From J&J
McKENZIE, TN (Nov. 21) – Steve Lines is off to a great start in Australian Sprint car action racing to consecutive wins driving David Challon’s J&J. Shannon Barry also picked up his first victory of the Sprint car season in Australia recently. While those two are beginning their seasons in Australia with victories, Donny Schatz concluded both the World of Outlaws and American Sprint Car Series season’s with victories in Charlotte and Tucson, respectively.
AUSTRALIA
AVALON RACEWAY – Nov. 12
Steve Lines wasn’t sure he would be able to race in last Saturday night’s Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series event at Avalon Raceway. Thanks to his old friend, David Challons, the Australian racer put on a dominating performance, starting with both wins in heat three and a victory in the pole shuffle and concluding with a strong performance in the main event.
“This is pretty good, we were not sure if we would be able be here this weekend,” admitted Lines. “After a late discussion thanks to Monte Motorsports and the opportunity to have another run for Dave (Challons) in the Camden Neon #45 J&J, we came here hoping for a good night, but with the level of competition we knew is was not going to be easy. Thanks to Dave and the teams sponsors and to Monte Motorsport for allowing me to drive for the team again. Also, thanks to Avalon Raceway for a great race track.”
Lines followed early race leader Daniel Pestka until the leader smacked the wall and damaged his right rear tire. Following a caution, Lines seized command and set the pace for the remainder of the race.
BORDERLINE SPEEDWAY
Steve Lines made it back-to-back wins in the Eureka Garages & Sheds Sprintcar Series at Borderline Speedway in Mt Gambier. Lines was once again behind the wheel of David Challon’s No. V45 Camden Neon Signs J&J. He took the lead early in the main event and was in lapped traffic by lap six. He held off an early challenge by fellow J&J racer, Jamie Veal (No. 35 J&J), before Veal was collected in an accident. Lines would continue to show the way throughout the 30-lap race to claim his second straight victory.
SPEEDWAY CITY
Shannon Barry opened the season at Adelaide’s Speedway City in winning style by driving the Eight3 Motorsports J&J to victory. Barry finished third in the first heat and raced to victory in the third Revolution Racegear heat. He started the main event second and jumped right to the cushion and led the race throughout. He made sure he took it easy after scoring his first victory of the year.
“I made sure I slowed down after the checkered flag to make sure we get to celebrate this victory,” said the winner. “Last time we won a main event at Speedway City, we broke a heim joint on the draglink after taking the checkered. We ended up upside down in turn four. This time it was nice to get straight out of the car and celebrate with the team.”
UNITED STATES
WORLD OF OUTLAWS
SCHATZ SWEEPS WORLD FINALS IN J&J
During the first weekend of November, four-time World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz closed the 2011 WoO campaign in style by sweeping the World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Charlotte. The driver of the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) No. 15 STP/Armor All/Chevrolet J&J led throughout the opening night’s 30-lap A-Feature and then came back the following night to storm from fifth to take the lead with eight laps remaining. The four-time WoO champion would go on to win his eighth WoO A-Feature of 2011.
“The guys on this STP did a great job giving me a fast car this weekend,” admitted the winner. “We knew we couldn’t get the championship, but figured the best thing we could do was win both feature races and give us some momentum heading into the offseason. We did that. Now, the guys will go back to work and get us ready for next year.”
ASCS – WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
This past Saturday night Donny Schatz earned another feature event victory. Schatz drove his TSR No. 15 STP/Armor All/Chevrolet J&J from the fifth starting spot in the 30-lap 44th Annual Kronik Energy Drink Western World Championships at USA Raceway. Schatz took the lead on lap 10 and staged a good battle with Sammy Swindell for the lead. On lap 26, Schatz retook the lead from Swindell and went on to win his second straight Western World Championship and third of his career.
“We had a lot of fun tonight,” said Schatz. “That’s what it’s all about is fun and sometimes we lose sight of that, it’s just fun to come out here and run and I’m glad to be a part of it. I want to thank Tony (Stewart) for allowing me to use his crew (Jimmy Carr, Marty Williams and Eric Prutzman). They gave me a great car tonight.”