Since Brad Sweet took home his first career Knoxville Nationals victory nearly a month ago, Donny Schatz and Kasey Kahne Racing – Sweet’s team – have been battling things out at the head of the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series field.
Schatz earned two wins in a row following Sweet’s big money night to keep the No. 49 team at bay in the points standings while in his home state of North Dakota. Though, the weekend after, Sweet and his KKR teammate Daryn Pittman earned the two-race sweep, countering Schatz’ success.
Donny Schatz holds off KKR heat as Outlaws head to Cali
Coming into the Gold Cup Race of Champions this Friday and Saturday at Silver Dollar Speedway, the No. 15 car holds a two-race winning streak. Schatz earned victories at both Grays Harbor Raceway on Monday and Willamette Speedway on Wednesday, padding his lead in the points standings.
After the pair of wins, Schatz finds himself 260 points ahead of Sweet going into Chico, CA – where he won three years ago.
Gold Cup Race of Champions past winners
2017 Friday – Kyle Hirst
2017 Saturday – Shane Stewart
2016 Friday – Shane Stewart
2016 Saturday – Rico Abreau
2015 Friday – Shane Stewart
2015 Saturday – Donny Schatz
Though, it’s been a year of success for Sweet. The driver they call the “Big Cat,” has been on his game this season. Sweet has tallied 34 top five’s over the course of the season and has seemingly been the only driver that is close to keeping pace with Schatz – who currently has 42.
He hasn’t had a win at Chico lately, but it’s not far-fetched to say he will be competing with Schatz for one this weekend. As for the other competitors in the field, one stands out brightly: Shane Stewart.
In the past six races at Silver Dollar Raceway, Stewart has found himself in victory lane three times. A fourth or fifth time could not come soon enough for him this weekend, either. So far this season, the Tulsa, Oklahoma native has just one World of Outlaws victory – his lowest total since 2014.
With his car owner – Kyle Larson – racing at the track one day before Stewart, look for him to bring his A-game to California this week.
Qualifying for each night of racing at the Gold Cup is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. PT and 9:30 p.m. ET.
World of Outlaws Standings
After 54 of 74 races
1. Donny Schatz 7642 points
2. Brad Sweet -260
3. David Gravel -400
4. Daryn Pittman -512
5. Shane Stewart -594
6. Logan Schuchart -716
7. Sheldon Haudenschild -752
8. Ian Madsen -964
9. Brent Marks -1094
10. Kraig Kinser -1262
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