ParkerStore star laps field to fifth place in
Wild West finale
Donny Schatz knew he loved Western Australia when he first visited the land down under in 1999. The World of Outlaws star could have only hoped that two years after his inaugural races on Aussie clay that he would be able to completely dominate and capture the 20th Annual USA V. WA Sprintcar Speedweek title.
"I really enjoy coming over here to race," said Schatz, a Minot, ND native. "We've done awful well here in the past and this year was just a lot of fun. Luch Monte has a good race team and it was fun to drive his car."
Schatz ended the Car Craft Wild West series Speedweek by dominating the feature event at Bunbury City Speedway on Saturday lapping up to fifth place runner and fellow American Jason Meyers. Schatz also claimed the Speedweek opener at Kwinana Motorplex on January 5th and sandwiched two runner-up positions, first to Brad Furr and secondly to Meyers, between his victories.
"My hat goes off to the track officials here," said Schatz. "Every night we had a great race track and it was a lot of fun racing. This really helps our confidence for the rest of the tour. We let some things get away from us last year, and we're planning on getting our hands on some trophies in the next few weeks."
Schatz's incredible success in Western Australia continued as evidenced by four more podium finishes to add to his previous eight in eight feature races. Schatz will spend the remainder of his Australian Tour competing on the continent's East side at Speedway City (Adelaide), Borderline Raceway (Mt. Gambier), Premier Speedway (Warrnambool) and Parramatta City Raceway (Granville).
"We still have quite a few races," said Schatz. "The competition will be different in those races and we'll see a few more Americans. It's certainly not going to be easy, but we're going to have a lot of fun. That's for sure."
Final Standings for the Car Craft Wild West Series
Donny Schatz (USA) - 380
Brad Furr (USA) - 260
Terry Cutts - 240
Jason Meyers (USA) - 190
Ryan Farrell - 190
Allan Haynes - 170
Daryl Clayden - 150
Gavin Migro - 89
Mark Wells - 80
Luch Monte - 80
Jamie Maiolo - 80
Michael Figliomeni - 60
Jodi Waldron - 60
Trevor Reynolds - 47
Kent Roberts - 43
Wayne Russell - 40
Grant Bevan - 30
Sean Zemunik - 30
Pino Priolo - 25
Paul Stubber - 17
Allan Nash - 8
2001 Donny Schatz Australian Tour
(Remaining events as of 1/15/01)
1/20 Sprintcar Stampede Speedway City (Adelade)
1/26 Kings Challenge Borderline Raceway
1/27 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Premier Speedway
1/28 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Premier Speedway
