Everett, Wash. Published: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Schatz excited with Knoxville three-peat
Associated Press
WEST FARGO, N.D. -- Winning at the Knoxville Nationals has become habit for World of Outlaws Sprint car driver Donny Schatz, but the Fargo man says that doesn't make it any less exciting.
Schatz won his third straight Knoxville Nationals title in Iowa over the weekend. He is only the second driver to score a three-peat at the prestigious event.
Steve Kinser three-peated in 1980-82 and 1986-88 and won five straight from 1991-95. Danny Lasoski has won the Knoxville Nationals four times, but he hasn't won three in a row.
Schatz used to be known for his runner-up finishes. He had taken second at the event four times before he finally reached the winner's circle.
However, "The third one means just as much as the first one," Schatz said. "They all mean everything to me. To win the biggest race in Sprint cars is always awesome."
His third win took some late heroics, as Jason Meyers led the first 25 laps. A caution flag tightened the field, and Schatz slipped under Meyers on the restart and darted to the win.
"That yellow gave us an opportunity," Schatz said. "You can't give up on second, and when we got over the hump it made it that much better."
Three of the next four World of Outlaws shows were scheduled in North Dakota, starting at the Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo on Tuesday night. After going to Gillette, Wyo., on Thursday, the series was to run at Mandan's Dacotah Speedway on Saturday and Minot's Nodak Speedway on Sunday. The Outlaws raced in Grand Forks earlier this summer.
