Veteran Ken Schrader will be making his second career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway tonight. The American Commercial Lines 200 will mark Schrader's 71st NCTS start. In 2004 he competed in the inaugural NCTS event at AMS. He qualified 10th and finished 10th behind winner Bobby Hamilton Sr. Atlanta Motor Speedway is familiar ground to Schrader, who has 45 Nextel Cup starts at the facility including one victory in 1991.
Schrader related this story about his new truck racing team. "One of the biggest challenges about a new team is learning all of your crew guys. A lot of times you learn there personality first and then come up with a nickname to remember them by and most of the time it is no where near their real name. The first time I had the chance to interact with my Fastenal crew guys at the track was during Daytona testing. I was not real sure how they would be because of the recent passing of Bobby (Hamilton Sr.).
I didn't know if I should try to make them laugh or not. I soon realized they are very laid back and funny. They constantly make fun of each other and it does not seem to bother them.
I was standing around waiting for them to get everything set up to go on the track. We had one minor problem with the window net and I could tell the crew member was getting frustrated about the situation. I think he thought I was going to get mad at him or something.
I looked at him and jokingly asked him if Bobby Sr. hired him. He looked a little dazed, but replied yes. Then I told him Bobby must have been desperate for workers at the time.
He looked shocked at first and then he realized I was just joking. I know Bobby Sr. was one of those guys who joked around all the time because he played a lot of jokes on me. It was a great way to break the ice and let them know I was no different."
Most Interesting Blog, June 16, 2008 and six other occasions. Lisa awarded him Best "breaking news" blogger March 31, 2008. Blog of The Day, Christmas Day, 2007. edhardiman wrote, "Falco's tribute to Rocket Richard reminds us all the stars of today stand on the shoulders of giants..." October 23, 2007. Three Golden Swirrly p00p Awards (Hockey, NASCAR and Use of Graphics), FlyingPig, July 18, 2007. 2007 Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta sponsored by williamwilman . Featured on WFORacingFans April, 2007. "Stylin'" award, Dusty, February 07. "One of ten new bloggers to watch" Dudski, January 2007.
