian Madsen, 14.678; 9. 4-Paul McMahan, 14.69; 10. 9-Daryn Pittman, 14.748; 11. 17-Joey Saldana, 14.758; 12. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 14.799; 13. 21-Brian Brown, 14.852; 14. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.86; 15. 73-Brady Bacon, 14.913; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 15.024; 17. 19-Brent Marks, 15.088; 18. 21X-Carson Macedo, 15.115; 19. 26-Tayler Malsam, 15.144; 20. 82-Stevie Sussex, 15.172; 21. 9Z-Jared Goerges, 15.195; 22. W20-Greg Wilson, 15.229; 23. 1A-Jacob Allen, 15.347; 24. 13-Clyde Knipp, 15.467; 25. 90-Randy Waitman, 16.199; 26. 22-Cori Andrews, 16.257

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer - 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 7S-Jason Sides [2]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [3]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [4]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [6]; 6. 21-Brian Brown [5]; 7. 26-Tayler Malsam [7]; 8. W20-Greg Wilson [8]; 9. 90-Randy Waitman [9]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer - 1. 5-David Gravel [2]; 2. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 3. 18-Ian Madsen [3]; 4. 17-Joey Saldana [4]; 5. 19-Brent Marks [6]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart [5]; 7. 82-Stevie Sussex [7]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [8]; 9. 22-Cori Andrews [9]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer - 1. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 2. 41-Jason Johnson [1]; 3. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [4]; 4. 4-Paul McMahan [3]; 5. 21X-Carson Macedo [6]; 6. 73-Brady Bacon [5]; 7. 9Z-Jared Goerges [7]; 8. 13-Clyde Knipp [8]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps) - 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [2]; 3. 7S-Jason Sides [4]; 4. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [3]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [5]; 6. 41-Jason Johnson [6]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer - 1. 26-Tayler Malsam [1][-]; 2. W20-Greg Wilson [4][-]; 3. 82-Stevie Sussex [2][-]; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen [5][-]; 5. 9Z-Jared Goerges [3][-]; 6. 90-Randy Waitman [7][-]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [6][$300]; 8. 22-Cori Andrews [8][$250]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Colby Gorniewicz
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0229 | cgorniewicz@dirtcar.com

Please link back to the original article here

Schuchart Charges from Deep for First Victory of 2017

Schatz comes from 21st to third for eighth top-five finish of the year

HANFORD, CA – April 1, 2017 –Shark Racing’s Logan Schuchart started the 35-lap Kings Outlaw Showdown from the 19th position at Keller Auto Speedway — the KSE Hard Charger award winner picked his way to the front of the 26-car field. Late in the race, Schuchart found the bottom groove of the 3/8th-mile oval to work his way past eventual runner-up, Ian Madsen on the final lap to score his first victory of the 2017 season.

After starting the season having overcome adversity when the teams tow-vehicle broke down on the way to the opening World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series event, the team relied on support from the racing industry to assist with getting them to each Outlaw event.

“This adds onto the excitement and the accomplishments. It doesn’t matter if you start from the pole or wherever, if you can win an Outlaws race, these things are really tough [to win] no matter where you go. I’m just happy for my team to be able to get a win and it just makes it that much more exciting to start from 19th. We just really need to thank [Ryan] Smith family for letting us use their toter-home to come all the way [to California] and everyone that donated to the GoFundMe, you never want to be in that position but we were in a tough spot and we wouldn’t be out here if it wasn’t for those people.”

Ian Madsen and James McFadden, made up an all-Australian front-row for the start of the Kings Outlaw Showdown at Keller Auto Speedway. It was Madsen who would show the way for a total of 31 of the 35 laps in the Feature.

The event was slowed several times, including on lap four when Brad Sweet, who came into the night second in points, brushed the outside Turn 4 wall. Sweet was forced to retire from the event early resulting in a 26th-place finish.

Making his presences known, the Hanover, PA-native Schuchart had worked his way up to the fourth running position by lap 14.

