Donny Schatz stepped on stage feeling bad for Johnny Gibson.

The suited men sat in front of hundreds at the 2025 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Awards Banquet. Thousands more watched at home on DIRTVision. So many eyes fixed on them. Gibson’s job? To find the good in every competitor’s campaign as an avenue of introduction.

“How could he possibly spin this positively,” Schatz wondered. The 48-year-old had been in this position several times before when Gibson needed no creative optimism. Schatz’s résumé boasts so many successful seasons with The Greatest Show on Dirt that have occurred right alongside Gibson’s tenure.

Schatz knew 2025 was not among them. He went winless for the first time since his rookie year in 1997. Headlines showed his name, but not in the fashion he’s accustomed to. The Sprint Car world was rocked when Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing parted ways in August, ending a run that began in 2008. The Fargo, ND native then split time driving four different cars to finish the season. No way Gibson could find a sliver of sunlight in an entirely overcast sky, right?

But the longtime Series announcer proved Schatz wrong. All it took was a little math.

“Like five minutes before I went up to go on stage, I actually said to myself, ‘I’m not sure what Johnny Gibson, and he’s the best at his job, could possibly talk about with me in front of the crowd here that has a silver lining,’ and I said that to him when I got up there,” Schatz said. “And he said, ‘It’s 30 years next year.’ And I said, ‘No, Johnny, it’s not 30 years. It’s 29.’ And he said, ‘No, it’s 30.’ I guess you just lose track of anything past the first couple. It’s crazy to think about.”

Since that realization washed over Schatz, more reasons to be hopeful have entered his life. Along with reaching a major milestone by contesting his 30th season in 2026, he’ll open a new chapter.

The 10-time Series champion recently inked a deal with Chad Clemens’ CJB Motorsports for the upcoming season. The move pairs Schatz with one of the sport’s most legendary mechanics, Barry Jackson. After enduring one of the most trying years of his career, the move rejuvenated the 48-year-old as he prepares for his World of Outlaws career to span three full decades.

“I wasn’t to my full potential to finish out the season probably mentally,” Schatz admitted. “When things happen, it’s like a snowball effect. When bad things happen, they just keep going. I had a lot of people stick their neck out for me, and I felt like I did the best I could to get to the end and we got there. But the off-season has been a big reset. It’s been a mental reset. It’s been a physical reset. For me to start over and recharge the batteries and refresh the attitude and all the things it takes. I’m super pumped. I’m ready to get back racing.”

It’s also a dream come true for Clemens as the team owner. He’s had plenty of the sport’s best drive for him in the past. Sammy Swindell, David Gravel, and Paul McMahan are just a few who’ve piloted CJB machines. Now, he gets to add one of Sprint Car racing’s most accomplished wheelmen ever to the list.

“This is a dream of a lifetime,” Clemens said of having Schatz drive for him. “Not only is he a hell of a driver and has a lot left in him yet, but he’s also a good friend too. It’s not like I just know him as a race car driver. I know him as a friend. It’s more than just a race car driver. He’s just a really down-to-earth, good person. His family is awesome. I always talked to his father at the races. I’ve always talked to his mom. I’ve talked to his sister. It’s going to be a dream come true.”

Hiring Schatz meant expanding to a two-car team as CJB continues to field the No. 5 for Brenham Crouch. Assembling a crew and the many resources for a second top-tier Sprint Car operation is no small task. But when the opportunity with Schatz arose, Clemens and Jackson didn’t wonder if it was possible. It was merely a question of how they could make it work.

“When this whole thing came to possibly happening, my first comment to Barry was, ‘I know we can’t let this not happen. We have to make this happen somehow,’” Clemens said. “I asked him, ‘Are we able with our current situation and equipment, and are you willing to go back to the Outlaws?’ And the answers were, ‘Yes and yes.’”

Teaming up is far from the first connection between Schatz and Jackson. Their relationship dates back several years as Jackson’s path crossed with Schatz’s longtime crew chief, Ricky Warner.  

“Barry is a Carlisle, Pennsylvania native, and he grew up with Rick Warner,” Schatz said. “Obviously, me and Rick have a good history together. Rick was someone that always confided in Barry for a lot of things. There was a time when Barry was building his own race cars, and I think we tried one a time or two at Oskaloosa and I think on the west coast. So, Barry is someone that’s been close back when I raced with Rick Warner. Ultimately, we respected each other. Barry is a very passionate, fiery person. You know what’s on his mind. I’m kind of the same way. I respect that.”

