In this week’s Motion Motorsport Report, Dave Mathers is revved up about the return of the ISMA Supermodifieds to Delaware Speedway last Friday. He also looks at other news and races around Ontario and the racing world.
GRAND SLAM HOME RUN! Delaware Speedway played host last Friday night to the return – after eight long years – of the bad, fast, and exciting Super Modifieds, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The largest crowd in many years filled the stands and the parking lots – and reportedly cleaned out the concession stands.
The Supermodifieds were a hit at Delaware Speedway last Friday. Polesitter Tyler Shullick, in the pits. Photo by Chris Culos.
As always, the pit rumor mill was buzzing, with many suggesting the series will be back next year on the Saturday of the Canada Day weekend. Thanks to the new ownership group, the track was wisely repaved a few years ago, making side-by-side racing possible – something that simply wasn’t feasible on the old surface. Race results are found below.
In yet another head-scratching move from the IndyCar technical staff, A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ car, driven by second-place finisher Santino Ferrucci in Detroit, was fined $25,000 and docked 25 driver points for – get this – having a driver ballast that didn’t meet the 185-pound combined weight requirement by less than a pound, violating the narrow tolerance of 0.00 to +1.00 pounds. Yes, the ‘Danica Patrick Rule’ is intended to prevent unfair advantages for lighter drivers, but here’s the kicker: the car was TEN pounds overweight! Really?
There’s talk that teams are encouraging NASCAR to consider upping the horsepower in the Cup Series. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Rumours are swirling that NASCAR may increase horsepower for the Cup cars. Teams have been lobbying for more power to better complement the Next Gen chassis, and let’s face it – what driver doesn’t want more horsepower? While we’re unlikely to return to the 900+ HP days, a bit more oomph could certainly spice things up.
From Jayski.com: A three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated the preliminary injunction that allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams and receive the associated financial benefits. Good news for NASCAR.
Reports are also circulating about NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps attending a NASCAR Brazil race, igniting speculation that a Cup Series race could be headed there. But what about CANADA? Tons of fans here, and no international flights required!
After many years, I finally got to meet superstar race photographer Alan Arseneault last Friday night at Delaware. I’ve admired his incredible racing photos for years but had never met him in person. Great guy.
Ram 1500 NASCAR Truck Series concept front ¾ on track. Photo courtesy of Stellantis.
At a press event at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Stellantis announced its return to NASCAR. RAM trucks will initially enter the Truck Series, with strong rumors of a future move to Xfinity and Cup. Good news!
The group that brings you the exciting 660 Sportsman Nationals is presenting the inaugural Family Fun Weekend June 20-22 at St. Thomas Dragway.
The jam-packed drag racing event will feature: Rick Ream’s Wheelstanding Studebaker Firetruck, Neale Armstrong’s Northern Warrior Jet Dragster, Nostalgia Funny Cars – Matt Stambaugh Generation X vs Paul & Brian Noakes new ’67 Chevy II dubbed Wheeler Dealer (below), CJR Hellcats, Canada’s fastest Durango & 9-second Trackhawk, a Batmobile, the Ecto1 from Ghostbusters, the Blues Brothers Car, Ontario Nostalgia Drag Racing and bracket racing. First Responders and Service Club members receive special discount pricing!
Click on the flyer at right for more info, and visit the 660 Sportsman Nationals Facebook page for the latest news and everything you need to know about this first-time event.
NASCAR Cup Series – At MIS qualifying, Chase Briscoe (Toyota) snagged his third straight pole, edging out Kyle Busch (Chevy) and Denny Hamlin (Toyota). The field featured 36 cars: 15 Chevys, 12 Fords, and 9 Toyotas. Tyler Reddick had to start at the back after some “unapproved adjustments.”
Stage 1 went smoothly, with Chris Buescher taking the stage win. The first caution came on lap 59 when Noah Gragson and John Hunter Nemechek spun on the backstretch. Soon after, Cole Custer and Alex Bowman collided, with Bowman hitting the wall hard. Briscoe and Daniel Suarez also got caught up, prompting a yellow and then red for debris.
On lap 72, Nemechek backed it into the wall in Turn 4. Another yellow. Ryan Blaney spun entering pit road on lap 109 – yet another yellow. William Byron claimed Stage 2. On lap 145, Todd Gilliland hit the wall in Turn 2 after a left rear tire blew.