It was on lap 20 when the local hero, Cory Eliason from nearby Fresno, CA made a bid to steal the show by charging from the 16th-starting position to wrangle the lead away from Madsen. As the large crowd at the Keller Auto Speedway erupted in excitement, Eliason lost the handling on his No. 00 machine and spun on the backstretch; forfeiting the lead just as quickly as he got it.

With Madsen back in control of the lead once again, he fended off a new challenger in David Gravel. In total, Madsen had five different drivers start to his right on the double-file restarts. Schuchart snuck by Gravel on the restart and immediately went to work on Madsen.

“It was a pretty strong run for the KPC team,” said Ian Madsen driver of the No. 18. “Kind of got nervous [with all those restarts] didn’t really know what to do, with someone different coming up each time. We’ll go onto Perris and see if we can win.”

The driver of the No. 1s of Schuchart started to search around for some moisture; he eventually found it on the bottom groove.

“I was able to find a little moister off [turn] four and it helped me, at least for me to get up to [Madsen] so I could make a move in [turns] three and four,” added Schuchart.

The Series points leader, Donny Schatz who had to use the Last Chance Showdown to transfer into the Feature event put on a show to grab a third-place finish. This marks Schatz’s eighth top-five of the season.

This victory marks Schuchart’s third career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series win.

The Series travels south to Perris Auto Speedway for the SoCal Showdown on Saturday Night to wrap up the Spring portion of the California swing.

Feature (35 Laps) - 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [19][$10,000]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [2][$5,500]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [21][$3,200]; 4. 5-David Gravel [9][$2,800]; 5. 51-James McFadden [1][$2,500]; 6. 7S-Jason Sides [23][$2,300]; 7. W20-Greg Wilson [25][$1,400]; 8. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [12][$2,100]; 9. 83-Kyle Hirst [11][$2,050]; 10. 2-Shane Stewart [5][$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [26][$700]; 12. 19-Brent Marks [15][$1,200]; 13. 41-Jason Johnson [3][$1,100]; 14. 21X-Carson Macedo [14][$1,050]; 15. 4-Paul McMahan [10][$1,000]; 16. OO-Cory Eliason [16][$900]; 17. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [8][$800]; 18. 17-Joey Saldana [4][$800]; 19. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [20][$800]; 20. 9-Daryn Pittman [24][$800]; 21. 21-Brian Brown [18][$800]; 22. 3C-DJ Netto [22][$800]; 23. 83JR-Tim Kaeding [13][$800]; 24. O-Bud Kaeding [17][$800]; 25. 24-Rico Abreu [6][$800]; 26. 49-Brad Sweet [7][$800]. Lap Leaders: Ian Madsen 1-18, 21-33; Cory Eliason 19-20; Logan Schuchart 34-35; KSE Hard Charger Award: 1S-Logan Schuchart[+18]

Qualifying - 1. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.999; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.026; 3. 17-Joey Saldana, 13.053; 4. 24-Rico Abreu, 13.093; 5. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 13.157; 6. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.187; 7. 83-Kyle Hirst, 13.23; 8. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 13.245; 9. 5-David Gravel, 13.251; 10. 4-Paul McMahan, 13.258; 11. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 13.273; 12. 51-James McFadden, 13.279; 13. 83JR-Tim Kaeding, 13.324; 14. 21-Brian Brown, 13.335; 15. 3C-DJ Netto, 13.364; 16. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 13.368; 17. 15-Donny Schatz, 13.369; 18. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.371; 19. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.405; 20. 98-Sean Watts, 13.41; 21. O-Bud Kaeding, 13.416; 22. 21X-Carson Macedo, 13.474; 23. 26-Tayler Malsam, 13.48; 24. OO-Cory Eliason, 13.488; 25. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.532; 26. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.58; 27. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.635; 28. 73-Brady Bacon, 13.68; 29. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.702; 30. 9Z-Jared Goerges, 13.998; 31. 19-Brent Marks, 14.034; 32. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.51; 33. 90-Randy Waitman, NT

