SCHATZ COMES HOME THIRD IN ALL-STAR OPENER AT VOLUSIA

BARBERVILLE, FL (Feb. 3) - Donny Schatz kicked off the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., with a podium finish on Wednesday night. Schatz wheeled Tony Stewart Racing's (TSR) No. 15 Armor All/STP/Parkerstore J&J  around the lightning fast half-mile dirt oval and ultimately finished third in the 30-lap contest.

"I did everything I could to get by some guys, but we were all just too fast," admitted Schatz, following the event. "My guys gave me a really good car, but you saw the only real passes of the night came on the start and then when the leaders got in traffic. We were probably just a little bit better than the guy who finished second, but that's how it goes."

Schatz timed in sixth quick in the field of 42 cars and finished fourth in the second heat race. He drew the third pill for an inside second row starting position. On the start, Schatz dropped back to fifth, but worked his way back into third and made several runs at second place finisher Joey Saldana, but ultimately finished in third.

"Hopefully, we've got just a little bit different racing surface tomorrow and we learn a little bit more. We'll put the Armor All shine on this No. 15 tomorrow and see if we can finish two spots better."

Schatz will return to action on Thursday in the second and final All-Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) event at Volusia. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the World of Outlaws kick of their 2010 season at the track.