In a major development for Tony Stewart Racing news, Donny Schatz has wrapped up the World of Outlaws season without a victory for the first time since 1997, ending a remarkable 27-year win streak with a dramatic collision at the Charlotte World Finals. The milestone comes after his long and successful tenure with Tony Stewart Racing, capping a year of intense changes and emotional turns for the legendary driver and team owner Tony Stewart.
Schatz and Stewart’s Partnership Shapes a Sprint Car Era
From the outset of Tony Stewart’s move from NASCAR to sprint cars, his dedication to dirt racing was undeniable. As the team owner of Tony Stewart Racing, Stewart assembled one of the most dominant forces in sprint car competition, bringing together talents such as Donny Schatz and Danny Lasoski. Over nearly two decades, the partnership between Tony Stewart and Donny Schatz stood out as one of the sport’s most successful alliances, rewriting records and defining modern World of Outlaws racing.
Their cooperation reached its end in August of the 2025 season. After years marked by triumphs, Stewart made the decision to part ways with Schatz, citing declining performance, but while expressing deep appreciation for Donny’s long-standing achievements with the team. Despite leaving Tony Stewart Racing, Schatz quickly secured a seat with Big Game Motorsports in the iconic No. 15 car for the remaining World of Outlaws races. However, this change could not alter the outcome of the season, as Schatz would finish the year winless—an occurrence unseen in his storied career since the late 1990s.
A Chaotic Season Finale at Charlotte Ends Schatz’s Streak
The Charlotte World Finals on November 8, 2025, proved a challenging conclusion to Schatz’s turbulent season. During the early laps of the race, chaos unfolded when Schatz’s car flipped on the second attempt at a start, bringing out a red flag. Fortunately, all the drivers involved, including Schatz, escaped uninjured, though the incident marked an abrupt end to his race and placed him 26th in the final standings that night.
“It’s possible we may have a winless season, but that’s just life, man. There’s worse things in the world. The future, what’s in front of me looks better than what’s behind me, so that’s all you can focus on,”
he said following the race.
The outcome represented a significant blow for Schatz, whose legacy in the World of Outlaws is cemented by 10 championships—including eight earned with Tony Stewart Racing—and over 315 feature wins. His domination through the mid-2010s, particularly a streak of five consecutive series titles from 2014 to 2018, set benchmarks few have matched. He also boasts 11 wins at the Knoxville Nationals, further underscoring his reputation as one of sprint car racing’s most formidable figures.
While the 2025 season left Schatz without a win, his determination and outlook remain strong. 48-year-old Schatz’s impact continues to be felt, as he ranks third on the list of all-time World of Outlaws victors, close behind legendary names such as Steve Kinser and Rico Abreu. His ability to remain a top contender over nearly three decades speaks to his skill and resilience. Despite setbacks brought about by team changes and a highly competitive field, his response to adversity shows his unwavering focus on the road ahead.
Team Owner and Driver Reflect on Season’s Difficulties
Tony Stewart, reflecting on the season’s outcome, acknowledged the pressures and expectations both he and Schatz carried over their many years as a team. Stewart remarked,
“We’ve weathered changes in the sport and our performance hasn’t been to the level that both Donny and I expect,”
referencing the mutual frustration faced during 2025.
Schatz’s adjustment to a new team environment after nearly two decades with Tony Stewart Racing underscored how transitions in motorsports can prove challenging even for seasoned veterans. The demands of adapting quickly in such competitive settings, combined with the abrupt shift away from a long-time team, contributed to the winless streak that defined his year. Even with the challenges, many in the racing community, including fans and industry insiders like Kyle McFadden, acknowledged his perseverance and predicted a potential return to form in the coming year.
Recap of the Charlotte World Finals Action
The World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte on November 8, 2025, marked the fiery conclusion of another intense season. David Gravel and Parker Price-Miller started on the front row for the 25-lap sprint car feature, setting high expectations for the event. The early laps were marred by a string of incidents, including a high-speed flip by Justin Peck and the red-flagged crash involving Donny Schatz during a restart, capturing the unpredictable and dangerous nature of sprint racing.
A lightning delay further added to the evening’s drama, temporarily halting the race with Gravel in the lead. Once the green flag waved again, Buddy Kofoid mounted a charge, overtaking Price-Miller for second and then moving past Gravel, who spun into the wall on lap 15, causing another red flag. Kofoid managed to remain in front through intense pressure, especially from Rico Abreu, who pushed hard in the closing circuits but slipped back after jumping the cushion. Kofoid ultimately crossed the line for a career-defining win at one of the sport’s most prestigious finales.
Following Kofoid, Rico Abreu secured second place, Corey Day took third, Michael Kofoid finished fourth, and Parker Price-Miller rounded out the top five. Donny Schatz, who had already exited the race, was left to watch from the sidelines after his early crash. While the night showcased the thrilling unpredictability that has become the hallmark of dirt-oval racing, it also brought a bittersweet finish for one of its long-time titans.
“Donny Schatz’s tumultuous 2025 season comes to an end prematurely in Charlotte’s finale. Got stacked up on the second attempt at the start and had nowhere to go. A winless season for the first time since 1997 — but he’ll be back for more in 2026.”
— Kyle McFadden, Racing Analyst
Legacy and Expectations for the Future
Even as 2025 closed on a difficult note, Schatz’s achievements continue to speak volumes. The driver’s exceptional record has set a standard for excellence, with every victory and setback becoming part of his enduring story. His influence stretches beyond statistics, inspiring generations of fans and setting the bar for what’s possible on dirt tracks across America. The presence of competitors such as Rico Abreu and the contributions of Tony Stewart Racing have kept sprint car racing vibrant and fiercely competitive, ensuring that every season is memorable for fans and drivers alike.
With speculation already building around Schatz’s plans, the racing world is preparing to see if he can reclaim his once-familiar place at the top. His decades-spanning career illustrates how resilience and belief can help overcome even the harshest setbacks. As the next campaign approaches, Donny Schatz remains a figure of intense emotional investment—for fans, teams, and drivers—who are eager to witness the next chapter in this remarkable racing story.
Donny Schatz’s tumultuous 2025 season comes to an end prematurely in Charlotte’s finale.
Got stacked up on the second attempt at the start and had nowhere to go.
A winless season for the first time since 1997 — but he’ll be back for more in 2026. pic.twitter.com/M4gJSET4UW
— Kyle McFadden (@ByKyleMcFadden) November 9, 2025
