March 10, 2003 - After a solid top-ten run in the A-main at Hollywood Hills Speedway, Donny Schatz grabbed his driver’s uniform and helmet bag and headed for Phoenix International Raceway for a full day of testing in the ParkerStore Silver Crown car. Schatz finished ninth in Sunday’s finale at the 3/8 mile New Mexico track.

“There wasn’t much passing out there tonight,” said Schatz. “You had to have your elbows up and your eyes watching everyone around you to take advantage of any little mistake someone might make. The groove was tight on the bottom and didn’t move out to make room for someone to run in the middle much less on top.

“Tyler (Swank, crew chief) and I continue to build on our working relationship. It is so critical for a driver and crew chief to get on the same wavelength and that has happened very quickly for us. Although we haven’t won an A-Main yet, we are getting the consistency it takes to get to victory lane. The #15 ParkerStore team is ready for their first trip to the winner’s circle.”

Following his B-Main win and a 12th place finish in the preliminary feature Saturday night, Schatz qualified ninth on Sunday, won his heat race before the ninth place run in the A-Main. The solid performance moved the Minot, North Dakota native to ninth in the World of Outlaws point standings, 75 points behind series leader Danny Lasoski. The next events for the #15 ParkerStore team and fellow World of Outlaws competitors are March 14th at State Fair Speedway, Oklahoma City, OK and March 15th at Devils Bowl Speedway, Mesquite, TX.

“I am excited about having the opportunity to get more laps in the Silver Crown car,” Schatz continued. “Our first race is only two weeks away, also in Phoenix. It is essential to get as much time in the cockpit and working with my crew as possible prior to Copper World weekend. The Silver Crown series is so competitive; to qualify and race with these guys will be a challenge I am really looking forward to meeting.

“Having Jack French as my crew chief with his experience is a great confidence booster for me as well. Roger (Johnson, team owner) is totally dedicated to giving us every tool we need to be successful. It is just a matter now of learning what it takes to win on pavement.”

Schatz debut in the ParkerStore will be at the USAC seasoning opening event at Phoenix International Raceway on March 23rd.