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer to Feature- 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [2]; 3. 5-David Gravel [3]; 4. 83JR-Tim Kaeding [4]; 5. O-Bud Kaeding [6]; 6. 15-Donny Schatz [5]; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman [7]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [8]; 9. 90-Randy Waitman [9]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer to Feature- 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 41-Jason Johnson [2]; 3. 4-Paul McMahan [3]; 4. 21X-Carson Macedo [6]; 5. 21-Brian Brown [4]; 6. 7S-Jason Sides [5]; 7. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 8. 9Z-Jared Goerges [8]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer to Feature- 1. 17-Joey Saldana [1]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [5]; 3. 83-Kyle Hirst [2]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [8]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 6. 11K-Kraig Kinser [7]; 7. 26-Tayler Malsam [6]; 8. 3C-DJ Netto [4]

Heat #4 (8 Laps) - Top 5 Transfer to Feature- 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 51-James McFadden [3]; 3. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 4. OO-Cory Eliason [6]; 5. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [4]; 6. 73-Brady Bacon [7]; 7. 98-Sean Watts [5]; 8. 13-Clyde Knipp [8]

Craftsman Club Dash (6 Laps) - 1. 51-James McFadden [1]; 2. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 3. 41-Jason Johnson [3]; 4. 17-Joey Saldana [6]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [7]; 6. 24-Rico Abreu [5]; 7. 49-Brad Sweet [8]; 8. 2X-Parker Price-Miller [4]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 4 Transfer to Feature - 1. 15-Donny Schatz [2][-]; 2. 3C-DJ Netto [1][-]; 3. 7S-Jason Sides [3][-]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [6][-]; 5. 73-Brady Bacon [9][$300]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [7][$250]; 7. 98-Sean Watts [4][$225]; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser [8][$200]; 9. 1A-Jacob Allen [10][$200]; 10. 26-Tayler Malsam [5][$200]; 11. 13-Clyde Knipp [12][$200]; 12. 9Z-Jared Goerges [11][$200]; 13. 90-Randy Waitman [13][$200]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Cristina Cordova
World of Outlaws PR
704-7070236 | ccordova@dirtcar.com

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David Gravel Holds Off a Closing Rico Abreu and Promoter Brad Sweet to Claim World of Outlaws Victory at Placerville Speedway

by Gary Thomas

PLACERVILLE, CA — March 29, 2017 — Taking the lead just after the halfway point in the feature, Watertown, Connecticut’s David Gravel hung tough through multiple restarts and eventually held off a fast moving Rico Abreu to pick up his second World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series win of the season Wednesday night.

The victory at Brad Sweet’s Placerville Short Track Showdown was the first of Gravel’s career at the tight high-banked quarter-mile and came aboard the familiar CJB Motorsports/ Go Muddy No. 2 Sprinter. He now joins Donny Schatz as the second repeat winner with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series in 2017.

Gravel had taken the lead at the original start of the 40-lap race, but a yellow flag before one lap could be completed made for a complete restart. On the ensuing green flag Bixby, Oklahoma’s Shane Stewart rocketed out to the top-spot. The driver of the Larson/Marks Racing No. 2 held command over the early stages and fended off Gravel as he looked for season win number one.

Racing through heavy traffic just past the midway point, however, Stewart’s bid at victory fell through when contact with the front stretch wall left him with a reported broken shock. Gravel and Rutherford’s Rico Abreu were both able to get by prior to Stewart slowing on lap 25 to bring out a caution. Back to green, Grass Valley racer and event promoter Brad Sweet went to work on Greg Wilson for the third spot. After battling for a couple laps Sweet assumed the position and attempted to move in on the top duo.

With just six laps left Australian traveler James McFadden climbed the back stretch hill and got upside down to cause a red flag. He emerged okay but was done for the night. The green flag then waved for the final time, and Abreu committed to the bottom side of the speedway, while Gravel railed the top.

