NASCAR WCUP: Ken Schrader Has a Full Plate at Lowe's Motor Speedway
20 May 1999
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- As the NASCAR Winston Cup schedule prepares to make its next stop at Lowes Motor Speedway, Ken Schrader, driver of the No. 33 Skoal Racing Monte Carlo, has a full plate, both on and off the race track.Schrader will race a lot and entertain friends and family quite a bit, but its all part of racing in their backyard for the Schraders. Schrader will start his nine days of excitement when he competes in the Winston Open on Saturday, May 22, looking to advance to the coveted Winston.
Schrader holds the second highest finishing average (5.1) for The Winston. As the winner of the Winston Open, he would be the 21st starter in The Winston. This is the plan for the Skoal Racing team.
"I really like the Winston Open and The Winston," said Schrader. "It is such an incredible rush to race under the lights and let it all hang out for a race that doesnt count towards the points. The driver can take more risks because the consequences are less severe. You go there for one reasonto win.
After The Winston weekend comes to a close, Schrader is set for another hectic week ahead. He will compete in the NASCAR Busch Series event on Saturday, May 29, with the No. 15 Oakwood Homes Monte Carlo and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 30, in his No. 33 Skoal Racing Monte Carlo. Schrader will make laps in either his NASCAR Winston Cup or Busch Series car for the next seven out of nine days (starting Friday, May 21) which adds up to approximately 31 hours of seat time.
"Ive never really thought about how much time I spend in a race car," said Schrader. "Sometimes it easier to look at how much time I spend away from racing because I just love being in a race car. Its my whole life and its all Ive ever done, so it just comes naturally. Every opportunity I get, Im either racing or Im at a race track. Its what I love to do."
Its no surprise that Schrader enjoys what he does. On average he competes in 80 races a year, with only 36 being in his No. 33 Skoal Racing Monte Carlo. After the Coca-Cola 600, Schrader heads for Kaukauna, Wis., to race in a late model stock car event on Memorial Day.
"Its a half-mile, high-banked oval where Im going to race my late model," said Schrader. "Its a fun little track south of Green Bay (Wis.). I know a lot of people like to take the day off to play around their house, but I like racing on my days off."
Schrader will obviously be busy at Lowes Motor Speedway, but he will also be busy with sponsor obligations and guests visiting from out of town.
"On Saturday night before the 600, well have about 200 people at Schrader Racing for a U.S. Tobacco Co. get together," said Schrader. "The entire Skoal Racing team will also be there. We have a big barbecue, a band and maybe a pick-up game of softball down on the diamond if anyone has the guts. Its a real good time for the sponsors and the team to be together."
With the high pressure of spending 31 hours in a race car, try spending two weeks with your parents, your wifes parents and friends of friends.
"My Mom and her husband Bill will be camping in turn one at the track, which they enjoy," said Schrader. "Anns parents and godparents will be staying in the condo at the speedway, but friends of the Marlers (promoters of Schraders I-55 Speedway) will be staying at the house with us. Weve never met them, but Im sure well have fun. This is actually a small group, weve had 15 people stay at our house before."
Dont be surprised if you see Schrader catching some zs in his race car between practices, it just might be the only quality sleep hell get while at Lowes Motor Speedway.
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