North of the Border is Schatz Territory
The Fargo North Dakota ace certainly makes the Canadian tracks look like a home away from home as he storms to three win from the three Outlaws Shows in front of appreciative Canadian crowds.
Donny Schatz in Canada
Donny Schatz in Canda
Pic credit TSR
Heading across the border into the Canadian City of Drummond defending Champion Daryn Pittman was quite confident after reducing Schatz’s lead to a mere 55 points . The defending Champion could not have known the extent of the point’s damage that was to follow.
DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. – July 26, 2014 the first stop on the Canadian tour was Drummondville – Quebec .The track commentary was in French but you did not need to understand the call as Schatz battled first with Cody Darrah, then Kerry Madsen before locking in his 10th race win for the season. Kerry Madsen continued his super form with another second and Darrah completing the podium. Pittman with his 5th placing lost points as he battles to hold Schatz’s Championship charge.
CORNWALL, Ont. – July 27, 2014 – Cornwall Motor Speedway in Ontario was the second stop on the tour and the chance for Schatz to go back to back. The chance was there also for Pittman to gather back some lost points, but the Schatz STP team was full of gas and confidence as they rolled to the green for the 40 Lap A main.
A great result in the Dash gave Kerry Madsen the pole for the 40 Lap A Main. The first 10 laps Madsen seemed to have Schatz covered until heading into lap 11 Schatz pounced and took command. From lap 11 there was never any doubt that the Tony Stewart STP backed ace would win the A main. Madsen continued his fantastic recent run of podiums with another impressive second and Logan Schuhart third
The Cornwall result was another lost chance for Pittman as he watched his challenger increase his points lead.
OHSWEKEN, Ontario – June 29, 2014: The final stop on the Tour North of the border was at the Ohsweken Speedway .Schatz had set the standard for the Canadian tour and most race fans were most likely expecting the man from Fargo North Dakota to steamroller his way to another victory.
Donny certainly made it three straight wins on the tour but not before fighting off a determined challenge from Shane Stewart in the Hill Racing #77 and Australian James McFadden in All Star Performance Gaerte engine #3G.. The top three left the remainder of the field well behind to suck up their dust !
Shane Stewart after his 2nd to Schatz at Ohsweken
Hills Racing #77
Pic credit Amanda Rockery
At the start of the 40 Lap A Main Paul McMahan, Kraig Kinser, and Jason Sides got together with McMahan flipping wildly. All 3 drivers were ok . McMahan’s crew worked at a frantic pace to get the CJB Motorsports car back into the race at the rear .McMahan finished in 18th position
Schatz three wins in Canada while Pittman could only manage a fifth and two eight placing and the task of defending his Title must now be a worry… Schatz now has amassed a lead of 108 points as the teams return back to the States and make ready for the two nights at the federated Auto Parts Raceway 1-55 in Pevely, Missouri.
The Main show at Pevely on the Saturday night is the Ironman 55 paying $20,000 to win.
The 11 hour haul back to Missouri hopefully will be time for the KKR boys to figure out a plan on how to slow the Schatz momentum. Last year as Schatz started his late season challenge Pittman showed lots of courage and determination when he stood tall and covered the aggression from the STP driver.
The Championship position after Canada leaves Schatz with a lead of 106 points over Pittman followed by Paul McNahan 178 points back, Kerry Madsen has leapfrogged over Saldana in fourth placing 322 behind Schatz leaving Joey Saldana 327 behind the leader .
The message from the Canadian tour is that Schatz is read hot and with the Knoxville National coming fast he must be a clear favorite
