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Homecoming

Nodak Speedway, the place that started it all for seven-time and reigning World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz. Today, he returns to his hometown track, eager to continue his recent hot streak and win his fifth consecutive Outlaws’ race in Minot.

Schatz, in the midst of another championship caliber season, currently leads the season point standings by 258 points and has a series-leading 19 wins this season.

Despite all the championships and the 222 A-Feature wins, getting victory No. 20 on the season this evening at the Gerdau Magic City Showdown would still feel quite special for the 39-year old.

“When you race with the Outlaws you get a great opportunity to go to a lot of different race tracks across the country, meet a lot of people and see a lot of new fans,” Schatz said. “There are a lot of race tracks with a lot of history, but when I come back to Minot where I grew up where I was born and raised you get to see the familiar faces.

“It makes your hometown track almost feel like you’re going to a big event like the Knoxville Nationals or the Kings Royal or the National Open. It ranks up there with the best of them. Any driver that gets to go to their home track will probably tell you the same thing, but winning there makes it that more special.”

In the last four years, Schatz has rattled off four straight victories in front of his home supporters.

“What has happened in the past doesn’t mean a whole lot right now,” Schatz said. “The future is what we are looking toward. The racer mentality is all about the next race, so it would mean everything to us be able to get another win here. We got a great opportunity. We have been running well, so hopefully we can pull it off.”

Schatz strolls into Minot on excellent form having won the last three races on the circuit, including a victory Friday night at the River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks.

It’s a quick rebound in performances, at least in terms of what Schatz is capable of. The wins came in the aftermath of two second place finishes at the Knoxville Nationals and a fourth place finish at Nodak Speedway when Schatz made a surprise appearance on Aug. 7 to compete in his late model.

“I’d be lying to you if I told you that I didn’t want to win that race,” Schatz said about his late model result. “But, when I go run the late models, I seem to have a lot more fun.”

Not a lot of pressure when there are no points at stake, but losing still stings.

“It’s kind of like your hobby and something new you’re learning. Any time you’re in that position, you’re probably not going to be as confident then say something you’ve done for 20 years. So yeah, I would have liked to won, but it was a lot of fun to get there and race the late models.”

Celebrating 20 years of racing with the Outlaws, Schatz will be signing commemorative posters before the race today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carousel Pub under the Nodak grandstands.

Two decades seem like an entirety, but not for Schatz.

“I never expected to be at this point, but looking back on it Man it has gone by so fast and I’ve had a lot of fun in the process.”

Schatz doesn’t have a whole lot left to accomplish. He is third all-time in career A-Feature wins behind Hall of Famers Steve Kinser (577) and Sammy Swindell (294), and is second in total championships behind Kinser (20). Yet, after 20 seasons, he still wants to keep pushing on.

“It’s hard to say,” Schatz said about how much long he sees himself going. “First thing you need to do is be fortunate enough not to get injured. You never get too far ahead of yourself out here.

“I’d like to be out here in another 20 years, but you just never know. The sport can change, you can change and there are a lot things in life you miss out on by being on the road with the Outlaws.”

That day might come when Schatz no longer wants to travel anymore, but for tonight he gets the priceless opportunity to refuel with a dose of nostalgia and put on a show for his hometown.

The Nodak Speedway grandstands will open at 4 p.m. with hot laps scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Gerdau Magic City Showdown can be purchased online at www.slspromotions.com.

Alex Eisen covers Minot High School, Minot State athletics and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.

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