Schatz wins Bakersfield Outlaws race, first California victory since 2017
NXTbets Pro | Published On: September 26, 2026
How Schatz took the win
Donny Schatz won the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series feature at Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and ended his California skid in the process. Schatz steered the CJB Motorsports No. 15 to the checkered flag in the 30-lap race and beat Corey Day to the finish. He took over after Michael “Buddy” Kofoid ran into mechanical trouble while leading, then handled the late pressure from Day to secure the win. Schatz also worked his way forward during the race, climbing from fifth to second before moving into position to take command.
Kofoid loses lead
Kofoid’s mechanical trouble opened the door for Schatz and changed the shape of the race. What looked like a run at the front for Kofoid turned into a chance for Schatz to capitalize, and he did. Once he inherited the lead, Schatz had to keep the pace while Day closed in behind him. Day finished second, Chris Windom took third, Spencer Bayston was fourth and Emerson Axsom rounded out the top five. The race took place on the 1/3-mile track in Bakersfield, California. Schatz moved forward and made the most of the opening Kofoid’s trouble created. Schatz controlled the finish well enough to keep Day behind him.
California swing
The win carried extra weight for Schatz because it was his first in California since 2017. The Bakersfield checkered flag broke a long dry spell in the state. It also gave him his second win of the season and pushed his career World of Outlaws total to 318. The series now heads to Ventura Raceway to finish its California swing. Schatz leaves Bakersfield with the most important piece, the win.