At the checkered flag, it was Denny Hamlin with a fuel-mileage victory over Chris Buescher and Ty Gibbs. Three of the top four finishers near the Motor City were Toyotas. In the points, William Byron leads Kyle Larson by 41, and Hamlin by 82.
Next race: Mexico City, Friday, 3 p.m. on TSN 3
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bonfield Event Park, located east of North Bay, Ontario, plays host to the Spring Bracket Race (June 13-15). Visit www.thebafm.com or call (705) 487-3663 for info.
Xfinity Series – Next race: Mexico City, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. on CW
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Saturday at MIS, Luke Fenhaus (Ford) earned the pole over Carson Hocevar (Chevy) and Matt Crafton (Ford). Canadian Stewart Friesen (Toyota) started 17th. The 32-truck field included 16 Chevys, 10 Fords, and 6 Toyotas – still no RAMs. Corey Heim took both Stage 1 and 2 wins. At halfway, Heim led over Kaden Honeycutt and Hocevar.
The first caution came just three laps into the restart when Jack Wood backed it into the wall in Turn 4. Rajah Caruth also found the Turn 2 wall shortly after, with a little help. A tangle between Nathan Byrd and Morgen Baird led to another yellow and eventually a red for wall repairs.
Stewart Friesen, driver of the #52 Halmar International Toyota, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics at Michigan International Speedway on June 07, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
The final 20 laps were wild, with the lead changing several times. Ross Chastain got fully sideways after contact with Hocevar but saved it. A tire carcass caused another yellow with 9 to go. On the restart, a wreck collected Daniel Hemric, Chastain, and eight others, after Tanner Gray turned Chastain. And once again, Live Timing had a meltdown – showing Hemric 15 laps down and Corey LaJoie 12 laps back with four laps to go.
NASCAR overtime! Lawless Alan Body slammed the wall after contact but kept rolling. Hemric blew a tire with two to go – another yellow. On the third green-white-checkered attempt, Friesen took advantage of others going high and restarted on the inside front row. At the flag, it was “Oh, Canada!” – Friesen took the win over Grant Enfinger and Fenhaus.
Stewart Friesen, driver of the #52 Halmar International Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics at Michigan International Speedway on June 07, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
In points, Heim (finished 18th) leads Chandler Smith by 133 and Hemric by 151. Friesen sits 10th, 258 points back.
CASC-OR – The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix returns to CTMP June 12-15. And the BARC Canadian Touring Trophy Races are slated for July 26-27 at CTMP. Click HERE to visit the CASC-OR homepage.
IMSA – At Mid-Ohio, the BMW of Machavern/Selldorff won GS, beating the Mercedes of Morad/Ward and the Porsche of Heylen/Mars. In TCR, Gottsacker/Filippi’s Hyundai triumphed over teammates Brown/Dupont and the Honda trio of Yoshihara/Montour/Wittmer. 22 GS and 15 TCR entries. Next race: Watkins Glen, Sunday, June 22
This Saturday, Flamboro Speedway hosts the annual Don Biederman Memorial featuring the Outlaw Super Late Models, the Canadian Vintage Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Pure Stocks and a Cruise Night. Biederman was a legendary stock car racer who was a prominent racer at Flamboro. Here’s a link to a gallery of images featuring Biederman. And click HERE or on the banner above for more info about the Biederman Memorial Night.
NHRA – Back in 1967, I asked a tech guy at Bristol why they called it Thunder Valley. “Wait for the first pair of Top Fuelers,” he said. When they ran, the sound echoed back 30 seconds later. We both laughed.
Top Fuel – Tony Stewart led qualifying with a 3.755 at 325.77. Canadian Dan Mercier was 10th. Stewart also won the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over Doug Kalitta. Steve Torrence took the event win over Justin Ashley. Two upsets, 10 smokers.
Funny Car – Austin Prock led qualifying with a 3.931 at 329.10. Canadian Spencer Hyde qualified 11th. J.R. Todd won the Challenge over Jack Beckman. Ron Capps won the final. Five upsets, 10 smokers.
Pro Mod – Mason Wright topped 21 entries with a 5.803. Canadians Jordan Lazic and Justin Bond qualified 6th and 10th. JR Gray beat Mike Stavrinos in the final by 0.011 seconds. Two upsets, three smokers.
Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Winners: Richard Gadson, Steve Torrence, Greg Anderson and Ron Capps. Photo by NHRA Media
Pro Stock – Dallas Glenn topped qualifying. Aaron Stanfield won the Challenge. Greg Anderson beat Glenn in the final. Two upsets, seven smokers.
