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AUS: Donny Schatz update 2004-12-30

Donny Schatz Dominates in Australia GRANVILLE, NSW (AUSTRALIA) -Donny Schatz concluded the 2004 World of Outlaws season winning eight of his last 22 starts, and this week the Fargo, ND racer has continued his torrid pace in Australia winning three ...

Edited: Jan 3, 2005, 10:01 AM

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Donny Schatz Dominates in Australia

GRANVILLE, NSW (AUSTRALIA) -Donny Schatz concluded the 2004 World of Outlaws season winning eight of his last 22 starts, and this week the Fargo, ND racer has continued his torrid pace in Australia winning three consecutive sprint car races at Parramatta City Raceway near Sydney.

"I always love coming here," said Schatz following his first in in the familiar #15 ParkerStores J&J. It was clear even after he victory that the 27 year-old American sprint car star was looking at the bigger picture. "Even though you win, it doesn't mean you get the job done the right way and we probably need to make some changes for the next race."

Schatz won his first race on December 26th coming from the 18th starting position to take the victory after qualifying third in the field of 51 cars. His working relationship with Australian sprint car leg nd Garry Rush on his program has proved to be lethal as the #15 ParkerStore J&J with Shaver power has been unstoppable.

The following night, Schatz was again fast early in the program as e qualified second in the field of 50 cars and he charged from sixth to win his heat race event. He started the feature fourth and methodically worked his magic on the dry and slick surface leading an American Brigade to the finish line as he was followed by fellow WoO stars Joey Saldana, Craig Dollansky, Daryn Pittman and Sammy Swindell

"It was a whole different track from last night," remarked Schatz after Monday night's win. "This race car is working awfully good."

On Thursday night, Schatz had his final tune-up prior to the $50,000 to-win Sprintcar International and the local's claim his performance did nothing but firm the belief that Schatz will be the driver to beat in this weekend's event.

Schatz raced his #15 ParkerStore J&J to victory in the second dash vent of the night, earning the outside front row starting position. He beat Craig Dollansky on the start and was never headed during the race to keep his win streak alive. He has won his last four start (3 in Australia and the final 2004 WoO race at Las Vegas in November).

The preparation has already begun for the two-night program that pays the winner a handsome check of $50,000. Schatz has won the $50K race three times (2000, 2001 and 2003) and is hoping to win a fourth time on Saturday night.

"I've been fortunate to win the $50K race with Luch Monte twice and last year, we won it driving my own deal," said Schatz. "This year we've got some help from Garry Rush and we'd like to win it again. The big paying races help make this all possible. I don't want to sound greedy, but I came over here to win this race and that's our number one goal right now. The guys have done a great job with this J&J racecar. We've been on different types of surfaces and its been phenomenal. The fact that Garry works with Ronnie Shaver has made things go really well, too."

Schatz has three races of his Australian Assault under his belt and following this weekend's event, he'll have two more at PCR prior to the three night World of Outlaws Down Under Program on January 13-15.

Keep up with all the latest news on Don's Australian adventure by logging onto www.donnyschatz.com and www.parker.com/racing.

-psr-

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