Ken Schrader Concluding NASCAR Career At Homestead

Fenton, Missouri gentleman can end up being a star, just like Ken Schrader.

The 58-year-old Schrader will end his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career driving the No. 32 this weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway. Schrader began his career racing at Nashville Speedway in 1984 where he qualified 28th and concluded the race in 19th. Schrader most likely expected racing to stay a hobby after that event, I doubt he thought it become an entire life for him until 2013.

Saying Schrader only had four wins wouldn’t even depict his career in the slightest. His 29 years in the NSCS saw him snatch 184 top 10 finishes including five poles.

Rick Hendrick signed Schrader to a full-time NSCS ride in 1988 driving the No. 25 Folgers Chevrolet. Just his first event with the team, The Daytona 500, Schrader posted his second career pole at the famed Daytona International Speedway. After failing to qualify for the next event, Schrader purchased a car from Buddy Arrington and he took it to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway for his first career big-time victory.

Hendrick provided for Schrader until 1996 where they parted ways sending Schrader to Andy Petree Racing. That wasn’t the wisest of decisions in Schrader’s career as he posted his best finish in the driver standings of fourth with Hendrick and that ended up being his finish in the standings.

Nevertheless, Schrader continued on throughout his NSCS career posting three more wins including one at Charlotte Motor Speedway and his final two were both at Dover International Speedway.

Arguably a noticeable point in Schrader’s career was at Daytona during the 2001 season when Dale Earnhardt was sent into the wall and eventually died. Schrader was the first person to reach Earnhardt’s car and then frantically signaled for medical attention.

Fast forwarding to 2013, Schrader set a record in August when he scored a pole in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Eldora Speedway becoming the oldest pole sitter in NASCAR’s top three series history. He also became the oldest ARCA Racing Series winner in 2013 as well.

Throughout 2013 Schrader’s driven the No. 32 FAS Lane Racing entry part-time, posting a season best finish of 27th at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Leaving the sport of NASCAR obviously will be a downfall for NASCAR fans. Although, Schrader won’t be forgotten by many drivers and fans, for the comfort he welcomed off the track and the integrity he possessed on the track.

“Circle, circle, circle. I guess you could say I’ve been dizzy ever since.” –Ken Schrader

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

RacingJunk.com and Leaf Racewear Safety Equipment Giveaway

Latest articles

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course announces 2025 racing schedule

The 64th season of racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will feature five major spectator events next summer beginning in early June.

YOUNG STANDOUTS IN PRO STOCK READY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

Aaron Stanfield leads Dallas Glenn by 32 points as both aim for first Pro Stock world title in Pomona; Veteran Greg Anderson lurks 56 points back

NHRA AT POMONA 2: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes

The final event of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season sees Team Chevy heading west to the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstri

ARCA Menards Series Pre-Race Practice at Daytona Set for January 9 and 10

The ARCA Menards Series opens its 2025 season with a two-day Pre-Race Practice session at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday and Friday, January 9 and 10.

Best New Zealand Online Casinos