Schatz Wins Thriller From 10th in 2018 Season Finale at Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC – November 3, 2018 – In fitting fashion, Donny Schatz came from 10th at The Dirt Track at Charlotte to win the final night of the World Finals presented by Can-Am. Schatz wrapped up his 10th World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Championship on Thursday. Logan Schuchart, who exchanged slide jobs with Schatz coming to the White Flag, settled for second with ninth-starting Brad Sweet completing the podium.

Spencer Bayston, in search of his first career World of Outlaws win, won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 30-lap Feature alongside Carson Macedo, who won the second Dash.

It was Macedo, who will join the Outlaws full-time with Kyle Larson Racing in 2019, getting the jump on the initial start to lead the opening circuit. Bayston remained in tow as fifth-starting Logan Schuchart darted to third on the second lap.

Schuchart, who came from 20th to complete the podium Saturday afternoon, took second from Bayston on Lap 8 and set his eyes on Macedo.

Schuchart went for the lead on Lap 9 with a big slide job in turn four, but Macedo powered around the Shark Racing No.1S. Schuchart took the lead on Lap 11 with a slide job in turn two but once again Macedo was ready with a slide job of his own out of turn four to lead the lap.

Jason Sides brought out the first caution of the event on Lap 14. Schatz, who started 10th, went from sixth to fourth on the restart before Sheldon Haudenschild slowed on the following lap.

On that restart Schatz maneuvered by Bayston and Schuchart for the runner-up position and began closing in on Macedo.

Macedo set a strong pace and looked poised out front in his second night racing for KLR but it was not meant to be as a flat right rear tire sent the Lemoore, CA native into the wall with 23 laps complete.

Schatz inherited the lead, but his job was far from done as a determined Schuchart stayed right with the Champion on the restart. As Schuchart closed in on Schatz, the sellout crowd roared in anticipation of an upset victory.

With two laps remaining, Schuchart pulled the big slide job through turn one and two but Schatz returned the favor on the other end to remain in command coming to the White Flag.

A last-ditch effort from Schuchart came up just short as Schatz went on to win his 22nd Feature of the season.

When asked about the pace set by young guns Macedo and Schuchart, Schatz said, “The sport’s pretty damn bright. Even the old guys can still get it done.”

“Hats off to my guys, they have worked their butts off all season. I’m the hardest guy in the pits to work for because if it’s not perfect, I’m not happy,” Schatz said with a smile next to his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing No.15. “These guys do an excellent job night in and night out. I felt great on that restart with seven to go and I knew it would take someone with a lot of speed to stay with me and sure enough here comes the 1S.”

Before celebrating his victory, Schatz showed true sportsmanship going over and congratulating Schuchart on a great, clean race.

“I knew it was going to be tough to beat him. I had one shot and couldn’t make it stick but it is great to be able to have a good, clean race with the 10-time Champion,” Schuchart said.

When asked about the progress of Shark Racing, who just secured Drydene Performance as a title sponsor, Schuchart couldn’t help but get emotional, “We have grown tremendously, and it all starts with [Bobby Allen]. I’m so proud to be his grandson,” Schuchart said to a huge ovation.

Brad Sweet clawed his way forward from ninth to finish on the podium. “We’ve been in the hunt all year long. It was a great season and it was nice to end on the podium,” Sweet, who enjoyed a career-best season, said.

Tim Shaffer finished fourth, his second top-five of the day, with 11th-starting Gio Scelzi completing the top-five.Kraig Kinser earned KSE Hard Charger honors, advancing 13 positions after taking a Provisional.

The 2018 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series 40th Anniversary officially comes to an end tomorrow evening with the Awards Banquet. DIRTVision.com will be live streaming both the Sprint Car and Late Model banquets for free.

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [10][$12,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [5][$5,500]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [9][$3,200]; 4. 49X-Tim Shaffer [3][$2,800]; 5. 71-Giovanni Scelzi [11][$2,500]; 6. 39-Spencer Bayston [1][$2,300]; 7. 5-David Gravel [6][$2,200]; 8. 5M-Kerry Madsen [4][$2,100]; 9. 41-Joey Saldana [13][$2,050]; 10. 71P-Parker Price-Miller [7][$2,000]; 11. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$1,500]; 12. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [20][$1,200]; 13. 11K-Kraig Kinser [25][$100]; 14. 18-Ian Madsen [19][$1,050]; 15. 9-Daryn Pittman [24][$1,000]; 16. 21-Brian Brown [21][$1,000]; 17. 7S-Jason Sides [27][$]; 18. 71X-Dominic Scelzi [18][$1,000]; 19. 87-Aaron Reutzel [14][$1,000]; 20. 13-Paul McMahan [12][$1,000]; 21. 19-Brent Marks [17][$1,000]; 22. 83-Cory Eliason [22][$1,000]; 23. W20-Greg Wilson [28][$]; 24. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [16][$1,000]; 25. 1A-Jacob Allen [26][$]; 26. 17A-Austin McCarl [15][$1,000]; 27. 22-Carson Macedo [2][$1,000]; 28. 15H-Sam Hafertepe [23][$1,000]; Lap Leaders: Carson Macedo 1-23, Donny Schatz 24-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 11K-Kraig Kinser[+12]