Abreu was able to get to his inside going into turn one on lap 38, but Gravel got better drive off the corner and dove to the bottom in turn three. The move broke all the momentum Abreu had built up, and that was all she wrote as Gravel took the checkered flag by 1.147 seconds.

“We haven’t really had much luck here at Placerville the last two years, so it feels fantastic to come out of here with a victory,” Gravel commented on the front stretch. “Shane Stewart set a torrid pace there at the beginning, and when he made that mistake I knew that I had to capitalize. I saw Rico poke his nose in there late in the race as well, so I moved down to run the bottom coming down for the white flag. It takes an army to win these races, and I have one heck of a team behind me. I can’t thank CJB Motorsports, Barry Jackson and this whole team enough.”

The runner up finish capped a great night for Abreu in front of his home state fans. “I really tried to be patient there at the end running the bottom, but it was really hard to judge your speed out there,” said the driver of the Abreu Vineyards No. 24 machine. “After that red flag we were really good, and even though I wanted to win, we’ll take a second with these guys. It was really an electric atmosphere tonight and a lot of fun, so I want to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting this deal.”

Sweet capped a solid run in the feature with a third place effort aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing/ NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 Sprinter. “I definitely didn’t want to see that red near the end because I felt we had really got rolling at that point. It was another good night for the 49 team though, so we’re happy. It was great to see so many people here at Placerville Speedway tonight, and I hope we put on a good show for everyone. Big thanks to my guys for all their hard work on the race car and all the people that helped put this event on.”

Greg Wilson put together an impressive night and crossed the stripe in fourth to earn his best finish of the season, while California driver Kyle Hirst tallied his first top-five of the 2017 campaign as well finishing fifth. The remainder of the top-10 was filled out by Owasso, Oklahoma’s Daryn Pittman; Wooster, Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild; Campbell’s Bud Kaeding; Bartlett, Tennessee’s Jason Sides and Eunice, Louisiana’s Jason Johnson. Brownsburg, Indiana’s Joey Saldana earned the KSE Hard Charger Award coming from 26th to 11th in the feature.

Current NASCAR Monster Energy Cup point leader Kyle Larson also competed during the night and was moving forward in the feature, until he clipped a spinning car. After going to the back he then got forced off the track in turn two, which ultimately ended his night.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to action this Friday night at the Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, CA. The following night finds the series in action at Perris Auto Speedway in Lake Perris, CA.

PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY NOTEBOOK

RACE NOTES: David Gravel takes the lead from Shane Stewart during lap 22 and staves Rico Abreu off for the second half of the race. Brad Sweet comes in third, with World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series points leader Donny Schatz and NASCAR Monster Energy Cup points leader Kyle Larson in 12 and 24 respectively.

CONTINGENCY WINNERS - MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Shane Stewart; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): David Gravel; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Greg Wilson; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Daryn Pittman; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Bud Kaeding; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Jason Sides; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Jason Johnson; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Brent Makrs; Super Flow ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; Craftsman Club ($100 cash each): Shane Stewart, David Gravel, Daryn Pittman, Greg Wilson, Brad Sweet; Craftsman/Sears ($100 cash): Bud Kaeding; KSE Racing Products ($100 product certificate): Joey Saldana; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): David Gravel; JE Pistons (Set of Rings each): Paul McMahan, Shane Stewart.

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 6 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); David Gravel - 2 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17, Placerville Speedway on March 29); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Brad Sweet - 1 (Stockton Dirt Track on March 25).

