Despite a challenging recent chapter, Donny Schatz remains motivated as he prepares for a fresh start in the 2026 World of Outlaws season. The 10-time champion is teaming up with CJB Motorsports for his 30th consecutive year, focusing on new opportunities after a difficult period marked by performance struggles and an abrupt end to his partnership with Tony Stewart Racing.
Reflecting on a Difficult Era and Its Challenges
Over the past seven years, Schatz experienced a notable decline after eight championships with Tony Stewart Racing from 2008 to 2015. This period coincided with the difficult development of the Ford Performance Stewart 410 engine, which had an impact on his winning trajectory. As the engine program evolved, Schatz’s victories dropped sharply—from 22 wins in 2018 to none last season. This downturn culminated in Schatz’s dismissal from TSR following a winless year, the first such absence since 1997.
After parting ways with TSR, Schatz competed with several teams, including Big Game Motorsports, Works Limited, and Sides Motorsports, finishing the season off the main team that brought him the most success. Even amid these setbacks, Schatz declined to harbor bitterness, instead focusing on the complexities behind the scenes.
“We were presented with an experimental engine program and we did what you do, work with your partners and got to work with those guys on it,”
Schatz said.
“Everyone forgets that we hit the ground running and won right out of the box with it at Port Royal.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
“There were a lot of things outside of my control, or the engine builder’s control, with supply chain things. So I don’t throw rocks on the past five years.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
Disputes Over the Departure from Tony Stewart Racing
While Schatz acknowledges external difficulties, he does express frustration about how the separation from Tony Stewart Racing unfolded. He feels misrepresented in media portrayals and regrets the manner in which his tenure ended, describing it as harsh and unfair.
“I do throw rocks on the way it ended and the things I was portrayed as that wasn’t realistic,”
Schatz stated.
“But that’s the nature of the beast. That’s the world we live in. Everyone has to put their spin on the story to make it sound the way they want.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
“Sometimes, you’re the butt-end of that and sometimes you’re the head-in. It’s just business. It’s the way the world turns and I’m looking forward to getting out there and be back racing with the guys I want racing with me.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
Preparing for a New Chapter with CJB Motorsports
Looking ahead, Schatz is enthusiastic about his upcoming season with CJB Motorsports, driving the No. 15 car under the guidance of crew chief Barry Jackson. Schatz has been actively engaged with Jackson, receiving updates on the team’s preparations late into the night. Although some logistical challenges remain, such as missing a primary truck and trailer and certain parts necessary for the full season, Schatz feels confident the team will improve steadily.
“These guys are burning the midnight oil,”
Schatz said.
“I think there are butterflies in everyone’s stomachs right now. It’s not going to be perfect. Right now, it’s stuff that shouldn’t affect us on the track. We don’t have our primary tuck and trailer or all the parts we’ll need to make it through 85 races but we’re going to build on it.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
Schatz trusts Jackson’s extensive experience, which includes over 200 wins in 410 Sprint Car competition, to provide the technical expertise the team requires. Unlike in the past, Schatz is not imposing strict demands on the team’s setup but instead is willing to adapt and grow within the existing structure.
“I’m relying on someone who has that 16-year relationship with Chad to have what they need,”
Schatz explained.
“At one point, I had my own team where I had everything in place that was successful and it transitioned to TSR and eventually got picked apart piece-by-piece-by-piece.”
“So, going into this, I’m fitting into what they have. They’re open to anything I want to do but we’re going to start with their platform and will more than likely be successful with that.”
“There are certain things a driver likes — brakes, steering wheels, seats, inserts, stuff like that and those are things I have and will continue to use. But when it comes from a parts and chassis, engine standpoint, that’s Barry’s call.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
Building a Strong Partnership Based on Mutual Respect
Schatz embraces working alongside a strong personality like Barry Jackson, drawing on his experience managing team dynamics with other high-profile figures such as Tony Stewart. He views their relationship as a partnership of equals, where leadership and communication will be key.
“That part is easy, you just have to be the leader,”
he noted.
“I haven’t been able to be a leader the last couple of years, kind of got looked down on. So I have an opportunity with me and Barry to look at each other as equals.”
“There will come a time where he has to stand his ground on something and we’re going to be alright. There will be times I will need to tell Barry ‘hey, settle down, I’ve got this,’ and that’s part of it.”
“You know, driver and crew chiefs don’t necessarily spend a lot of time off the track together but when they walk into the track together, they have to compliment each other and do what the other doesn’t. I think this is the perfect combination for me.”
— Donny Schatz, Driver
As Schatz looks forward to reigniting his racing career, his determination and readiness to build on an established team platform highlights his enduring commitment to the sport. With CJB Motorsports, he aims to return to competitive form and chase further victories and championships in the World of Outlaws series.