Pro Stock Bike – Brayden Davis led qualifying. Gaige Herrera won the Challenge, but Richard Gadson beat Herrera in the final. Three upsets.
Mountain Motor Pro Stock – John DeFlorian Jr. led qualifying and won the final. Three upsets.
Factory Stock Showdown – Lee Hartman topped qualifying. Mark Pawuk won the final over James Betz. Four upsets, one smoker.
The Wasaga Beach Cruisers are holding their Cruise Fest Weekend on Saturday, June 21 in Klondike Park in Wasaga Beach, ON. Their weekly Monday night cruise events started May 12 at the Stonebridge Gazebo across from the Walmart parking lot. The cruise nights start between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. and run until dusk. Click HERE for more information about Cruise Fest.
APC Series – At Flamboro Speedway, Jake Sheridan earned the pole over Kyle Steckly and Cole Quinton. At the flag, Steckly won over Shae Gemmell and Sheridan. Eight cars finished on the lead lap. In the points, Josh Stade leads Gemmell and Shawn Chenoweth by five. Next race: Peterborough, Saturday.
Kyle Steckly won the APC Late Model race at Flamboro Speedway on Saturday night. Photo by Steve Traczyk.
Ontario Sportsman Series – Next race: Sunset, Saturday
Brockville Ontario Speedway: This Saturday at The BOS the Surprenant Truck Shop Crate Sprints, Modified, Sportsman, Novice Sportsman, Street Stocks and Pro Stocks take to the track. Click HERE for more info. Looking ahead, the Empire Super Sprints make their way to The BOS on June 21. And on July 12, the Ogilvie’s Triple Crown Series takes to the track. And you won’t want to miss the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds on July 30!
Delaware Speedway – As Rodney Dangerfield would say: “What a crowd!” 18 Super Modifieds thrilled fans on the repaved half-mile. Vermillion, Ohio’s Tyler Shullick smashed Ryan Litt’s longstanding track record with a 15.383. Mike Ordway was second, Kyle Edwards third, and London’s Mark Sammut seventh. Heat winners were Josh Sokolic, Mike McVetta, and Sammut. In the
50-lap feature, Trent Stephens passed pole-sitter Ordway on lap 10 and led the rest of the way. A single caution flew when Johnny Benson spun on lap 33. At the finish, it was Stephens over Ordway and Edwards. Sammut advanced from 10th to finish fifth. Canadian Mike Lichty finished seventh.
In Super Stocks, Cody Wilds and Trevor Collver won the heats, with Collver winning the feature over Carson Nagy and Nic Ramsay. In V8 Stocks (14 cars), Lucas Orr and Jeremy Taggart won the heats. Barry Watson took the feature over Taggart and Kaden Patrick. The crowd enjoyed a laugh when the spectator lights were finally turned on at 9:30 p.m.!
Next race: Autograph Night – V8 Stock, Bone Stock 40 Special, Friday
Edmonton International Raceway – This Saturday (June 14) is First Responders & Health Car Workers Appreciation Night at EIR. The evening will feature a Meet the Drivers Autograph Session, Late Models, Pure Stocks, Future Stocks, IMCA and Stackers. Click HERE for more info related to Saturday and additional news about all the things happening at Western Canada’s only NASCAR-sanctioned speedway.
A quick review of the run of show by event officials will see an adjustment to Championship Saturday at the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink.
Pushing through event No. 389 of 433 on Friday, officials will adjust the start time on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to 10:00 A.M. (CT). Teams and fans needing to get in before the first green flag of the day will be able to do so starting at 8:00 A.M. (CT).
Opening Ceremonies and the Parade of States are slated to begin at 3:00 P.M., followed by track work. Last Chance Qualifiers kick off the evening program at roughly 5:00 P.M. (CT).
Tickets are available online at http://www.tulsashootout.com or at the event. All seating is General Admission at the Tulsa Shootout. Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and military, $15 for youth, and free for kids six and under. The Pit Pass is all-access and is $45.
Saturday’s order of events is as follows:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
Expo Opens: 8:00 A.M.
Engine Heat: 9:15 A.M. – 9:20 A.M.
Racing: 10:00 A.M.
Opening Ceremonies: 3:00 P.M.
