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Schatz to drive for Clauson-Marshall Racing at Chili Bowl Nationals

Whoever said you can’t teach a veteran racer new tricks never met Donny Schatz.

Donny Schatz

Donny Schatz

Covy Moore

Donny Schatz
Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart Racing
Bryan Clauson, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Christopher Bell and Bryan Clauson

At 39, Schatz will make his debut in the 2017 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals with Clauson-Marshall Racing. 

But Schatz isn’t just any rookie. And Clauson-Marshall Racing isn’t just any race team.

The seven-time World of Outlaws champion is one of multiple drivers who will compete with CMR, which was originally Bryan Clauson Racing. Clauson, 27, won the Golden Driller trophy at the Chili Bowl in 2014. The versatile and beloved racer passed away on Aug. 7 due to injuries sustained in a midget wreck at the Belleville (Kan.) Nationals. His father, Tim Clauson, teamed up with former BCR co-owner Richard Marshall to form CMR. 

“I’m looking forward to having the chance to compete in next year’s Chili Bowl and drive for Clauson-Marshall Racing,” Schatz said. “We’ve been thinking about doing this for quite a while. It all came together earlier this year when Tony (Stewart) and I were talking about the Chili Bowl and what it’s like to be part of it. 

“With how things worked out with my Australia schedule in January, the opportunity to get to Tulsa this time became an option and everything fell into place. I was looking forward to working with and learning from Bryan. He set the standard pretty high there and we’re going to do everything we can to continue adding to that legacy. I’ve been fortunate to compete in some of the biggest dirt track events in the world during my career and I’m excited to add the Chili Bowl to the list.” 

Friendship with Bryan Clauson and forming an 'All-Star' team

Schatz, who currently leads the WoO standings, is enjoying his 20th season on the tour. His friendship with Clauson developed when the pair were teammates at Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing from 2010 to 2014. Schatz served as a mentor to Clauson as he acclimated to Winged Sprint cars. The drivers each won titles under the TSR banner.

Following the 2016 Chili Bowl, the Clausons discussed forming an All-Star team for next year’s event. Schatz was at the top of the list for potential candidates. 

“Before Bryan passed, we had confirmed that Donny (Schatz) was going to be part of our 2017 Chili Bowl team,” Tim Clauson said. “He (Bryan) was pretty excited to get to work with a driver like Donny and share his Midget car racing expertise. Being able to announce Donny as our first driver for the 2017 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is both humbling and exciting for the Clauson-Marshall Racing team, and we know Bryan is thrilled that we’re able to do so.”

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Australia