Schatz captures win at Eldora Historical Big One

ROSSBURG, OH - The Month of Money in sprint car racing brings out the best in every team and the crowd at the Historical Big One saw the best of Donny Schatz's ParkerStore team. Schatz scored his first career win at Eldora Speedway on Saturday night as he dominated the 10th annual Historical Big One.

"This is unbelievable," explained Schatz following the win. "I can't thank everyone that is involved with this race team enough. Our sponsors ParkerStore, Blue Beacon, Bellerud Transport, Featherlite. The equipment we use J&J race cars, Ron Shaver Engines, Hoosier Tires, Sander Wheels and Components and Afco Shocks. My parents who own this team and my crew (Kenny Woodruff, Shane Anderson and Bill Klingbeil). We weren't sure we were going to race in the Big One simply because we had struggled at the track lately. I'm really glad we decided to come here tonight."

Schatz got off to a good start as he qualified the #15 ParkerStore J&J ninth in the field and finished second in his heat race. He started on the pole and followed early race leader Craig Dollansky for the first 10 laps. During the next five laps, he began closing in on Dollansky and on lap 16, he put a slide job on him in turn two and took the lead. From there, Schatz drove away from the competition and checked out during the next 20 laps building a lead of more than a straightaway. A late caution closed the gap, but Schatz stormed away to win his third race of the season.

"I knew we were set up for later in the race and I wasn't worried about Craig taking the lead," continued Schatz. "My guys told me during the red (on lap four) that we were really good and just to be patient. The car was awesome. I could drive it anywhere on the track."

Schatz became the fourth different driver to win the Historical Big One for Crew Chief Kenny Woodruff. KW claimed the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Big One's with Dave Blaney, Dale Blaney and Kevin Gobrecht. The future Hall of Famer was pleased with his driver's effort in the 40-lap race."

"Donny drove a perfect race," said Woodruff. "Things just worked out our way tonight. We work with some great equipment and that really made this victory possible. Now we've got some momentum heading to Knoxville and we'd like to get that one too."

Schatz will hit the track on Thursday with plenty of momentum at the Mopar Parts Knoxville Nationals. Three times the driver that won the Big One has gone on to also claim the Knoxville Nationals the following week. The 24-year-old Fargo, ND driver would certainly like to be the fourth.

"We've had some heartbreaks at the Nationals the past two years, but we've had a great car," concluded Schatz. "I've never come into the race with a big win like this under my belt, so maybe things will work out for us there too."

-www.donnyschatz.com