Roughly a month remains before the 2026 campaign begins. Luckily for the CJB crew, it ignites at a track that’s been kind to Schatz over the years. Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park is the destination in early February, and Schatz has won 24 times in 99 Sprint Car races at the 1/2 mile. With Schatz’s laps and Jackson’s extensive notebook, Schatz is optimistic they can come out of the gate swinging.

“It’s not going to take us six months to get going or get a win,” Schatz said. “I feel like we can get going right away because of Barry’s experience and my experience and obviously a fresh start. Those guys have been open to anything. They’ve asked me a lot, what it is I want to do here and there.”

Clemens shares his driver’s confidence.

“I think they’re going to start meshing right off the bat,” Clemens said. “Barry has a mindset that he wants to win and he’s driven and he’s dedicated, and Donny has the same mindset. When you have two guys that have the same mindset, I’m not going to put a projection on what I think we’re going to do, but I think it’s going to be a very positive year. I think it’s going to be a good year, and I have trust in both of them.”

Schatz’s plans are set. The season is nearing. Season number 30. A milestone that means so much to the kid from North Dakota that committed his life to Sprint Car racing. A number that’s put things in perspective and brightened his outlook as he readies for what’s ahead. He knows there’s plenty left in the tank. Schatz intends to contend in 2026.

“When it all comes together and we get to the first race, I think that’s when everybody is going to swallow hard and say, ‘Man, it took a lot to get to this point, but this is very rewarding and let’s go out and get some gators in Florida and get ourselves in a good position to race for a championship,” Schatz said.

Schatz and the CJB Motorsports No. 15 team will begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

DIRTcar Series PR

Photos courtesy of Racing America

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) – The motorsports community is mourning the loss of Michael Printup, the former president of Watkins Glen International (WGI), who passed away unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 60. With a career spanning more than three decades, Printup dedicated his life to the sport he loved, leaving an indelible mark on the racing world.

Printup spent 15 years at Watkins Glen International, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the track’s legacy and fostering its connection with fans and the local community. After his time at WGI, he continued his work in motorsports as the Chief Operating Officer at Racing America.

Those who worked closely with Printup remember him as a humble leader who never sought the spotlight. Lee Giannone, CEO of Racing America, shared his reflections on Printup’s character and leadership. Giannone noted that Printup never put himself on a pedestal, instead focusing on building a strong team and fostering a culture that reflected his values. Even in the wake of his passing, Giannone expressed confidence in the quality of the staff Printup assembled, describing them as a testament to his leadership and vision.

Giannone also shared personal memories of Printup, highlighting his deep connection with the Watkins Glen community. Whether attending events or dining out, Printup was often stopped by fans and locals eager to greet him—a reflection of the genuine relationships he built over the years. Giannone described Printup as someone who was not only respected but also adored by those who knew him.

Reflecting on Printup’s impact, Giannone said, “We know how much Michael was adored in the community, and he was certainly a good friend for me. I joined as the CEO of Pro Motorsports Holdings, now Racing America, in February of this year. Michael was really the piece of that puzzle for me that made it possible to accomplish all that we did this year. Whether they remember Michael Printup, the man, or enjoy all the things that he helped to make permanent, I think that’s what you would know about him when you look around and you say, you know, this is a pretty special place that was helped to be put together by a pretty special man. And that’s how I would look at it. I’m sure Michael would enjoy that.”

As the motorsports world reflects on Michael Printup’s life and contributions, his legacy is evident in the relationships he built, the communities he touched, and the lasting impact he had on the sport he loved.

WENY News extends our deepest condolences to those at Watkins Glen International, Racing America and the Printup family.

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We head to Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson where we find a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle that has been given a total custom Mexican makeover. In this video we meet the owner of this custom sport bike and we show off all the amazing Mexican artwork on the side of his bike, as well as his lights, the C&S Swingarm, the multiple motorcycle speakers, the big 300 back tire and many other cool features! Enjoy this close look at one of the most amazing custom Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles we have ever seen “La Mamalona”

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Seven people from northeast Indiana have been called for statewide service.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Friday announced his appointments to 30 state boards and commissions, including the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, the Indiana Motorsports Commissioner and the State Board of Dentistry.

The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities is meant to advance social and policy changes that lead to meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of life, the state’s website said.

Baun has appointed Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling and Corinna Wyss, The League’s financial controller, to that council. Their terms expire in September 2028.

The Indiana Motorsports Commission was created in 2013. It finances construction of and lease of real estate and personal property improvements for the benefit of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to the state’s website.

