World Finals Notebook

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World Finals Notebook
by Pete McDonald

Donny Schatz impressed the hell out of a lot of people over the weekend not only by coming from the rear on Lap 8 of Saturday’s World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature to ultimately finish fourth, but in his Late Model as well. Schatz qualified for the A-Main both nights against the best in the business in a type of car he only runs four or five times a year and scored a career best finish of ninth on Saturday night.

Was awesome to see Brian Brown finally get his first career World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series win on Saturday night. Brownie has been trying for so long, only to get passed late, and end up running second or have some freak accident occur that would negate his run.

Both nights were again a sell out and this year Standing Room only tickets were sold on a first come, first serve basis. There’s just something about looking out into the crowd at a dirt track event and seeing people wherever you look.

Stewart Friesen’s ninth to win run on Friday night in the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series race was about as impressive as they come as the Sprakers, NY native ran about six inches off the outside retaining wall the entire race.

14-year-old Tyler Dippel continues to amaze fans. He probably would have won on Saturday night if not for jumping the cushion with three laps to go while passing eventual winner Danny Johnson for the lead.

All six features throughout the weekend were just short of phenomenal, featuring plenty of side-by-side racing throughout the entire distance.

The most popular pit area over the course of the weekend was that of St. Helena, CA’s Rico Abreu. Abreu led the first 22 laps of Friday night’s World of Outlaws Sprint Car A-Main before being passed by eventual winner Daryn Pittman. Abreu would end up finishing second.

180 cars attempted to qualify throughout the weekend. 75 WoO Late Models, 56 WoO Sprint Cars, and 49 Super DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds.

My favorite part of the weekend continues to be the 4x4x4 wide Parade Lap on Friday night. The view from the infield looking at all the cell phone cameras going off simultaneously during it was truly a sight to see.

Steve Kinser concluded his “Salute to the King” tour on Saturday night by leading the four wide parade lap prior to the feature. Steve did reiterate that he will be running races next season but how many and where continues to be the question.

Michael Carber who was the Car Chief on Daryn Pittman’s car took over Crew Chief duties for Brad Sweet’s 49 prior to the start of the weekend.

This event continues to blow me away year after year. They truly leave you wanting more after the three nights are over, which is probably why it continues to sell out every year.

The World Finals will be ran on a Taped-Delay basis on the CBS Sports Network at a time and date to be named later.