During an era when racing drivers retire at an earlier age than ever, Ken Schrader continues to race an ambitious schedule because he loves it.
Earlier this week, Schrader joined the fifth annual Race Industry Week to discuss his amazing career and his most recent racing season.
Speaking from his motorhome — parked at a gas station on his way to Indiana for maintenance — Schrader reported that he logged more than 100 days at the races in 2024 and won 14 features at 10 different tracks, racing primarily modifieds on dirt and asphalt.
“When it makes sense—or sometimes even when it doesn’t—I just want to race,” shared Schrader, who turned 69 in May. “I’m still having as much fun as ever, so I don’t see any reason to stop.”
Schrader has raced in 48 U.S. states, with only Hawaii and Rhode Island left to check off the list. While opportunities to race in Hawaii have arisen, Schrader admitted, “I’d rather race closer to home than travel that far.”
Schrader raced in NASCAR for 29 years and won four NASCAR Cup Series races. As he aged out of NASCAR’s three national series, he returned to his roots — dirt track racing.
“As NASCAR opportunities dried up, I turned back to dirt racing, where I knew I could still contend for wins,” Schrader said. “I’m proud of my NASCAR years, but nothing beats the simplicity and joy of running dirt cars.”
Using a line he’s used many times through the years, Schrader confirmed that racing remains his passion and his hobby.
“Racing is my golf game,” he said. “I don’t fish or have other hobbies. I just head to the shop, work on cars, and get ready to race. That’s what I love.”
Schrader noted that he’s impressed by what he sees in the drivers he competes against.
“Back in the day, you could take it easy for a while. Now, these guys drive flat-out every lap,” Schrader said. “The sport has changed, but the thrill of competition remains the same.”