B Mains:
390-397: Stock Non-Wing (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)
398-405: Outlaw Non-Wing (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)
406-413: Outlaw Winged (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)
414-421: A Class Winged (12 Laps: 8 Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)
Opening Ceremonies
Last Chance A Main Qualifiers (12 Laps):
422: Stock Non-Wing (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
423: Junior Sprints (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
424: Outlaw Non-Wing (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
425: Restricted A Class (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
426: A Class Winged (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
427: Outlaw Winged (Top 8 Advance to A Main)
Championship A Mains:
428: Stock Non-Wing (30 Laps)
429: Junior Sprints (20 Laps)
430: Outlaw Winged (30 Laps)
431: Restricted A Class (25 Laps)
432: A Class Winged (30 Laps)
433: Outlaw Non-Wing (55 Laps)
Fans and teams can follow along on the MyRacePass App.
The six divisions headlining the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink include Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw Micros, Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw, JST Motorsports A-Class Winged, Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing, K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Class, and Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints.
Fans not able to attend the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink can see every lap of action on http://www.floracing.com.
The Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink takes place at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, located inside the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla. All official rules, event information, and dates are online at http://www.tulsashootout.com. Fans can also follow the Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink at https://www.facebook.com/TulsaShootout and on Twitter (@TulsaShootout).
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has allocated millions to improve three speedways.
The International Hot Rod Association has purchased Rockingham Speedway, adding another historic motorsports venue to its growing portfolio. The acquisition was confirmed in an official IHRA press release. The purchase follows IHRA’s recent acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park and continues the organization’s expansion into track ownership and facility management.
Rockingham Speedway, widely known as “The Rock,” recently completed a major restoration project that included a full repave of the racing surface. The work returned the 0.94-mile oval to racing condition and positioned the track for continued national-level events.
IHRA confirms purchase and plans
According to the IHRA official press release, the organization plans to continue investing in Rockingham Speedway following the sale, with a focus on preserving the track’s history while improving the overall fan experience. A report by RacingNews.co writer Shane Walters also detailed IHRA’s next steps for the facility.
“The IHRA intends to expand on the upgrades, the report stated. Those plans include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.”
IHRA stated in its release that the organization intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former prominence while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements aim to keep the track active beyond race weekends while maintaining its traditional racing identity.
The purchase reflects IHRA’s broader strategy of reinvesting in historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused facilities.
NASCAR events scheduled at Rockingham for 2026
Rockingham Speedway is scheduled to host a national NASCAR weekend during Easter weekend in April 2026, according to the IHRA press release. The event will build on momentum from 2025, when NASCAR’s return to the track delivered strong attendance and national television exposure.
The April 2026 weekend is expected to feature the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series West, along with a full slate of on-track activity and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. IHRA noted that additional announcements regarding schedules and event details will be released in the coming months.
The IHRA release also confirmed that the organization is in discussions with experienced industry partners, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as part of its long-term planning for Rockingham Speedway beginning in 2026.
Darryl Cuttell and local leaders respond
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell addressed the significance of Rockingham Speedway in comments included in the official IHRA press release.
“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world, Cuttell said. This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
Cuttell later emphasized that IHRA does not plan to change what defines the track.
“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special Cuttell said.” “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
Local tourism officials also welcomed the announcement. Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, also spoke in the IHRA press release.
“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons, Lambeth said. We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association.”
With NASCAR events scheduled and further upgrades planned, Rockingham Speedway remains active on the national racing calendar as IHRA begins its stewardship of the historic facility.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
TOWN OF POLK — The Midwest Motorsports Racers’ Expo has released a special incentive for racers across the region, rewarding drivers who finish in the top 10 in points at any race track or racing series in 2025 with free admission to the annual Midwest Racers Auction, a two-day event to be held Jan. 9-10 at Washington County Fair Park, 3000 Highway PV, Town of Polk.
The auction is one of the Midwest’s premier offseason gathering points for racers, teams, builders, and motorsports enthusiasts, according to a news release. Event attendees can find thousands of high-performance items up for bid, including race parts, safety gear, tools, shop equipment, collectibles, hard-to-find components, and more. The Midwest Racers’ Expo kicks off on Friday with the doors open at 3 p.m. and the first item to be sold at 4 p.m. On Saturday, the doors will open at 8 a.m. and the auction ring will go live at 9 a.m.
Auction manager David Deery noted in the release that this promotion is a small gesture to reward the efforts of racers in the area and simultaneously motivate others to perform at their best.
