When NASCAR announced a revised format for this season's Shootout
race, two-time Shootout winner Ken Schrader came knocking on Red
Bull Racing Team's door.
Schrader will pilot the No. 82 Red Bull Toyota for the
February 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 February
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.”
Schrader earned a starting spot in this season's race by
winning the event in both 1989 and 1990. He has raced on 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.”
