Schatz guns to continue California success in Stockton March 18 & 19
By Gary Thomas
Stockton, CA – February 9, 2016…The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series season officially kicks-off this Friday night at the Volusia Speedway Park in Florida, where Donny Schatz opens his title defense looking to bring home an eighth career series title. Schatz & the rest of the Outlaws will tackle the Stockton Dirt Track in just over a month’s time on Friday & Saturday March 18 & 19 in the FVP Western Spring Shootout.
Narrowly missing out on a victory in 2014, the Fargo, North Dakota veteran returned this past season to claim a scintillating feature in Stockton, narrowly beating out Shane Stewart by 0.220 seconds on opening night of the FVP Western Spring Shootout. After not winning in the Golden State since 2012, Schatz had his best ever season in California last year, also scoring the Mini Gold Cup & Gold Cup in Chico, the Brad Sweet Short Track Showdown in Placerville and the Wine Country Outlaw Showdown in Calistoga.
Overall last season Schatz raced to an amazing 31 wins with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and captured the title by a massive 544-points. Included in those triumphs was his ninth victory in the sports biggest event, the FVP Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa. Schatz will be gunning to have another career year in 2016 aboard the Tony Stewart Racing/ Bad Boy Buggies No. 15 machine. The California swing will once again play a major part in developing momentum for the rest of the season.
Winged 360 Sprint Cars will also share the spotlight both nights at the Stockton Dirt Track on March 18 & 19. Each night will pay $3,000-to-win and if a driver sweeps the weekend there is an extra $2,000 double down bonus up for grabs. It will be the eighth & ninth time that Winged 360 Sprints compete at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds facility. A number of drivers have already expressed desire to take part in the non-sanctioned 360 portion of the FVP Western Spring Shootout.
Camping is also available during the weekend with a number of great spots for RV’s on the fairgrounds. To reserve your spot contact 916-370-9417. We will do our best to accommodate everyone as well as we can. There is a two-day minimum for camping at the event with the cost being $33 a night. Remember to bring extension cords, water hoses, water hose Y’s, & in-ground water spigots if you have them. For a map of the campground visit http://stocktondirttrack.com/rv_camping.pdf
Friday night following the races there will be a party on the VIP deck of the main grandstand. Drinks & food will be available for purchase and everyone is encouraged to attend. The party will be in close proximity to the pit area & campground. There will also be a Saturday morning breakfast held on the fairgrounds for the second straight year.
Two-night adult General Admission tickets for the FVP Western Spring Shootout weekend at the Stockton Dirt Track are available for a great value at just $59 & two-night Reserved Grandstand tickets cost only $69. Single-night tickets & box seats are also available. Children 10 & under are free in G.A. only. To reserve your seats simply visit https://dirtcar.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=195 or call (844) 347-8849.
Delta Speedway, also located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, will be running a special race on Thursday March 17, making it a three-night happening on the grounds. The Delta Speedway is just a short walk across the parking lot from the camping area behind the grandstands at the Dirt Track.
The Stockton Dirt Track is a lightning fast 3/8 mile clay oval located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, California. The physical address is 1658 S Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206. For information on the speedway visit www.stocktondirttrack.com