World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Placerville Speedway, CA; March 29, 2017

Feature - (40 Laps) 1. 5-David Gravel[2][$10,000]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[5][$5,500]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet[7][$3,200]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson[6][$2,800]; 5. 83-Kyle Hirst[10][$2,500]; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman[4][$2,300]; 7. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[11][$2,200]; 8. O-Bud Kaeding[3][$2,100]; 9. 7S-Jason Sides[9][$2,050]; 10. 41-Jason Johnson[8][$2,000]; 11. 17-Joey Saldana[26][$1,500]; 12. 15-Donny Schatz[25][$1,200]; 13. 19-Brent Marks[12][$1,100]; 14. 92-Andy Forsberg[14][$1,050]; 15. 1S-Logan Schuchart[21][$1,000]; 16. 83JR-Tim Kaeding[18][$900]; 17. 21X-Carson Macedo[22][$800]; 18. 18-Ian Madsen[20][$800]; 19. 4-Paul McMahan[19][$800]; 20. 11K-Kraig Kinser[15][$800]; 21. 51-James McFadden[23][$800]; 22. 2-Shane Stewart[1][$800]; 23. 21-Brian Brown[13][$800]; 24. 57-Kyle Larson[16][$800]; 25. 22-Shane Golobic[24][$800]; 26. 73-Brady Bacon[17][$800]; Lap Leaders: Shane Stewart 1-21, David Gravel 22-40; KSE Hard Charger Award: 17-Joey Saldana[+15]

Qualifying - 1. 5-David Gravel, 10.467; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 10.565; 3. O-Bud Kaeding, 10.608; 4. W20-Greg Wilson, 10.682; 5. 7S-Jason Sides, 10.757; 6. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 10.762; 7. 73-Brady Bacon, 10.798; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 10.877; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo, 10.907; 10. 4-Paul McMahan, 10.908; 11. 21-Brian Brown, 10.912; 12. 22M-Mason Moore, 10.917; 13. 31C-Justyn Cox, 10.932; 14. 68-Chase Johnson, 10.934; 15. 15-Donny Schatz, 10.952; 16. 13-Clyde Knipp, 11.166; 17. 26-Tayler Malsam, 11.178; 18. 93K-Kalib Henry, 11.188; 19. 41-Jason Johnson, 10.492; 20. 49-Brad Sweet, 10.527; 21. 24-Rico Abreu, 10.551; 22. 9-Daryn Pittman, 10.567; 23. 83JR-Tim Kaeding, 10.626; 24. 57-Kyle Larson, 10.657; 25. 92-Andy Forsberg, 10.669; 26. 19-Brent Marks, 10.684; 27. 83-Kyle Hirst, 10.692; 28. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 10.724; 29. 22-Shane Golobic, 10.734; 30. 18-Ian Madsen, 10.771; 31. 51-James McFadden, 10.772; 32. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 10.792; 33. 29-Willie Croft, 10.803; 34. 17-Joey Saldana, 10.818; 35. 7C-Sean Becker, 10.828; 36. 1A-Jacob Allen, 10.840; 37. 3C-DJ Netto, 11.096

Heat 1 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 5-David Gravel[1] ; 2. O-Bud Kaeding[2] ; 3. 7S-Jason Sides[3] ; 4. 21-Brian Brown[6] ; 5. 73-Brady Bacon[4] ; 6. 15-Donny Schatz[8] ; 7. 31C-Justyn Cox[7] ; 8. 26-Tayler Malsam[9] ; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo[5]

Heat 2 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 2-Shane Stewart[1] ; 2. W20-Greg Wilson[2] ; 3. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[3] ; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser[4] ; 5. 4-Paul McMahan[5] ; 6. 93K-Kalib Henry[9] ; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp[8] ; 8. 68-Chase Johnson[7] ; 9. 22M-Mason Moore[6]

Heat 3 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 41-Jason Johnson[1] ; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[2] ; 3. 83-Kyle Hirst[5] ; 4. 92-Andy Forsberg[4] ; 5. 83JR-Tim Kaeding[3] ; 6. 3C-DJ Netto[10] ; 7. 7C-Sean Becker[9] ; 8. 22-Shane Golobic[6] ; 9. 29-Willie Croft[8] ; 10. 51-James McFadden[7]

