Five times World of Outlaws Sprintcar champion Donny Schatz has secured a last minute deal to compete in the prestigious Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
The talented American will join a stellar field of more than 115 cars for Australia’s most prestigious sprintcar event, held at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway on 24-26 January.
Schatz, who has just recorded three consecutive World Series Sprintcars victories at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway, had returned to America spelling an end to his Australian commitments earlier this week.
However, a deal has been put together over the last 48 hours for the double Grand Annual Classic champion to return to the event for the first time in eight years.
Schatz, who is one of five drivers to win back-to-back classic titles in 2001 and 2002, will drive the Crimsafe backed #15 Monte Motorsport entry at the event. The sprintcar legend is feeling confident about his chances at the Classic.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to race in the Classic,” said Schatz, who will race with backing from Crimsafe and Gearwrench.
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“This deal came together quickly. We had the chance to work with the people from Crimsafe at the Australian Open and were able to come out on top both nights with them on our car.
“Hopefully, we can do the same in Warrnambool. I haven’t been to the Classic in quite a few years.
“Honestly with my schedule, I am not sure when I’ll get to run it again, so we’re heading there with one goal in mind and that’s to win it.”
“It’s going to be a big challenge.
“Every time you hit the track you have to be on your game. I enjoy that part of it.”
Premier Speedway general manager David Mills believes Schatz’s inclusion will provide one of the best fields the Classic has ever produced and is fully expecting a bumper crowd for the three day event.
“We are very excited to have Donny at the event and it is shaping up to be one of our best fields,” said Mills.
“He hasn’t been able to work the event into his schedule for a few years so its great to have him here. Its like the cream on the top of the cake.
“He has turned a lot of laps at Brisbane and I’m sure he will be right up there at the sharp end.
“The tickets sales have been very strong looking at the pre-sale figures and I’m confident we will have a very good crowd for all three days.”
