Donny Schatz celebrated his 500th victory on March 4, winning his race at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Fla.

Minot legend Donny Schatz took his 500th career win on March 4 at the Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Florida.

Schatz, Fargo, has been racing the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car Series, traveling from coast to coast. Most recently, he won his 500th race during the Bike Week Jamboree. He drives a 410ci winged sprint car, and races for the No. 15 Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing (TSR) team.

A couple of months ago, Schatz was sitting down having lunch with some of the guys on his crew when one of them mentioned in casual conversation that he had 499 victories under his belt. Schatz had no idea because they don’t typically keep track of numbers or the how many trophies he collects. It was not even in the back of his mind.

“That’s not why we got into the game,” Schatz said.

However, to stay on top of his game, he trains a couple days a week and he said he tries to eat as healthy as possible. Another key element that he accredited his victory to was staying active. With how active his lifestyle is, he joked some people ask him if he should be checked for his sanity.

“I try to stay on the right side of it, but you sometimes derail,” he said. “Everyone can always do better. I don’t feel like I’m in a bad spot.”

Growing up in a racing family in Minot, Schatz, 46, started sprint car racing as a teenager. Retiring from racing is not in the cards for Schatz quite yet, even after seeing his name at the top of the standings at the end of the night.

“Just because you get something, that doesn’t mean your life is complete. I’m nowhere near ready,” Schatz said. “When I feel like I’m ready, I’ll make that decision.”