Heat 4 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 9-Daryn Pittman[2] ; 2. 49-Brad Sweet[1] ; 3. 19-Brent Marks[4] ; 4. 57-Kyle Larson[3] ; 5. 18-Ian Madsen[6] ; 6. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[7] ; 7. 17-Joey Saldana[8] ; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen[9] ; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[5]

Craftsman Club Dash - (8 Laps, finishing order determined first 8 starting positions of Feature) 1. 2-Shane Stewart[3] ; 2. 5-David Gravel[1] ; 3. O-Bud Kaeding[5] ; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman[4] ; 5. 24-Rico Abreu[6] ; 6. W20-Greg Wilson[7] ; 7. 49-Brad Sweet[8] ; 8. 41-Jason Johnson[2]

C-Main - (10 Laps - Top 2 finishers transfer to the Last Chance Showdown) 1. 17-Joey Saldana[2] [-]; 2. 3C-DJ Netto[7] [-]; 3. 7C-Sean Becker[4] [$150]; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen[6] [$150]; 5. 26-Tayler Malsam[3] [$150]; 6. 93K-Kalib Henry[5] [$125]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp[1] [$125]

Last Chance Showdown - (12 Laps - Top 4 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart[2] [-]; 2. 21X-Carson Macedo[1] [-]; 3. 51-James McFadden[6] [-]; 4. 22-Shane Golobic[4] [-]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz[9] [$300]; 6. 68-Chase Johnson[7] [$250]; 7. 22M-Mason Moore[3] [$225]; 8. 17-Joey Saldana[11] [$200]; 9. 29-Willie Croft[10] [$200]; 10. 3C-DJ Netto[12] [$200]; 11. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[8] [$200]; 12. 31C-Justyn Cox[5] [$200]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Colby Gorniewicz
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0229 | cgorniewicz@dirtcar.com

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Donny Schatz charges from third to first in closing laps to win sixth World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series feature in eight races

Tulare, CA - March 19, 2017 - Fargo, North Dakota's Donny Schatz found more late-race magic on Saturday night getting around Kasey Kahne Racing teammates Brad Sweet and Daryn Pittman with just a few laps left en route to his sixth victory of the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series season.

The triumph for Schatz was his first at the Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare since the 2007 season and came aboard the familiar Tony Stewart Racing/ Arctic Cat No. 15 machine. The eight-time World of Outlaws champion was settled in the third spot as the laps wound down, until making a thrilling move around the outside of the speedway to thread his way by the leaders in heavy lapped traffic.

"It feels really good to finally say we won in Tulare again," Schatz said emphatically on the front stretch. "I didn't think the track would take rubber so it kind of caught me by surprise. I really tried to save my tires and when we got to traffic late in the race the pace slowed down a lot. I decided I might as well try something and luckily it worked. I get all the credit, but it's really all about my team. We have an incredible group of people that work on this race car and that makes it so much fun. I can't thank all our sponsors enough for supporting us and giving us the opportunity to win races."

The 35-lap feature started out with a three-wide battle for the lead that saw Pittman get the better of it to motor out into the lead over Sweet and pole sitter Shane Stewart.

Early on in the feature the racing was fantastic throughout the field, as the slick surface made for some tremendous action. Caution periods kept the leaders out of traffic however, as Pittman held command out front. Once the midway point of the feature approached rubber began to come down on the surface and made passing opportunities limited. Sweet had kept Pittman in his sights though and hounded the rear bumper of the Great Clips No. 9 for much of the distance.

When the five to go signal was given the top-three bunched up as Schatz looked to make his move. With 32-laps in the record books the current World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series point leader blasted to the high-side to drive around Sweet for the second spot. He then stayed up high and charged around Pittman for the lead coming down to complete lap 33. After that Schatz pulled away to take the checkered flag by 1.951 seconds back to runner up Pittman.

