ORLANDO, Fla. — Calling it the most difficult decision “we’ve had to make yet,” according to the selection committee, this year’s winner of the coveted Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Rockett Brand Racing Fuel and America’s Weekly Motorsport Authority, National Speed Sport News, is two-time World of Outlaws Champion Donny Schatz.

“It was a tough decision,” said Corinne Economaki, publisher of National Speed Sport News. “Between Donny and last year’s Economaki Champion, Jimmie Johnson.  We looked at both their accomplishments, their records, their contributions, and despite how close it really was, we decided to confer the award on Donny.”

Schatz had a tremendous year as it successfully defended his WoO title.  Over the long season, he scored 19 victories (21 overall); 53 top fives and 71 top 10s within 78 races.  Schatz finished in the top 10 in 91 percent of his races, and among the most significant victories, he won the $150,000 Knoxville National, King's Royal, the Summer Nationals, the Don Martin Silver Cup as well as the National Open and the Month of Money (July) championship.

“It’s been such a great year,” Schatz echoed.  “I’ve said it a lot, but I’ve got a lot of people to thank, and I’m extremely grateful to the folks at National Speed Sport News, to Chris and Corinne Economaki, and to Jack Day at Rockett Brand Racing Fuel, who have singled me out with this award.”

In his acceptance speech upon receipt of his second WoO crown, at the recent WoO banquet held in Fargo, N.D., Schatz cited and thanked several key people who have been instrumental to the sport:  “It starts with people like the late Ted Johnson, who built this series from scratch 29 years ago. Racers like Steve Kinser, who is the greatest sprint car driver ever, [and] promoters like John Padjen, who keep giving us great races to compete in, and the World Racing Group for keeping us headed in the right direction.”

Chris Economaki, legendary editor of National Speed Sport News and namesake of this special trophy, which recognizes the racer who best excels in his role as a leader of the sport, announced Schatz as the winner at the 20th Annual Performance Racing Industry Trade Show at the Orlando Convention Center.  Returning from a recent series of races in Australia, Schatz traveled to the show to accept the award from Economaki.

In addition to honoring the individual who has made a valued contribution to racing, the Economaki Champion of Champions Award celebrates the passionate spirit of the award’s namesake, Chris Economaki, and the passion he has instilled in the world of racing through his legendary broadcasting and publishing career.

“Donny really deserves this award as he has been one of the most exciting drivers to watch in all of motorsports,” said Chris Economaki in announcing his win.  “The level of consistency in his racing, when you consider how many races he runs, is just staggering.  And to win his championships back-to-back is even more remarkable.  I do feel there is a tremendous amount of respect for what Donny has done, and we want to recognize that.”

Schatz joins previous Economaki Champion of Champions winners including NASCAR’s Johnson, NHRA’s Tony Schumacher, World of Outlaw’s Steve Kinser and J.J. Yeley (who represented USAC at the time of his award).

“We’re very happy to have Donny join our growing family of racers who have received this award,” said Corinne Economaki,  “Among the 10 wonderful contenders we considered for the Economaki Champion of Champions this year, we did feel that Donny was ultimately the perfect choice for the Economaki Champion of Champions.”

“On behalf of all the Rockett Brand Racing Fuel employees and customers, we congratulate Donny and salute his fantastic season,” added Jack Day, president of Rockett Brand.  “He truly deserves this award.”