Ken Schrader says he's not over the hill yet, and that he's not retiring, he just doesn't have anything to drive in the SCS. He could return later this year, either with BAM Racing, or Richard Childress Racing. His last Cup race was the Coca Cola 600 in May. He finished 33rd in the #33 for RCR.
Schrader stays busy driving his dirt cars every week, and the occasional ARCA race. He also still owns a CTS team and will drive in the CTS race at Bristol later this month. Former motocross world champion, Ricky Carmichael, drives in the Camping World East series for another of Schader's teams.
Meanwhile, Schader's former employer, BAM, continues to blow smoke. They still have some shop personnel under contract, and supposedley have some cars built and ready to race. BAM "loaned" employees to the Wood Brothers last week. Crew chief, David Hyder, and shock specialist, Dean Johnson helped Marcos Ambrose to his 3rd place run at the Glen after coming over from BAM.
BAM owner, Beth Ann Morgenthau said the following in a BAM press release last week, "We have a number of cars prepared at the shop and our guys were just itching to get back to the race track - as we all are. I made the decision to help out the Wood Brothers by making several of our key personnel available, included David and Dean. The benefit to BAM is that they will continue to learn these new cars and be in a better position to make the BAM Racing Toyota competitive when we return. Right now we are in continuing negotiations with more than one potential sponsor and we are planning to continue racing in the Sprint Cup Series in the near future."
I really hope that BAM is trying to do it right and get enough money from outside sponsors to make races and stay in the top 35 in owner's points. That would be the most they could expect to do in today's NASCORP. I'm sure they could try to qualify for a few races on the cheap. It's nice to see that they're not doing that. I guess Morgenthau's financial advisor's finally overruled her ego.
Yes, I read an interview of Schrader's last week where he said if he didn't run another NASCAR race he would be happy. What the c.r.a.p? I mean, can we fans not get to have an actual 'farewell tour' for one of the greats? I mean, we've celebrated Mark Martin's retirement about 5 times now and low and behold - he's racing full time next year!
I still think BAM is blowing smoke. They've told us two or three times they would be at such and such event only to give us a no-show. Sheesh. I don't know if them switching manufacturers or just bad management is to blame.
Seriously though, I read in the same Schrader interview that he'd be happy to run in the truck series because the 25 race schedule fits him better. It would be cool if that would happen.
I would like to see Kenny with a great team as we know the bigger money teams want younger drivers and you can only race with what you got. Its funny how alot is being made of a few up and coming drivers from the Nationwide. Big deal, They should be winning with the car/team they are with.
All 43 drivers have skills enought to drive a great car to a victory , even if some have better then others. That is why I loved watching the IROC series. Then is driver vs driver. Not pit crew was faster and a better pit stall and flat out more money then the other teams.
Hanahan- I miss Schrader but could see the Trucks being more to his liking at this point, more time to go race other series that he loves so much.
I have no idea what BAM is doing...but I can try to find out. My uncle knows the pit crew trainer for them and he may be at the MI race. If so I will do some sleuthing.
Maybe he can be Tony Stewarts teammate over at Stewart-Haas. I personally think he is washed up and I would not hire him. Time for him to give classes at the Richard Petty Experience. I agree he should have had a farewell tour, but he is no way competitive. Even on Hendricks he would be Casey Mears Uncle...LOL.
F2...Right, that's the way of NASCORP now, sponsors want young potential, not old experience...lol. IROC proved to me that Truex can drive a race car.
Kristen...That would be great if you can find something out about BAM. I know one of their ex-employees, and he says that BAM is holding on, hoping to merge with another Toyota team.
18pack...Ouch! Ya hurt me, big guy. He can still drive at least as good as half of the drivers in Cup. Yeah, I know, that's not saying much. Doubt he would be any lower in points than Mears is.
As much as I have enjoyed Ken Schrader racing through the years...I would have to think you have a point there with the CTS being more suitable to his schedule.
And...I have read his book Gotta Race! It's a nice read.
Ahh...Yes... Hanahan Ken Scrader is the nicest guy to meet. He takes time for you. I think he just enjoys slinging a car left on dirt.
He is one who will drive it as hard as he can. The Trucks would be a great place for him. But could the other guys deal with getting beat week in and week out by Ken? Would be fun to watch.
