Donny Schatz to make NASCAR debut

10-time World of Outlaws champion to make first NASCAR start

Donny Schatz is a 10-time champion in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Now, he’s set to make his NASCAR debut.

NASCAR is set to make their debut at Knoxville Raceway. The race takes place on July 9th and it’s bringing the stars of the dirt racing world to the NASCAR world.

Related: Knoxville Raceway discusses the upcoming NASCAR dirt race

Schatz will pilot the No. 17 Little Giant Ford F-150. The truck will be fielded by David Gilliland Racing.

“Donny is a legend in the dirt car world and has an incredible track record at Knoxville in the World of Outlaws,” said David Gilliland, co-owner of David Gilliland Racing. “His experience level and knowledge of dirt track racing and Knoxville Raceway will make him a great addition to the team for the first ever truck race there. We are super excited to welcome him aboard.” 

The driver has long driven for Tony Stewart Racing with the World of Outlaws. The same owner also runs a team at the NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Cup Series levels. However, Stewart-Haas Racing does not have a truck team.

Both teams are tied to Ford Performance.

Schatz has 27 victories at Knoxville Raceway. 17 of those came with the World of Outlaws, 10 of them were the famed Knoxville Nationals.

Related: Knoxville Raceway promoter details the NASCAR dirt race discussion (2017)

Donny Schatz - NASCAR Truck Series
Donny Schatz – NASCAR Truck Series

Donny Schatz comments on NASCAR debut

“I am unbelievably excited to take part in my first NASCAR-sanctioned event as part of David Gilliland Racing,” Schatz said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet David and his organization’s record speaks for itself. DGR has a great group of people working with their team and I’m looking forward to making my debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with them at Knoxville Raceway in July.”

“The fact that my first NASCAR sanctioned event will take place on dirt and in a truck fit perfectly into the path that my career has taken. To make my truck series debut at Knoxville, a place that has been so good to me over the years is also very fitting. I’m hoping to represent our partners and the sprint car community well.

He added, “Dennis (Frandsen) and many of his team have been friends of my family and supporters of our racing programs for many years. It’s a privilege to work with them on this event and I’m really excited to see our relationship come full circle. I’m also thrilled to have Carquest, Kraig Ford, Absolute Automation, Curb-Agajanian, Sage Fruit and Elliott’s Custom Carts and Trailers as part of our team for this event as well. It’s really exciting to be able to bring them along for this experience.”

Related: NASCAR Trucks wont return to Eldora Speedway for Dirt Derby in 2021

Dennis Frandsen comments

“We are so excited to partner with Donny Schatz and David Gilliland Racing for our first NASCAR experience,” said Dennis Frandsen, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Frandsen Corporation, the parent company of Miller Manufacturing.

He added, “Miller Manufacturing continues to expand its US based manufacturing to support its hard-working customers in the farm, pet, and ranch markets. Donny’s Midwestern roots embody the values of our customers and our team at Miller Manufacturing. We look forward to cheering him on at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event on July 8-9 in Knoxville, Iowa.”

Currently, the driver is fourth in WoO standings

Links

Donny Schatz | Tony Stewart Racing | World of Outlaws | David Gilliland Racing | Knoxville Raceway | NASCAR

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