Schatz, Stewart, then Schatz and controversy at Stockton
The first night of the Western Sprint Shoot out at the Stockton Dirt Track ended in the narrowest of wins for the 6 times World of Outlaw Champion from a very determined Shane Stewart ,
The last laps of the is 30 lap A Main was just fantastic ,close and aggressive but as clean as a whistle .Close wins particularly when a Champion is involved seem to be fodder for the so called expects in our sport

.When will race fans, journalists learn to accept the judge’s decisions .The controversy does little more than create headlines, headlines and social media comment Speedway can do without.
Referees, umpires appear to little more than punching bags when decisions go against their team or driver. Split second timing, logistic issues al makes their task difficult .In the case of the Stockton race the controversy takes the gloss of what was an awesome race and finish.

Statement “World of Outlaws Statement on the Stockton Finish
A statement from the World of Outlaws regarding the finish of Saturday night’s series event the Stockton Dirt Track:
World of Outlaws officials reviewed the dramatic conclusion to last night’s event including analysis of video from the DIRT Vision camera and video provided by Sprint Car Stats, review of available photographs and confirmation of the visual line scoring. As a result of the review, the finish stands as posted.
The unique configuration of the Stockton Dirt Track, built inside an operating horse racing facility, requires a temporary flag stand and scoring loop placement. The scoring loop acts as the start/finish lane and is often marked on the outside retaining wall. The portable flagstand and lack of an outside wall does not make the loop location apparent. In the Saturday night event, the portable flagstand is slightly forward of the loop and both the loop and flagstand are past the center of the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds victory circle and the scoreboard where it may be assumed.
The World of Outlaws has utilized electronic AMB scoring since 1998

To finally settle the matter here is a tweet from Shane Stewart, true sportsman but a tough competitor .
Shane Stewart ‏@shanestewart_2 5h5 hours ago ” Thanks for all the love peeps but we got beat fair and square. Can’t take away that we had a great race.”

Sprintcar racing at its professional best, this is what the fans pay to see! And that’s my view this Monday Morning from Sydney
My final word, watch this clip fromSprintCarStats.com

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=807593422611860

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