Schatz - Down Under III Parramatta notes

Schatz Wins Outlaws Down Under III Opener

GRANVILLE, NSW, AUSTRALIA (January 19) - Donny Schatz has been preparing for this year's Outlaws Down Under III program for the past three weeks racing regularly at the Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway (PCR) near Sydney. In Thursday night's opening feature, the results came in the way he hoped as the World of Outlaws star won his sixth feature event in seven starts by racing the #2 Pick N' Payless J&J owned by Gary Rush Racing to a flag to flag victory.

After qualifying seventh in the field of 72 cars, Schatz qualified for the dash event by coming home fifth in the third heat race. The Fargo, ND racer blistered the field during the first dash event, turning laps nearly a half second faster than the competition, to earn the pole position.

In the 30-lap feature, Schatz quickly took the lead and masterfully worked his way through lapped traffic to earn the victory ahead of fellow World of Outlaws racer Craig Dollansky.

"You hit it right some nights, I guess we were pretty decent tonight," explained Schatz, following the win. "All in all, it was a good night. Hopefully we can finish off these next two nights the same manner." JSchatz admitted several of his fellow American competitors haven't been racing and will round into shape over the next two nights. The Parkerstore backed driver also explained that there is a time to be patient and a time to go for it all. It seems clear the fans at PCR will see the best of Donny Schatz the next two nights.

"Sometimes you just have to play possum," continued Schatz, regarding his racing strategy, "I didn't see any reason to be pushing the car on the cushion in the past few weeks. I know Joey (Saldana) has, but it cost him a racecar - and I love this car. Sometimes you just have to play it cool. But, now ... now is the time to let it all hang out.

"We can move our car around a lot, and when we hit lapped traffic tonight we could get right through it. That seems to be our biggest asset at the moment."

Schatz will return to action on Friday night in another complete program including qualifications, heat races, dash events and a 30-lap feature event.

Keep up with all the latest news on Donny Schatz by logging onto www.donnyschatz.com and www.parker.com/racing.

-bp-