Tom Kelley, president of Kelley Automotive Group in Fort Wayne, was reappointed to that commission. His term ends at the end of 2029.

The state’s website said the State Board of Dentistry grants licenses related to dentistry to individuals and facilities in the dental field.

Matthew Kolkman, a dentist with Grabill Family Dentistry, was reappointed to the board. His term expires at the end of November 2029.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission regulates electric, natural gas, steam, water and wastewater utilities.

Braun appointed former state Sen. Andy Zay of Huntington to a four-year term on the commission that expires at the end of March 2030. Zay announced his resignation from his Senate seat last month because of his appointment to the commission.

The Behavior Analyst Committee establishes rules, sets standards and oversees licensing for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts, according to the state’s website.

Jill Forte, CEO of the Children’s Autism Center, from Huntington County, was named to the committee. Her term expires at the end of 2029.

Indiana code says the Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee supports local domestic violence review teams by collecting and analyzing data, providing needed expertise and establishing and sponsoring training programs for members of local domestic violence review teams.

Leslie Dowden of the Adams County Coroner’s Office will serve on the statewide committee. Dowden’s term expires at the end of 2027.

Braun announced 66 appointments to state boards and commissions Friday from different parts of the state. Each had varying term lengths with the shortest term running until Aug. 31 and the longest term being Zay’s on the utility regulatory commission.

Jamey Price is one of the world’s top motorsports photographers. You’ll see his work from Formula 1 and IMSA tracks in dozens of publications during the year, but you’ll have to buy a book to get his coolest shots.

Price has been carrying around a $10 NASCAR novelty film camera and taking shots at many of the events he covers. He’s now collected them in a new book, “Racing Unfiltered: A Year in Motorsports Captured on Film.”

He joined Gary Gastelu and Alex Nunez on the latest edition of The GAS podcast to talk about the project and what the life on the road and track is like as he shoots thousands of photos each day trying to capture perfect shots of cars flying by at up to 200 mph, while also looking for the intimate images behind the scenes.

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Logan Sargeant (pictured), the American racing driver born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 31, 2000, competed in Formula 1 with Williams from 2023 to 2024. Over 36 Grand Prix starts, he scored a single point, finishing 21st in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. His tenure ended mid-2024 after a heavy crash in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, with Williams replacing him with Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Following his F1 exit, Sargeant took time away from full-time competition in early 2025 before returning to racing later that year. He made his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut in the LMP2 class, contesting the final two rounds with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in an Oreca 07 Gibson, achieving a best result of fourth in class at the Motul Petit Le Mans.

As of early 2026, Sargeant has shifted his focus to sports car racing in the IMSA series. On January 2, 2026, Era Motorsport announced his participation in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking his debut in the iconic endurance race. He will drive the No. 18 Oreca 07 Gibson in the LMP2 class, sharing duties with Ferdinand Habsburg (a multiple LMP2 champion in WEC, ELMS, and Asian Le Mans Series), Naveen Rao (full-season driver), and a yet-to-be-confirmed fourth driver (provisionally listed as James Roe in earlier entries). Era Motorsport, a team with two prior Rolex 24 LMP2 victories, fields a strong lineup for the event, which kicks off the 2026 IMSA season on January 22-25.

Sargeant, a Florida native from the same town as IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I’m super excited to be tackling my first-ever Daytona 24 with Era to kick off 2026. It’s a race I’ve always wanted to be part of, with how close it is to home. It’ll be great to get acquainted with my teammates at the Roar and push hard to come away with a Rolex at the end of the race.”

This move aligns with a broader pivot to endurance racing for the 25-year-old, who comes from a prominent family—his uncle is billionaire businessman Harry Sargeant III, involved in shipping and oil. Despite this background, Sargeant has pursued a professional racing career, progressing from a 2015 CIK-FIA Karting World Championship win (the first by an American since 1978) through junior formulas to F1 and now sports cars.

While many former F1 drivers transition to IndyCar or other series, Sargeant has chosen IMSA’s endurance format. Speculation about a potential World Endurance Championship (WEC) program persists, including past links to programs like Genesis Magma Racing (which he withdrew from) and a 2025 Bahrain rookie test in a Proton Competition Ford Mustang GT3, but no confirmed full-season WEC entry has been announced as of January 2026. His current commitment is the Daytona one-off, with potential for further IMSA races.

Sargeant, known for his competitive junior record and clean-cut appearance that has drawn fan attention, aims to rebuild his reputation in the team-oriented world of sports car racing.