Donny Schatz Embraces New Chapter with CJB Motorsports, Reflects on Turbulent Past Decade
A ten-time World of Outlaws champion is looking ahead to his 30th consecutive season with a fresh team, but not without acknowledging a challenging period marked by engine advancement struggles and a parting of ways with Tony Stewart Racing.
Donny Schatz, a titan of sprint car racing, isn’t dwelling on past disappointments as he embarks on his 30th year competing with the World of Outlaws in 2026. Despite having ample reason to harbor resentment over the last seven years, the 48-year-old champion approaches the future with a pragmatic outlook and a renewed sense of purpose alongside CJB Motorsports.
Schatz enjoyed a dominant run with Tony Stewart Racing from 2008 to 2025, securing eight championships. Though, the subsequent decade was largely defined by the development of the Ford Performance Stewart 410 engine, a period some believe coincided with a decline in his on-track performance. Critics suggested the driver was inflexible in adapting to the changes implemented by Stewart and Ford,while others questioned weather age was becoming a factor.
His win totals reflected a clear downward trend,plummeting from 22 victories in 2018 to 11,then 5,3,5,4,5,and ultimately,zero. In a stunning turn of events, Schatz failed to win a race in 2025, marking the first time in his illustrious career.
A New Partnership with CJB Motorsports
Looking ahead, Schatz is keen about his new collaboration with CJB Motorsports and crew chief Barry Jackson. He revealed he receives updates from Jackson as late as midnight Eastern Time, a testament to their dedication. “These guys are burning the midnight oil,” Schatz said. “I think there are butterflies in everyone’s stomachs right now. it’s not going to be perfect. Right now, it’s stuff that shouldn’t affect us on the track. We don’t have our primary tuck and trailer or all the parts we’ll need to make it through 85 races but we’re going to build on it.”
Schatz is adopting a hands-off approach regarding specific technical demands, expressing confidence in Jackson’s expertise. With over 200 victories in 410 Sprint Car competition, Jackson brings a proven track record to the team. “I’m relying on someone who has that 16-year relationship with Chad [Clemens, team owner] to have what they need,” Schatz explained. He acknowledged a previous experience where a accomplished setup was gradually dismantled during his time with TSR. “So, going into this, I’m fitting into what they have. They’re open to anything I want to do but we’re going to start with their platform and will more than likely be successful with that.”
While he maintains preferences for certain components – brakes,steering wheels,and seats – Schatz is deferring to Jackson’s judgment on chassis and engine specifications. He also anticipates a positive dynamic with jackson, recognizing the importance of a strong driver-crew chief relationship. “That part is easy, you just have to be the leader,” Schatz said. “I haven’t been able to be a leader the last couple of years,kind of got looked down on. So I have an prospect with me and Barry to look at each other as equals.”
He envisions a collaborative environment where both individuals can assert their expertise. “There will come a time where he has to stand his ground on something and we’re going to be alright. There will be times I will need to tell barry ‘hey, settle down, I’ve got this,’ and that’s part of it. You know, driver and crew chiefs don’t necessarily spend a lot of time off the track together but when they walk into the track together, they have to compliment each other and do what the other doesn’t.I think this is the perfect combination for me.”
Schatz is embracing this new chapter, focused on building a successful future with CJB Motorsports and continuing his legacy as one of the sport’s most decorated drivers.
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