Schrader To Drive in Shootout
Ken Schrader will drive in the Shootout, thanks to Red Bull. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
RacinToday.com
Ken Schrader is headed back to Speed Weeks. He will drive the No. 82 Sprint Cup car for Red Bull Racing in the Bud Shootout.
When NASCAR announced a revised format for this season’s race, two-time Shootout winner Schrader came knocking on Red Bull Racing Team’s door. With Schrader’s past winners spot, and a team eager to start the season, the pairing was made. Schrader will pilot the Toyota Camry for the Feb. 6 feature race at Daytona International Speedway.
Scott Speed, the full-time driver of the No. 82, is not one of the drivers eligible to compete in the Shootout. Speed will take back the reins of the Red Bull Toyota for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14.
“Kenny’s desire and dedication to NASCAR has always made him a favorite among fans and throughout the garage area,” said VP and General Manager Jay Frye. ”We’re excited he approached us with the idea and are looking forward to giving him the opportunity he deserves and has earned.”
The NASCAR veteran earned a starting spot in this season’s race by winning the event in both 1989 and 1990. Schrader has graced the high banks of Daytona 45 times in his 25-year NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career, leading 298 laps, and earning seven top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.
“I am tremendously excited to be in a top-caliber car,” said Schrader. “Pairing up with a strong teammate like Brian Vickers and the whole Red Bull organization for this event has me on Cloud 9.”
One Comment
Now here is something to look forward to! Go, Kenny!