One of the most legendary partnerships in Sprint Car racing history has come to an end as Tony Stewart Racing and Donny Schatz mutually parted ways on Tuesday afternoon. This decision marks the conclusion of an 18-year relationship that brought home eight championships in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and nine wins at the Knoxville Nationals.
Following the split, 48-year-old Schatz has joined Big Game Motorsports, where he will race alongside David Gravel for the upcoming three weeks in the World of Outlaws series.
On Friday morning, FloRacing’s Kyle McFadden conducted an exclusive phone interview with Schatz, covering various subjects such as the mid-season release, the inevitability of parting from TSR, his proudest achievements over 18 years with the team, and his new role with Big Game Motorsports.
In the interview, Schatz expressed disappointment over the abrupt ending to his time with TSR. He noted that it felt like a sudden low blow, especially since the team had been planning the transition without his knowledge. He articulated that in a professional setting, he would have preferred a more transparent discussion about their issues and future.
As Schatz reflected on his 18 years with TSR, he acknowledged the significant success they shared, including numerous championships. He emphasized that the milestones they achieved together were memorable, although the way things ended left him feeling emotional about the legacy they built.
Looking ahead, Schatz remains optimistic despite the challenges, stating that racing has been a significant part of his life. He recognizes that while the racing landscape has changed, his competitive spirit remains intact, and he intends to seek opportunities for the future after his stint with Big Game Motorsports.
Finally, Schatz confirmed that he still feels capable of winning at high levels and expressed gratitude to his fans for their continuous support. He remains open about exploring sponsorships and partnerships moving forward while also prioritizing the needs of his family as they navigate this transition.
