Race 2 Win: Budweiser Shootout Notes

Nextel Cup Series

Budweiser Shootout - Ken Schrader Notes

Two-Time Bud Shootout Victor Ken Schrader Ready for Number Three

The ‘third time’ has always been known as a charm and that’s precisely what Ken Schrader hopes to accomplish as he pilots the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion in the 29th running of the Bud Shootout at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday night under the lights. Schrader is one of three drivers to ever win back-to-back victories in the Shootout.

The 2007 Bud Shootout will represent the only time that Ken Schrader will drive with the Air Force colors this season. The Air Force is also in the midst of the 60th Anniversary year as a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States and the seventh consecutive year with the Wood Brothers/JTG Organization.

Schrader is no stranger to Victory Lane during the Bud Shootout events of the past, having notched victories in the 1989 and 1990 Busch Clash events. His victories in the prestigious pre-season non-points race came exactly 364 days apart. He has also enjoyed some recent success, after drawing the pole position for the 2006 Bud Shootout. Schrader went on to lead the most laps (18), but ultimately finished 14th in the 72-lap extended event won by rookie Denny Hamlin.

Ironically, there are 21 qualified drivers for this years’ event, the same legendary number that has graced the side of the Wood Brothers/JTG NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team throughout its storied history.

WHAT THE TEAM HAS TO SAY

Ken Schrader, driver of the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion:
“Everybody knows I’m ready to race anywhere and anytime, so this Saturday night can’t come quick enough for me,” stated the 51-year old NASCAR veteran. “We’ve got ourselves a pretty good little hot rod and I’m anxious to see how she’ll race,” he added.

“Daytona is where it all begins in our sport,” said Schrader. “We want to get out of the gate as fast as we can with as good a finish as we can manage—as I said, I can’t wait,” he added.

Ernie Cope, Crew Chief of the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion
“I was pretty pleased with what we were able to accomplish during our test session down in Daytona,” stated Cope. “Now it’s time to see how much of the success translates to the race track,” he added.

FAST & FUN FACTS

Ken Schrader won his first Bud Shootout on February 12th, 1989, driving the No. 25 Folgers Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He collected $75,000 for the win.

Schrader won his second straight Bud Shootout victory on February 11th, 1990, driving the No. 25 Kodiak Chevrolet, also for Hendrick Motorsports. He earned $95,000.

Two of Ken Schrader’s best three finishes in 2006 occurred at Daytona International Speedway. He placed ninth in the season-opening Daytona 500 and 12th in the Pepsi 400 in July.

Ken Schrader is one of three drivers to win the Bud Shootout from the pole position (1989) and one of three drivers to win back-to-back Bud Shootout events (1989-1990).

The 2007 Bud Shootout will be the first of 28 total events that Ken Schrader will run in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Rookie driver Jon Wood will take over driving duties for the remaining 11 events. Both drivers will be competing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the first Texas Motor Speedway event.