SCHRADER 29TH AT HOMESTEAD;

FINISHES 31ST IN POINT STANDINGS

 

The final race of the 2006 season was a difficult one for Ken Schrader and his #21 Wood Brothers Racing crew.

Schrader’s extremely loose Motorcraft Ford Fusion led to a 29th place finish, two laps down.

“It was just a tough day,” said Schrader.  “The car was loose from the start of the race and for some reason nothing the guys tried worked.  That happens sometimes, and there is just nothing you can do about it.  We all wanted this to be a good race for us, but it didn’t work out that way.

“This Little Debbie/Motorcraft/U.S. Air Force crew has worked so hard this year with the merger and moving five teams into one shop.  You always want things to be better, and I’m confident 2007 will be a better year for all of us.

“I do want to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors.  I’ve met so many wonderful people this year.

“The McKees and everyone at Little Debbie have been great to work with all year long.  It has been good to be back with Ford Motor Company with the Motorcraft sponsorship, and in a Ford on the race track.  The people in Ford Racing gave me my start in NASCAR and the Cup Series.  And, I’ve certainly been proud to represent the U.S. Air Force.

“It would be hard to find a finer group of sponsors and people.

“I don’t want to leave out the Wood family and my whole team.  For years I’ve enjoyed my friendship with the Eddie and Len Wood.  It means a lot to be included on the Wood Brothers Racing list of drivers.  And, I’m looking forward to next season and working with Jon and all the guys on our team. 

“I’d just like to thank everybody for all their hard work and effort.”

The Ford 400 was the final event of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.  Greg Biffle won the race finishing ahead of rookies Martin Truex, Jr. and Denny Hamlin.

Jimmie Johnson is the new series champion.  Matt Kenseth finished out the year in second place, and Hamlin ended up third.  Ken is 31st in the final point standings.

The 2007 season begins at Daytona International Speedway with the Budweiser Shootout.  The first points race of the new year – the Daytona 500 – is scheduled for Sunday, February 18.

 

Homestead results

1. Greg Biffle
2. Martin Truex, Jr.
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Kasey Kahne
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Matt Kenseth
7. Scott Riggs
8. Carl Edwards
9. Jimmie Johnson
10. Clint Bowyer

   29.  Ken Schrader

 

Final Point Standings

1. Jimmie Johnson                       6475
2. Matt Kenseth                         6419
3. Denny Hamlin                         6407
4. Kevin Harvick                        6397
5. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.    6328
6. Jeff Gordon                            6256
7. Jeff Burton                  6228
8. Kasey Kahne                         6183
9. Mark Martin                           6168
10. Kyle Busch                 6027
11. Tony Stewart                          4727

   31.  Ken Schrader                       3049