Dietz wins first crown-jewel title at National Open
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 4, 2026
National Open result
Chase Dietz won the 64th J&S Classics National Open, claiming the first crown-jewel victory of his career. The victory paid $75,000 at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and gave him his 23rd Sprint Car win of the 2026 season. Dietz also topped Flight A qualifying before the 40-lap World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series feature, then finished the job in the main event. He left with the trophy after holding off Donny Schatz. The win also gave him another World of Outlaws victory to go with the one he claimed in July at BAPS Motor Speedway. For Dietz, the result delivered more than a payday.
Dietz takes lead
Dietz did not have to wait long to get to the front. Bill Balog controlled the opening eight laps before slowing, and Dietz moved into the lead when the race changed hands early. From there, he faced a long final stretch with Donny Schatz in pursuit. Schatz spent the last 32 laps trying to get back to the front, but Dietz kept him behind and stayed in command to the finish. Dietz handled the moment cleanly after inheriting the top spot, then protected it through the closing laps against the pursuing Schatz. The result came from steady execution. Dietz took advantage when Balog slowed, then matched the urgency of the challenge and never gave the lead back.
National Open finishers behind Dietz
Schatz finished second. It was his fifth time finishing second in the race, and the loss kept him from a record-extending seventh National Open title. Dietz’s victory also made him the 37th different champion in the race’s 64 runnings. Behind Schatz, Justin Peck finished third for the second straight night. David Gravel crossed the line fourth, and Daryn Pittman took fifth. Dietz already had a World of Outlaws win on his record, and the National Open added another major result to his 2026 season.