“Short-track racing thrives because of the racers and teams who pour their time, money and passion into the sport,” said Deery. “Offering free admission to the top-10 drivers is our way of giving back and making sure the people who keep this sport alive can take advantage of the deals, networking, and resources the Expo provides.”
Free admission applies to any driver who finished in the top 10 in points at a recognized short track or regional racing series during the 2025 season. Drivers must present proof of point standings at the admission gate. For more information, community members can visit midwestracersauction.com or call Gregg McKarns at 815-703-0285.
You may see a few more motorcycles on the highway this weekend.But this is no ordinary gathering.This is the unofficial start of the 2026 Women Riders World Relay.It began in 2019 with women riders connecting across the globe.After a pandemic pause – it’s back.The U.S. leg begins in Rogers, but women all over the world will take part.That’s all tracked by an app.However, the digital baton still requires an in-person hand-off.”Even though I am the creator of this app, I don’t have the baton. We have one ambassador in every country who is given that baton. And from there, they start to share it. And rather than passing it on and it’s gone, it splits off like atoms, so that ambassador can share it with 10 women and then those 10 women share it with 10 women. Now you have a hundred women sharing, and it’s going to keep building,” WRWR co-founder Liza Miller said.The official start is happening Saturday.Women riders will hit the highway, starting at Mach 1 Motorsports in Rogers.It runs the entire year as they try to surpass the 20,000 riders in more than 100 countries who took part last time.For more information, click here.
ROGERS, Ark. —
You may see a few more motorcycles on the highway this weekend.
But this is no ordinary gathering.
This is the unofficial start of the 2026 Women Riders World Relay.
It began in 2019 with women riders connecting across the globe.
After a pandemic pause – it’s back.
The U.S. leg begins in Rogers, but women all over the world will take part.
That’s all tracked by an app.
However, the digital baton still requires an in-person hand-off.
“Even though I am the creator of this app, I don’t have the baton. We have one ambassador in every country who is given that baton. And from there, they start to share it. And rather than passing it on and it’s gone, it splits off like atoms, so that ambassador can share it with 10 women and then those 10 women share it with 10 women. Now you have a hundred women sharing, and it’s going to keep building,” WRWR co-founder Liza Miller said.
The official start is happening Saturday.
Women riders will hit the highway, starting at Mach 1 Motorsports in Rogers.
It runs the entire year as they try to surpass the 20,000 riders in more than 100 countries who took part last time.
Watkins Glen International is mourning the loss of its former president, Michael Printup.
In a statement released late Thursday, Watkins Glen International said it is “saddened by the passing of former President Michael Printup, who led the facility for 15 years.”
“During his tenure, Michael played a key role in the continued growth and success of WGI, helping to strengthen its operations, partnerships, and standing within the motorsports industry while honoring the venue’s storied history,” the statement said. “Michael was a respected leader who left a lasting impact on the organization and those who worked alongside him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Printup spent nearly three decades in motorsports, including more than a decade leading Watkins Glen International. He became track president in June of 2009 and served in that role for more than 10 years.
During his tenure, the historic racetrack underwent approximately 56 million dollars in capital improvement projects, including major infrastructure upgrades and fan-experience enhancements. Attendance and national visibility also grew, with the NASCAR Cup Series weekend recording seven consecutive grandstand sellouts. The track also expanded into non-racing events, including music festivals for the band Phish and other large-scale special events.
Printup later joined Racing America in July of 2023 as president of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January of 2024, overseeing the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli and all racing operations. Racing America also confirmed his passing, calling him “an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend.”
A native of Hamburg in the Buffalo area, Printup began his career with International Speedway Corporation in 2000 and previously served as senior director of facility management at Michigan International Speedway. He also oversaw NASCAR’s food service contract with Levy for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks and previously served as president of Americrown, a NASCAR subsidiary.
WGI officials said Printup’s leadership and legacy continue to be felt at the track and throughout the motorsports community.
Printup is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his sons Brendan (Caitlin) and Matthew; and his granddaughters Sophia and Vivienne.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 South Main Street in Summerville, South Carolina.
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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.
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Edmonton International Raceway – This Saturday (June 14) is First Responders & Health Car Workers Appreciation Night at EIR. The evening will feature a Meet the Drivers Autograph Session, Late Models, Pure Stocks, Future Stocks, IMCA and Stackers. Click HERE for more info related to Saturday and additional news about all the things happening at Western Canada’s only NASCAR-sanctioned speedway.