Even though he was disappointed in the outcome Pittman kept an upbeat attitude following the race saying, "This is basically a new team this year with our crew chief change so hopefully it will be a momentum boost for us. I did everything I could tonight, but our engine just wouldn't run right in the feature. I definitely didn't want to see the rubber because our car wouldn't pull forward in it. Tulare is a tough track for me so I'm happy to be on the podium. It's a long season and the wins will come. I'm definitely happy with the effort that our whole has put forth."

Sweet crossed the stripe in third to earn another podium finish in the Kasey Kahne Racing/ Napa Auto Parts No. 49 Sprinter. "I was nervous that it would take rubber and Donny pretty much showed why he is the best tonight. He was able to make his line work the best and kind of schooled us, so we'll keep plugging away to try and get better. We have some good tracks for us coming up so that has me excited. We'll move on to Stockton and hopefully get a win next week."

Wooster, Ohio's Sheldon Haudenschild capped a strong weekend by finishing in the fourth spot, while Rutherford's Rico Abreu rounded out the top-five. Completing the top-10 were Shane Stewart; Eunice, Louisiana's Jason Johnson; San Jose's Tim Kaeding; Lemoore's Carson Macedo and Watertown, Connecticut's David Gravel. Hanover, Pennsylvania's Logan Schuchart earned the KSE Hard Charger Award by coming from 25th to 13th in the feature.

Australian Ian Madsen won the night's Last Chance Showdown, with Shane Stewart taking home the Craftsman Club Dash. The four 10-lap heat races were picked off by Jason Johnson, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz and Rico Abreu. Shane Stewart kicked-off the night by setting fast time in the 36-car field with a lap of 13.392 around the one-third mile clay oval.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to action this coming Friday and Saturday at the Stockton Dirt Track for the FVP Western Spring Shootout.

Thunderbowl Raceway Notebook

Race Notes: Donny Schatz used lap traffic with two laps remaining to slip by Daryn Pittman for his sixth win of the 2017 season. Sweet secures second podium finish of weekend at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway.

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 5 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); David Gravel - 1 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17)

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series Statistical Report, Thunderbowl Raceway, CA, March 18, 2017

Feature - (35 Laps) 1. 15-Donny Schatz [3] [$10,000]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [2] [$5,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [4] [$3,000]; 4. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [8] [$2,700]; 5. 24-Rico Abreu [5] [$2,500]; 6. 2-Shane Stewart [1] [$2,200]; 7. 41-Jason Johnson [7] [$2,000]; 8. 83JR-Tim Kaeding [16] [$1,800]; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo [19] [$1,600]; 10. 5-David Gravel [10] [$1,450]; 11. 17-Joey Saldana [9] [$1,300]; 12. 18-Ian Madsen [21] [$1,200]; 13. 1S-Logan Schuchart [25] [$400]; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser [14] [$1,000]; 15. 19-Brent Marks [17] [$950]; 16. 18S-Jason Solwold [13] [$900]; 17. 4-Paul McMahan [18] [$850]; 18. 7S-Jason Sides [26] [$50]; 19. W20-Greg Wilson [23] [$725]; 20. 51-James McFadden [12] [$700]; 21. 21-Brian Brown [24] [$700]; 22. 3C-DJ Netto [6] [$700]; 23. 88-Terry McCarl [20] [$700]; 24. 20-Cory Eliason [11] [$700]; 25. 41S-Dominic Scelzi [15] [$700]; 26. 83-Kyle Hirst [22] [$700] Lap Leaders: Daryn Pittman 1-32, Donny Schatz 33-35 KSE Hard Charger Award: 1S-Logan Schuchart[+12]

