OGILVIE, Minn. — Ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Donny Schatz starts a new chapter in his racing career tonight at Ogilvie Raceway.
Schatz, who will drive a second Big Game Motorsports entry for the next seven World of Outlaws races, which will all be in proximity to his North Dakota home, took the opportunity to speak to his fans on Friday.
Schatz posted a personal video on his X page, thanking the fans and Big Game Motorsports.
It’s been a week…. Thanks to the fans for all the support and to @BigGameMotorspt for the opportunity. See you at Ogilvie! 👊 pic.twitter.com/48rT2e3lxw
— Donny Schatz (@DonnySchatz) August 15, 2025
“This morning when I put my boots on, I got a new shirt,” said Schatz of the Big Game Motorsports polo shirt he wore in the video. “A few days ago, I didn’t think I was going to get that opportunity to race in the heart of God’s country here, near my home.”
Schatz split with Tony Stewart Racing on Tuesday after 18 years with the team.
“Thanks to Tod Quiring and everybody at Big Game Motorsports, they gave me a great opportunity to run these seven races in front of the fans that made this happen for me, and stood behind me since day one,” Schatz continued. “That’s become my focus, my immediate focus. It felt like a gut punch not having that opportunity. I appreciate what the Big Game guys have done.
“They are trying to win a championship. What they have done goes above and beyond what has happened. David Gravel is the best driver in the country right now … hands down. He is in the midst of trying to win another championship. He has worked hard to get there. I in no way, shape or form want to add any dismay to that.
“I hope I can add to his success. In the last several days, there have been a lot of people who have reached out and offered me opportunities. It has been overwhelming. I don’t know if I have had this much phone time in the last five years. It’s incredible.
“What is hard to do, is say no to anyone,” Schatz continued. “When you get to this point in your life, sometimes you feel like a people pleaser and it is hard to say no. I am grateful to all of the opportunities and all of the people who reached out. I feel like I have made a lot of friends that were car owners, other drivers, people that were involved in the sport. I am thankful for that.”
Schatz, 48, said he’s not sure what lies ahead.
“I am not sure what lies ahead after these next seven races, but I am going to make the best of what is here right now,” he said. “Grateful for this opportunity. Make sure you get to the races and we’ll see you soon.”
