Schatz Wins Knoxville National in McKenzie-built Car Chassis

McKENZIE (August 17, 2022) – For the 11th time in his career, and for the first time since 2017, ten-time World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion, Donny Schatz, is a Knoxville Nationals winner, doing so behind the wheel of a J&J Auto Racing chassis. All 11 of Schatz’ Knoxville Nationals titles have been at the helm of a J&J Auto Racing chassis, his most recent netting the Fargo, North Dakota, native a $175,000 payday on August 13.
The 50-lap feature got off to a rocky start for Schatz, fading as far back as seventh during the first 25-lap segment. Schatz knew his Tony Stewart/ Curb-Agajanian Racing (TSR) No.15 needed work before the second 25-lap segment commenced, so team crew chief, Steve Swenson, threw the “911” at the car during the feature’s short break. Swenson’s work ultimately proved to be the right move, as Schatz drove on to take command from former Nationals champion, David Gravel, with four laps remaining.
J&J Auto Racing of McKenzie, Tenn. has been the exclusive chassis manufacturer for TSR and Donny Schatz since the pair combined efforts in 2008.

Dating back to 1997, McKenzie’s J&J Auto Racing owns 13 Knoxville Nationals championships, scoring their first with Cortland, Ohio’s Dave Blaney. In 2010, J&J Auto Racing took the top two spots with Tim Shaffer earning high honors and Donny Schatz finishing in a close second.
For over 45 years, Jack & Bonnie Elam have produced thousands of winning sprint car chassis right in the heart of McKenzie, aided by a valued production team including Justin Christian, Ryan Crocker, Dusty Legens, Eric Pinson, James Trucker, and Matt Warren.
About J&J Auto Racing:
For more than 45 years, J&J Auto Racing has been a leader in racecar chassis manufacturing. With intricate attention to detail and a willingness to provide chassis to the consumer’s specifications, J&J Auto Racing has taken its place as a leader in Sprint Car racing innovation and safety.