Qualifying Flight-A: 1. 71P-Parker Price-Miller, 12.71; 2. 39-Spencer Bayston, 12.772; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 12.775; 4. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.783; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.798; 6. 71-Giovanni Scelzi, 12.83; 7. 41-Joey Saldana, 12.83; 8. 83-Cory Eliason, 12.842; 9. 4-Kasey Kahne, 12.88; 10. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.898; 11. 44-Trey Starks, 12.906; 12. 19-Brent Marks, 12.948; 13. 51-Freddie Rahmer, 12.967; 14. 17A-Austin McCarl, 13.002; 15. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 13.004; 16. 19P-Paige Polyak, 13.01; 17. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.017; 18. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.043; 19. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.08; 20. 35-Justin Henderson, 13.136; 21. 11-Carl Bowser, 13.159; 22. 9X-Paul Nienhiser, 13.268; 23. 97-Caleb Helms, 13.276; 24. 99-Skylar Gee, 13.369; 25. 49H-Bradley Howard, 13.586; 26. 14-Jeremy Hill, 14.571

Qualifying Flight-B: 1. 5-David Gravel, 12.686; 2. 5M-Kerry Madsen, 12.73; 3. 22-Carson Macedo, 12.732; 4. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.74; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.749; 6. 13-Paul McMahan, 12.775; 7. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 12.811; 8. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.836; 9. 71X-Dominic Scelzi, 12.849; 10. 21-Brian Brown, 12.871; 11. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss, 12.876; 12. 15H-Sam Hafertepe, 12.899; 13. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.912; 14. 7-Lynton Jeffrey, 12.94; 15. O7-Gerard McIntyre, 12.96; 16. 7K-Cale Conley, 12.986; 17. 71H-Randy Hannagan, 13.09; 18. 1X-Scott Hunter, 13.108; 19. 70-Dave Blaney, 13.123; 20. 49K-Scott Kreutter, 13.173; 21. 40-George Hobaugh, 13.266; 22. 5A-Justin Barger, 13.289; 23. 91-Kyle Reinhardt, 13.303; 24. 84-Tom Harris, 13.55; 25. 5B-Dale Blaney, NT; 26. 49D-Shawn Dancer, NT

Ian Madsen Gets First Win of Season During Saturday Afternoon Portion of World Finals at Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC – November 3, 2018 – Australian Ian Madsen will be named the 2018 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year and accentuated that honor with his first World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature win of the year Saturday afternoon during World Finals presented by Can-Am action at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tim Shaffer surged late to finish second with 20th-starting Logan Schuchart completing the podium.

Tim Shaffer and Aaron Reutzel led the field to Green on the daytime dry, slick racing surface but it was Madsen taking control off of turn four to lead the opening lap.

Shane Stewart, who started beside Madsen in row two, found speed on the cushion blasting to the lead on Lap 5.

It’s no secret it’s been a challenging year for Shane Stewart and that continued Saturday afternoon as a flat tire on the Kyle Larson Racing No.2 on Lap 13 summarized their 2018 season.

Madsen inherited the lead for the double-file restart, but all eyes were on 20th-starting Logan Schuchart and 17th-starting Greg Wilson who made their way into the top-five before the half-way point.

The ensuing restart saw Brian Brown go for a vicious ride through turn one and two. Brown was uninjured in the accident.

When action resumed, Wilson and Schuchart jockeyed for the runner-up position as they both reeled in the KCP Racing No.18.

With Madsen out front, Wilson glued to the bottom and Schuchart banging down the cushion, the capacity crowd at The Dirt Track at Charlotte roared with excitement as they nearly went 3-wide for the lead.

With five laps remaining a caution for Brent Marks halted the torrid battle for the lead with Madsen out front followed by Schuchart and Wilson. The single-file restart gave Schuchart the opportunity to set up a pass for the lead, but Madsen powered away convincingly

Tim Shaffer reclaimed third from Wilson before the Red Flag flew for Parker Price-Miller, who tipped lightly on his side, with three laps remaining.

With one last restart, Schuchart again looked to the bottom side for the lead but brushed off his speed and allowed Tim Shaffer to regain second as Ian Madsen went on to win his third career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature.

“This is an awesome feeling. We’ve been coming to this event every year and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s awesome to be a part of the World Finals,” a relieved Madsen said.

