Fargo, ND - FEBRUARY 9, 2003 - With his third (second consecutive) victory in the Kings Challenge at Borderline Raceway in Mt. Gambier and an impressive fourth place in the Warrnambool Premier Speedway Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, Donny Schatz wound-up his winter respite in Australia and headed home to Fargo, ND. His focus clearly fixed on his 2003 goals - winning races and taking advantage of an exciting new challenge in his career.

Schatz rode the high grove to capture the Kings Challenge win. The track got dry-slick but the 25 year-old was able to find something on the top and drive around the competition to get the win. Although it was dusty, there was enough traction to work his way to the front from a fourth row starting spot.

The last event for this Australian season was the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Premier Speedway. Schatz hoped to leave with his second consecutive win, but it wasn't meant to be this year. Although he had a great car for the big two-day event, little things plagued Schatz and his Luch Motorsports crew both nights. He finished second behind Brad Furr on night one. He worked his way to finish fourth after starting mid-field in the 40-lap finale behind winner Joey Saldana, local hero Max Dumesny and Brooke Tatnell.

"I had a great time in Australia, but it is good to be home," Schatz said. "I wanted to help my guys with the final preparations. It is amazing, no matter how early we start to get ready for the season opening event, it always come down to the last minute thrash to get the cars finished and the tractor/trailer stocked with spares and ready to go. Actually, maybe my crew would have preferred I stayed away and just met them at Kings Speedway, helmet in hand, ready race. "

Schatz will have additional responsibilities that translate into huge opportunities in 2003. The program announcement is tentatively scheduled for the week of February 24.
"I wish we had already made the announcement about our additional plans for 2003," stated Schatz. "But it isn't quite time. Suffice it to say I have a great attitude and excitement heading into this season. I believe the Schatz/ParkerStore team is ready for the World of Outlaws season. In addition to ParkerStore, our great sponsors, Blue Beacon Truck Washes and Bellerud Transport, are back with us. Having their on-going support brings the consistency to our program it takes to win races.

"I believe we have the best opportunity for more wins than we ever had as we set out on the WOO circuit. Because of conflicts with our other commitment, we won't be a contender for the series championship but we will be in the hunt for the win every race we start. It is going to be a great year!"

The World of Outlaws series opens February 21 at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California.