Qualifying - 1. 2-Shane Stewart, 13.392; 2. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.448; 3. 15-Donny Schatz, 13.451; 4. 3C-DJ Netto, 13.498; 5. 41-Jason Johnson, 13.512; 6. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 13.568; 7. 20-Cory Eliason, 13.646; 8. 24-Rico Abreu, 13.662; 9. 17-Joey Saldana, 13.672; 10. 5-David Gravel, 13.708; 11. 18-Ian Madsen, 13.799; 12. 51-James McFadden, 13.807; 13. 19-Brent Marks, 13.828; 14. 9-Daryn Pittman, 13.830; 15. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.832; 16. 88-Terry McCarl, 13.835; 17. 83-Kyle Hirst, 13.893; 18. 4-Paul McMahan, 13.894; 19. 41S-Dominic Scelzi, 13.994; 20. 21-Brian Brown, 14.072; 21. 18S-Jason Solwold, 14.131; 22. 13-Clyde Knipp, 14.213; 23. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.241; 24. 83JR-Tim Kaeding, 14.318; 25. 37-Mitchell Faccinto, 14.323; 26. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 14.395; 27. 21X-Carson Macedo, 14.442; 28. 1A-Jacob Allen, 14.446; 29. 82-Kevin Thomas Jr, 14.460; 30. 22-Cori Andrews, 14.461; 31. 98-Sean Watts, 14.513; 32. 29-Willie Croft, 14.581; 33. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.611; 34. 68-Chase Johnson, 14.681; 35. 7S-Jason Sides, 14.760; 36. O-Bud Kaeding, 14.850

Heat 1 - (8 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 41-Jason Johnson[2] ; 2. 2-Shane Stewart[1] ; 3. 17-Joey Saldana[3] ; 4. 18S-Jason Solwold[6] ; 5. 19-Brent Marks[4] ; 6. 83-Kyle Hirst[5] ; 7. 82-Kevin Thomas Jr[8] ; 8. 37-Mitchell Faccinto[7] ; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[9]

Heat 2 - (8 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[2] ; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman[4] ; 3. 5-David Gravel[3] ; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser[1] ; 5. 4-Paul McMahan[5] ; 6. 68-Chase Johnson[9] ; 7. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[7] ; 8. 13-Clyde Knipp[6] ; 9. 22-Cori Andrews[8]

Heat 3 - (8 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 15-Donny Schatz[1] ; 2. 49-Brad Sweet[4] ; 3. 20-Cory Eliason[2] ; 4. 41S-Dominic Scelzi[5] ; 5. 21X-Carson Macedo[7] ; 6. W20-Greg Wilson[6] ; 7. 7S-Jason Sides[9] ; 8. 98-Sean Watts[8] ; 9. 18-Ian Madsen[3]

Heat 4 - (8 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 24-Rico Abreu[2] ; 2. 3C-DJ Netto[1] ; 3. 51-James McFadden[3] ; 4. 83JR-Tim Kaeding[6] ; 5. 88-Terry McCarl[4] ; 6. 21-Brian Brown[5] ; 7. 29-Willie Croft[8] ; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen[7] ; 9. O-Bud Kaeding[9]

Craftsman Club® Dash - (6 Laps, finishing order determined first 8 starting positions of Feature)
1. 2-Shane Stewart[2] ; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman[1] ; 3. 15-Donny Schatz[4] ; 4. 49-Brad Sweet[7] ; 5. 24-Rico Abreu[3] ; 6. 3C-DJ Netto[8] ; 7. 41-Jason Johnson[6] ; 8. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[5]

Last Chance Showdown - (12 Laps - Top 4 finishers transfer to the Feature)
1. 18-Ian Madsen[1] [-]; 2. 83-Kyle Hirst[2] [-]; 3. W20-Greg Wilson[5] [-]; 4. 21-Brian Brown[3] [-]; 5. 29-Willie Croft[12] [$300]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart[13] [$250]; 7. 68-Chase Johnson[14] [$225]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides[15] [$200]; 9. O-Bud Kaeding[16] [$200]; 10. 37-Mitchell Faccinto[6] [$200]; 11. 13-Clyde Knipp[4] [$200]; 12. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[7] [$200]; 13. 82-Kevin Thomas Jr[9] [$200]; 14. 98-Sean Watts[11] [$200]; 15. 22-Cori Andrews[10] [$200]; 16. 1A-Jacob Allen[8] [$200]