“Day-time racing is tricky, especially when the preferred racing line kept changing. I saw Logan behind me and I know he’s particularly good on these type of race tracks,” the Australian added before thanking his KCP Racing Team and saying hello to all of his family, friends and car owner, who are scattered around the world.

Tim Shaffer and 20th-starting Schuchart completed the podium. Shaffer found speed late, said he wished there were 10 more laps and referenced how strong he felt when he pulled the wing all the way back.

Schuchart, who earned KSE Hard Charger honors, emphasized that he wanted to get the win for Drydene Performance, who announced Thursday a multi-year partnership with both Shark Racing cars and the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series.

12th-starting Spencer Bayston charged to fourth with Greg Wilson fading late, but still officially being scored with a strong 17th to fifth run. The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series completes its 40th Anniversary Season with the night portion of the World Finals presented by Can-Am double-header at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway! As always, watch every lap LIVE on DIRTVision.com! 

Feature: (30 Laps): 1. 18-Ian Madsen [3][$12,000]; 2. 49X-Tim Shaffer [1][$5,500]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [20][$3,200]; 4. 39-Spencer Bayston [12][$2,800]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson [17][$2,500]; 6. 5-David Gravel [10][$2,300]; 7. 83-Cory Eliason [15][$2,200]; 8. 22-Carson Macedo [8][$2,100]; 9. 87-Aaron Reutzel [2][$2,050]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz [21][$2,000]; 11. 49-Brad Sweet [18][$1,500]; 12. 4-Kasey Kahne [13][$1,200]; 13. 5M-Kerry Madsen [11][$1,100]; 14. 9-Daryn Pittman [25][$50]; 15. 71-Giovanni Scelzi [14][$1,000]; 16. 11K-Kraig Kinser [27][$]; 17. 1A-Jacob Allen [28][$]; 18. 41-Joey Saldana [24][$1,000]; 19. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [7][$1,000]; 20. 19-Brent Marks [26][$]; 21. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [16][$1,000]; 22. 13-Paul McMahan [5][$1,000]; 23. 7S-Jason Sides [29][$]; 24. 44-Trey Starks [23][$1,000]; 25. 71X-Dominic Scelzi [22][$1,000]; 26. 71P-Parker Price-Miller [19][$1,000]; 27. 19P-Paige Polyak [9][$1,000]; 28. 2-Shane Stewart [4][$1,000]; 29. 21-Brian Brown [6][$1,000]; Lap Leaders: Ian Madsen 1-4, 13-30; Shane Stewart 5-12; KSE Hard Charger Award: 1S-Logan Schuchart[+17]

Qualifying Flight-A: 1. 19P-Paige Polyak, 12.724; 2. 13-Paul McMahan, 12.727; 3. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.728; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.771; 5. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 12.785; 6. 5M-Kerry Madsen, 12.8; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.811; 8. 83-Cory Eliason, 12.818; 9. 44-Trey Starks, 12.835; 10. 4-Kasey Kahne, 12.862; 11. 41-Joey Saldana, 12.899; 12. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.916; 13. 19-Brent Marks, 12.919; 14. 17A-Austin McCarl, 12.98; 15. 7-Lynton Jeffrey, 12.991; 16. 7S-Jason Sides, 13.009; 17. 15H-Sam Hafertepe, 13.011; 18. 70-Dave Blaney, 13.052; 19. O7-Gerard McIntyre, 13.053; 20. 1A-Jacob Allen, 13.069; 21. 51-Freddie Rahmer, 13.108; 22. 71H-Randy Hannagan, 13.154; 23. 1X-Scott Hunter, 13.232; 24. 11-Carl Bowser, 13.248; 25. 40-George Hobaugh, 13.502; 26. 14-Jeremy Hill, 14.819

Qualifying Flight-B: 1. 71P-Parker Price-Miller, 12.607; 2. 39-Spencer Bayston, 12.648; 3. 5-David Gravel, 12.675; 4. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 12.722; 5. 22-Carson Macedo, 12.729; 6. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.735; 7. 21-Brian Brown, 12.756; 8. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.763; 9. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.792; 10. 71-Giovanni Scelzi, 12.832; 11. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss, 12.838; 12. 71X-Dominic Scelzi, 12.889; 13. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 12.918; 14. 7K-Cale Conley, 12.921; 15. 9-Daryn Pittman, 12.925; 16. 9X-Paul Nienhiser, 12.994; 17. 35-Justin Henderson, 13.037; 18. 91-Kyle Reinhardt, 13.156; 19. 49K-Scott Kreutter, 13.166; 20. 97-Caleb Helms, 13.188; 21. 5A-Justin Barger, 13.229; 22. 99-Skylar Gee, 13.248; 23. 5B-Dale Blaney, 13.312; 24. 84-Tom Harris, 13.482; 25. 49H-Bradley Howard, 13.505; 26. 49D-Shawn Dancer, NT