Schrader had 11 top 10-finishes and wound up 12th in the points, but it was another season without a victory for a driver who hasn't won since 1991. This will be his third year with Petree's team, and once again it's easy to convince yourself the chances are good that drought will end. But it has seemed that way for an alarmingly long time.
Career
In 1997, his first year with Petree after nine-year stint at Hendrick
Motorsports, Schrader had to be heartened with 10th-place finish in points.
Best finishes were fourths at Talladega and Phoenix in season's final
stretch. Talladega finish makes him eligible for $1 million bonus with a
win Daytona 500. Tests there went well --- his was fourth-fastest Chevy.
In 1996, finished in the top 10 in ten races, including three top-5 finishes. However, was winless for the fifth consecutive season, finishing 12th in the season standings. Joins the Skoal Bandit team after eight seasons with Hendrick Motorsports.
Started racing in 1971, became Lakehill Speedway track champion. Drove USAC midgets, sprints and Silver Crown cars. Thirty-three wins in USAC: 4 in Sprint (1983 national champion), 21 in midget, 6 in Dirt Car (1982 national champion), 2 in Stock (1980 Rookie of the Year). 1985 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year.
First win came in 108th start, July 1988 DieHard 500. First pole came in 67th attempt, 1987 TranSouth 500 at Darlington. First Winston Cup race, 1984 at Nashville, Tenn., finished 18th. Big break came when he met Lee Morse of Ford and Jack Roush. Won 1989 and 1990 Busch Clash and pole position for 1988, 1989 and 1990 Daytona 500 (shares record). Career best fourth in 1994 Winston Cup points. Won $1,171,062 in 1994 winnings with nine top-five finishes. Finished 1995 17th in Winston Cup standings with 10 races in top-10.
Owns two planes (C-90 King Air and 58-P Baron). Collects old trucks and cars for a hobby. Collection includes five pickup trucks, 12 cars (assorted), one Winnebago and two motorcycles. Has two cats named Gizmo and Goblin.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
