After nearly 20 years of remarkable success, Tony Stewart and his NHRA team have made the difficult choice to separate from Donny Schatz. The news surprised many fans mid-season, although those within the team had anticipated the move for some time. This Tony Stewart Donny Schatz split marks the conclusion of one of the most dominant collaborations in Sprint Car Racing history.
The Deep History Behind the Partnership
The partnership between Stewart and Schatz yielded incredible achievements, including eight World of Outlaws Championships and nine Knoxville Nationals victories over an 18-year span. Despite Schatz’s pivotal role in this success, Stewart admitted the decision to end the relationship weighed heavily on him. Speaking recently on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Stewart reflected on the emotions surrounding the split and the challenges that led to it.
Stewart stated,
“It just comes to a point where things cycle through and decisions are made along the way and the variables in the equation change, and finally it just got down a path that we couldn’t recover from.”
Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner
He also confessed that the choice might have been overdue:
“You have to make that tough decision. I all honesty, I probably should have done it two years ago for the sake of our people.”
Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner
Final Moments and Future Direction for the Team
Donny Schatz’s last appearance with Tony Stewart Racing was at the Knoxville Nationals. Starting in the 20th position, he managed to finish 11th, marking his 27th consecutive entry in the prestigious event. However, the race did not provide the triumphant farewell many had hoped for, as Schatz was unable to secure a final win within the TSR vehicle.
Following Schatz’s departure, Australian racer Kerry Madsen has stepped into the No. 15 car for the remainder of the season. Having raced for TSR in 2021 and securing six victories across 37 events, Madsen is familiar with the team and its dynamics.
Stewart expressed confidence in Madsen’s abilities, emphasizing their established relationship:
“He knows the team and the team knows his capabilities,”
Stewart noted, highlighting hope that Madsen will perform strongly during the rest of the season before TSR prepares for the upcoming year.
Implications of the Split for Sprint Car Racing
The end of the partnership between Tony Stewart and Donny Schatz represents a significant shift in Sprint Car Racing, given their history of dominance. This split may signal changes in team dynamics and competition outcomes as the season progresses. Stewart’s candid reflections underline the complexity of making decisions that affect both performance and personnel in high-stakes motorsports.
With Kerry Madsen taking over for the remainder of the season, TSR is poised to navigate the challenges ahead while aiming to maintain competitiveness. The team’s move also leaves fans watching closely to see how the new lineup will affect future championship runs and the legacy of one of racing’s most enduring alliances.
.@TonyStewart addresses the split from Donny Schatz. ⬅️➡️@DaleJr | @TonyStewart_Rcg pic.twitter.com/3p5GHeXhlf
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 17, 2025
