SCHATZ SECOND IN AUSTRALIAN OPEN PRELIMINARY

BRISBANE, QUS (Jan. 4) – In Friday night’s round six of the ENZED World Series Sprintcars tournament, presented by Hogs Breath Cafe, Donny Schatz raced to a second-place finish at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway near Brisbane.

The 20-lap main event closed the first of two nights of action for the traveling stars and marked the fourth night of action for the five-time World of Outlaws STP Sprint cars champion Schatz at the quarter-mile, dirt-oval behind the wheel of the Monte Motorsport No. 17 Miracle Recreation Equipment/KRE powered J&J.

It was clear following the race, the Fargo, N.D., isn’t a big fan of 20-lap feature races.

“They suck,” admitted Schatz, following the race. “You can’t get a run going on anyone because there’s really not any lapped traffic to contend with. (Race winner) James (McFadden) did a good job tonight, but I was never gonna knock down the walls chasing him. Tomorrow night is our focus.”

“Tomorrow night” is Saturday’s 50-lap 2013 Performance Wholesale Australian Open finale that pays $20,000 to the winner. An event Schatz has won the past four years.

“We’re ready for Saturday,” continued Schatz. “It’s been fun racing here in Brisbane the last couple of weeks. John and Kathy Kelly and the entire staff here at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway do a great job. Everyone will be gunning for that $20,000 and we’re going to do everything we can to be there at the end.”

Schatz will compete Saturday and conclude his Australian tour Tuesday night at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway.