Donny Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing have parted ways after a magical partnership lasting more than 17 seasons with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
The Fargo, ND driver agreed to join forces with the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion for the 2008 campaign, and what followed was one of the best runs the sport of Sprint Car racing will ever see.
Schatz and TSR won twice right out of the gate at Volusia Speedway Park with the All Star Circuit of Champions, and then their first victory together with The Greatest Show on Dirt came on May 3, 2008 at the famed Knoxville Raceway. They went on to top 18 World of Outlaws races that year and the Series championship.
That was the first of eight titles the pairing would earn. During their time together, they also racked up nine Knoxville Nationals, five Kings Royals, and a trio of National Opens among so many other checkered flags. Add it all up, and Schatz collected 234 of his 316 World of Outlaws Feature wins in his time with the TSR crew, making them the second-winningest driver/team combination behind only Steve Kinser and Karl Kinser. In 2015, they reached a high of 31 triumphs on the way to winning the title by more than 500 points. The last of their victories was Oct. 12, 2024 at Abbottstown, PA’s Lincoln Speedway.
“Donny has been an incredible part of TSR for nearly two decades; he’s helped build this organization into what it is today,” Tony Stewart said in a press release. “We’ve had a driver/team owner relationship that has gone beyond that partnership; he’s become part of my extended family through the years, and I have the utmost respect for him and what his career represents – a generational driving talent.”
Schatz, a 10-time Series champion, had accumulated eight top fives and 26 top 10s through 47 races this season.
Kerry Madsen has been tabbed to replace Schatz aboard the No. 15 with the only exception being next weekend in North Dakota as Madsen has a prior commitment. The team will announce a replacement for that weekend at a later time as it intends to complete the 2025 World of Outlaws campaign.
The “Madman” is familiar with the TSR team. He had a stellar run aboard Stewart’s No. 14 in 2021, winning three World of Outlaws races and a pair with the All Stars. Their first races reunited will be this weekend in Minnesota at Ogilvie Raceway (Aug. 15) and Jackson Motorplex (Aug. 16). For tickets, CLICK HERE.
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