Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, August 9, 2008

Schatz 3-peats at Knoxville Nationals

By Luke Meredith
Associated Press

 KNOXVILLE, Iowa -- Donny Schatz overtook Jason Meyers with five laps to go and surged to his third straight Knoxville Nationals victory Saturday night.

Schatz joined Steve Kinser as the only drivers to win sprint car's biggest race three years in a row. Kinser did it in 1980-82 and 1986-88 and won five straight from 1991-95.

Schatz earned $150,000, by far the biggest purse in sprint car racing.

Meyers finished second, and Craig Dollansky was third. Kinser, in his quest for a 13th Knoxville title, finished fifth.

Meyers, who started out on the front row with Danny Lasoski, surged ahead on the opening lap and opened a big lead over Schatz. But Tyler Walker drew a caution flag with seven laps to go because of engine failure, and Schatz was able to close the gap.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA