SCHRADER 24TH AT ATLANTA;

REMAINS 31ST IN POINT STANDINGS

 

“It wasn’t as bad as it looked like it was going to be there for a while,” said Ken Schrader after finishing 24th in Sunday’s Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

 

It had been a tough day for Schrader and his Little Debbie Ford team.  In fact it wasn’t a particularly good weekend.  Rain washed out Friday’s practice and qualifying.  Then during the first practice on Saturday an engine problem forced the crew to begin an engine change in the #21 Fusion.  The switch was completed before the end of the second and final session on Saturday, but Ken got on the track with only 30 minutes left to dial the car in with the new power plant.

 

NASCAR rules dictate that an engine change puts that car and driver at the back of the starting grid, regardless of their starting position.  So Schrader started Sunday’s event from the back, but quickly worked his way forward.  He had raced up to 24th, and then started to fall back radioing to his crew that he had a vibration.  “I think the right front is coming apart,” he said.

 

When the crew pulled the right front tire, it was obvious the driver had been correct.  The cords were showing.  The green flag stop put him a lap down. 

 

Back on the track and during the majority of the race, Ken reported the car was tight.

 

The Little Debbie crew made adjustments all afternoon, but without the success they were trying to find.

 

When the event was over Schrader was 24th, three laps down.

 

“We had a tough weekend, but this team never gives up.  The guys hung in there all afternoon, and we had a better finish than I thought we would earlier in the race.”

 

Crew Chief Michael “Fatback” McSwain thanked the crew after the race saying, “Thanks guys.  You did a good job and we finished 24th without any practice.”

 

Tony Stewart won the race over Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 

 

Matt Kenseth left Atlanta still on top of the point standings in the Chase for the Nextel Cup.  Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin both moved up one spot each, and they are now second and third respectively.  Ken stayed 31st in the points.

 

The eighth race in the chase, and the 34th event of the 2006 season will be held at Texas Motor Speedway next Sunday afternoon, November 5.  The Dickies 500 is scheduled to take the green flag at 2:55 p.m. EST.  Live television coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. on NBC.  The 335 lap race will also be broadcast over the Performance Racing Network of radio affiliates.

 

 

Atlanta results:

1. Tony Stewart
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Greg Biffle
6. Jeff Gordon
7. Carl Edwards
8. Denny Hamlin
9. Joe Nemechek
10. Robby Gordon

   24.  Ken Schrader      

 

Points after Atlanta

1. Matt Kenseth                         6008
2. Jimmie Johnson                       5982
3. Denny Hamlin                         5943
4. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.    5924
5. Jeff Burton                  5924
6. Kevin Harvick                        5887
7. Jeff Gordon                            5862
8. Mark Martin                           5807
9. Kasey Kahne                         5798
10. Kyle Busch                 5759
11. Tony Stewart                          4298

   31.  Ken Schrader                       2845