Tony Stewart Racing has announced a driver change in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, naming Kerry Madsen to drive the No. 15 car effective immediately, with Donny Schatz stepping away after 18 years with the team. Schatz has been a cornerstone of TSR, claiming eight World of Outlaws championships and 234 race wins, including nine Knoxville Nationals titles.
The move comes as the team looks to reset and refocus ahead of the 2026 season. Schatz has struggled to find the race-winning pace this year, finishing last season with five wins in 65 starts and currently sitting on eight top-5 finishes in 46 races this season without a win. Tony Stewart emphasized the decision was about continuing to compete at the highest level and preparing for the next chapter.
“Kerry’s been in our car before and is a proven winner, so bringing him back feels natural,” Stewart said in a release. “He knows our team, we know his capabilities, and I’m confident he’ll give us everything he’s got as we close out the season.” He added that Schatz has been an incredible part of TSR for nearly two decades and that the driving talent Schatz represents will always be respected.
Madsen brings past TSR experience to the No. 15 seat. He drove for TSR in 2021 in the No. 14 car, delivering six wins in 37 starts. More recently, Madsen has been racing full-time at Knoxville Raceway in the VerMeer Madsen Racing No. 55, where he sits third in the track standings with one race remaining. He will still compete in the final Knoxville points event on August 23, despite a World of Outlaws scheduling conflict, with TSR set to announce a reserve driver for the Outlaws race at a later date.
This change comes just days after the 2025 Knoxville Nationals, a landmark event in the season. Madsen is slated to debut in the No. 15 this Friday at Ogilvie Raceway in Minnesota, marking the beginning of a new chapter for TSR as they head toward the 2026 campaign with a familiar winner in the fold.
Context and outlook:
– Schatz has been a defining figure for TSR, and the announcement underscores a strategic pivot as the team pursues stronger results.
– Madsen’s return to TSR leverages his prior success with the organization and his current Knoxville experience, potentially bringing immediate competitiveness to the No. 15.
– Fans can expect closer coverage of the decision and how the No. 15 performs as the season wraps up and teams prepare for 2026.
Summary:
Tony Stewart Racing has tapped Kerry Madsen to pilot the No. 15 in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, replacing Donny Schatz. The move aims to reset ahead of 2026, leveraging Madsen’s familiarity with the TSR culture and his previous success with the team, while Schatz continues to be celebrated for a storied run with TSR. Madsen’s debut is set for this Friday at Ogilvie Raceway, with a reserve driver to cover the Knoxville Nationals conflict in late August. Positive outlook suggests this could spark a productive late-season stretch for TSR.