Tony Stewart Racing’s recent decision to part ways with Donny Schatz after 18 years together has sparked extensive discussion within the sprint car racing community. This development, revealed in an interview on Flo Racing, highlights the end of a lengthy driver-owner collaboration just before significant World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events later this season. The split centers on challenges in performance and the pursuit of renewed success as the 2026 season approaches.
The Ending of an Era: Stewart Discusses the Split with Schatz
When questioned about whether the separation was mutual, Tony Stewart responded honestly, indicating that Donny Schatz was not pleased to learn of the decision early Tuesday morning. Stewart remarked on the difficulty of such a call, especially considering their storied history of achievement together.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think Donny was happy to get the phone call (Tuesday) morning about it, but I don’t think anybody really does, especially when you’ve had success with each other.” —Tony Stewart, Team Owner
Since joining Stewart’s team in 2008, Schatz has secured eight World of Outlaws series titles and hundreds of victories, reflecting their deep competitive bond. However, Stewart explained that the split was less about personal differences and more about an inability to regain past performance levels, describing the situation as one where “somebody’s got to give.”
“I feel bad that we haven’t been able to get him happy in the car like we used to. I feel like we’ve thrown the kitchen sink at it,” Stewart admitted.
The team had pursued numerous strategies to enhance results, changing crew chiefs three times, experimenting with multiple motor programs, shock packages, and torsion bars. Despite these efforts, the performance plateaued far below expectations, forcing Stewart to confront an unsatisfactory reality.
“It’s sort of to the point where I don’t know what else to do,” Stewart confessed.
Stewart likened the ongoing attempts to improve results by repeating similar approaches to the “definition of insanity,” emphasizing that this was not a conflict of personalities but a matter of needing new direction. By moving on, Schatz now has the opportunity to join another team and seek success with different equipment and structures.
Kerry Madsen Named as Donny Schatz’s Replacement at Tony Stewart Racing
Kerry Madsen, an experienced Australian sprint car racer, will step into the No. 15 car for Tony Stewart Racing beginning this Friday at Ogilvie Raceway in Minnesota. The change follows Schatz’s final run with TSR at the Knoxville Nationals last week, where despite struggles in qualifying and starting 20th, Schatz achieved an 11th-place finish and extended his streak to 27 consecutive Nationals A-main appearances.
Stewart made clear that the switch was linked to recent unsatisfactory results despite major operational adjustments, including a mid-season switch from Ford to Chevrolet engines, which failed to yield the expected improvements. Stewart explained in a statement through Fully Injected Motorsports that the change offers a fresh start for both parties.
“We’ve weathered changes in the sport and our performance hasn’t been to the level that both Donny and I expect… Making a change now gives each of us the chance to reset and refocus before 2026.” —Tony Stewart, Team Owner
Madsen is already familiar with Tony Stewart Racing’s setup, having made 37 starts in the team’s No. 14 sprint car and notching six wins in 2021. His transition to the No. 15 car is anticipated to be smoother due to this prior experience. The team now looks forward to upcoming World of Outlaws events starting August 15 at Ogilvie Raceway and continuing with a race at River Cities Speedway on August 22.
Donny Schatz’s departure closes a distinguished chapter marked by eight World of Outlaws championships and nine Knoxville Nationals titles, underscoring the remarkable success he and Stewart achieved together. Kerry Madsen’s entry represents a new direction for Tony Stewart Racing as it prepares for the challenges and opportunities of the 2026 season.
