From J&J
McKENZIE, TN (Oct. 2) – Donny Schatz helped continue J&J Auto Racing score major Sprint car victories last weekend by capturing the 50th annual Morgan Hughes National Open at Williams Grove Speedway. Dale Howard was also a winner taking his brother’s J&J to victory in the fifth annual Ralph Henson Memorial at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark.
WORLD OF OUTLAWS – NATIONAL OPEN
Donny Schatz snapped a long winless streak at Williams Grove Speedway at the perfect time. The driver of the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) No. 15 STP/Armor All/Chevrolet J&J hadn’t won a race at the famed half-mile oval since the Summer Nationals in 2008, but he wasn’t to be denied on Saturday night.
After battling early leader Craig Dollansky, Schatz held second during the middle stages of the 40-lap main event and took advantage of great opportunity during the final 16 laps. Dollansky couldn’t avoid a crashing lapped car and opened the door for Schatz. The four-time World of Outlaws champion held off a challenge from Brian Leppo to become the only driver to win the prestigious race five times.
“Nothing feels better than this,” Schatz said following his 16th career triumph at the famed half-mile dirt oval in central Pennsylvania. “It’s been a long absence from victory lane here at Williams Grove. To get back here and win another National Open is awesome. This race team has done everything it could possibly do to get this racecar in tiptop shape every night. Tonight, we had a really good performance. I’m glad to get to victory lane tonight.”
Schatz also helped J&J win the National Open for the sixth time in the last 12 years. In Friday’s opener, Tim Shaffer raced the CH Motorsports No. 83 J&J from eighth to fourth in the 25-lap main event.
I-30 SPEEDWAY
Dale Howard accomplished his goal of getting ready for the upcoming Short Track Nationals this past Saturday night by racing his brother’s No. 47 J&J to victory at I-30 Speedway. Howard raced to his fifth victory of the season in the Ralph Henson Memorial race.
Ernie Ainsworth piloted Shorty Chambliss’ No. 40 J&J to a second-place finish, while Marshall Skinner (No. 26 J&J) earned the charger award for finishing seventh.