Schatz is the top Outlaw at New Egypt Speedway

Staff Writer

By tim morris


SARAH McCOLGAN Paul McMahon passes Steve Kinser in front of a standing-room-only crowd to win the eight-lap Channellock Dash at New Egypt Speedway on July 30.SARAH McCOLGAN Paul McMahon passes Steve Kinser in front of a standing-room-only crowd to win the eight-lap Channellock Dash at New Egypt Speedway on July 30.

A standing room only crowd of stock car fans topping 10,000 were treated to the high-speed excitement of the Pennzoil World of Outlaws sprint cars Monday night at New Egypt Speedway.

Minot, North Dakota’s Donny Schatz, etched his name in the record books by scoring the first victory in the World of Outlaws debut at the Central Jersey dirt track.

Schatz led the final 16 laps of the 30-lap feature.

Paul McMahan of Bristol, Ind., jumped out to the lead at the start of the A main event. The red came out on lap two when Len Thompson flipped his car in turn two. After the restart, McMahan remained in front until Schatz, the hottest driver on the circuit right now, passed him on the high groove of turn four on the 14th lap.

Schatz opened up some daylight between himself and the field over the last half of the race. It was the fifth win of the year for the North Dakota driver and his third in his last five starts.

Jeff Shepard made a charge over the second half of the race and went by McMahan to take second place. Danny Lasoki was fourth at the line, and Steve Kinser was fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were Craig Dollansky, New Egypt regular Billy Pauch, Joey Saldana, Randy Hannagan and Dale Blaney.

Winner Schatz was highly impressed with the speedway, which was hosting the event for the first time.

"It’s a pretty awesome facility, but the race track is real different than we’re used to," Schatz said. "It’s a great big ‘D.’ We went with a little harder Goodyear tire than anyone else, and I think it was better in the long run."

Heat winners were McMahan, Steve Kinser and Schatz with McMahan capturing the eight-lap Channellock Dash. Mark Kinser won the eight-lap B feature.

In the time trials, Joey Saldana of Brownsburg, Ind., turned in the fastest lap, 13.828, which is a new NES track record.

In the Pennzoil World of Outlaws title chase, Mark Kinser remains in first place in the points standings with Lasoski second and Kinser’s cousin, Steve Kinser, third. Schatz moved up to fifth with his victory.

In addition to the World of Outlaws, New Egypt Speedway held a companion Sportsman Invitational which was taken by Ryan Godown of Ringoes. It was the fifth win of the year at New Egypt for Godown whose brother, Brian, was second at the checkered flag.

Gary Hager was third followed by Brian Pearson and Dominick Buffalino. Howell’s Mike Reutter Jr. was sixth.

Rain postponed Saturday night’s special Ladies Night program at the half-mile dirt track, pushing the Powder Puff race for women back to Sept. 8.

This Saturday night the speedway will run its regular three-division card, the Modifieds, Sportsman and Street Stock, with racing starting at 6:30.

Rain also washed out Wall Stadium’s card on Saturday. The Ray Gastelu Memorial 50-lap feature for the Pro Stocks was rescheduled for this Saturday night. Points leader Chas Okerson of Freehold is looking to add onto his advantage with a strong race in the extra distance event that honors the late Pro Stock champion from Jackson who passed away earlier in the season.

The Modifieds, Street Stocks, Truck Series and Legends cars will also be in action starting at 7:30 p.m.