DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 18, 2007 ) Ken Schrader and his No. 18 Fastenal Dodge Racing Team had high hopes heading into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener, the Chevy Silverado 250 at Daytona International Speedway. The night started out in the right direction as Schrader began to work his way to the front from his 21st starting position.
However, those high hopes evaporated on lap 24 when rookie Joey Clanton was tagged in the rear by Jason White as he made his way to pit road during green flag conditions. The incident created a multi-truck wreck that ended Schrader's and the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge's night. Schrader was riding in the outside lane when the wreck started. The contact with the Clanton caused White's No. 63 truck to turn right into the path of the No. 36 truck driven by Tyler Walker who spun into the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge slamming Schrader into the outside wall in turn four. The damaged sustained in third crash of the evening was too much for the No. 18 Fastenal Dodge Racing Team to repair in the remaining laps of the race. He finished in the 32nd position.
The guys gave me a really good truck tonight,¨ Schrader said in the garage after the wreck. I knew I was in the danger zone and was doing my best to get out of it. I lost the draft after the last restart for about a lap, but was able to work my way back into the draft very quickly. I am not sure what caused the wreck exactly, all I saw was smoke. This is not how we wanted to start our season in the Fastenal Dodge, but that is Daytona for you. We will head to California next week and go after a better finish.¨
Bobby Hamilton Jr. hasn't driven a Busch Series car in two years and some have questioned his comfort level after the absence. Bobby responded, "As I said when we first started, there's no phones to answer, and I'm going to tell you guys that I've had a rough time, and it's not all about my dad (Bobby Hamilton Sr.).
As a young married person Bobby is going through some rights of passage that can be hairy for all of us. Bobby explains, "We've been trying to close on a house, and we finally get into it and then all of a sudden I run down here. We had to be out of our house by Friday and I had to go to the shop and get back down here. We just threw everything in a pile to get out. Then (there's) trying to get moved in and to take care of the stuff with my dad and trying to just get situated again and come down here. I swear it was the biggest relief to put the window net up and it was like being on a beach somewhere by yourself because it was just my thoughts and my race car and I was ready to get back to work.
Bobby is very fortunate to have a beautiful young wife named Stephanie that is from a racing family and is able to give him the support he needs. As Bobby explains it,"We took two days to come here. It was just me and my wife to get away from all of the hoopla and relax. It's funny that you come to work to relax, but I love this stuff. I've got Legend cars at home, Late Models, and I'm trying to fill every day that I've got running just to keep me busy.
We love this stuff. And like I said, there's nothing more relaxing than to put that window net up and there's nobody in there talking to you. It's just you and your spotter and your crew chief, and, to me, that's peace, that's ease."
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