2006 NASCAR Driver Review: Ken Schrader
Ken Schrader and company had their moments, and a nice run at Richmond in September was one of those bright spots.
Ken Schrader and company had their moments, and a nice run at Richmond in September was one of those bright spots.
At Michigan in June, threatening weather caused crew chief Jimmy Elledge to gamble, forcing Reed Sorenson to stay out on worn tires to try and steal the win.
Kyle Petty’s best finish on the year was an eighth at Bristol in the spring, but the high point might have come after he fought his way back into the Top 35.
Tony Raines managed to keep Bill Saunders, owner of the No. 96 car, high enough in owner points to guarantee the team would make the race each week.
When Bristol rolled around, Scott Riggs was determined to to get his team to victory lane, even if that meant ruffling the feathers of a four-time Cup champion.
Casey Mears started the season with a bang. In the closing laps of the Daytona 500, he found himself in an unenviable position.
Ryan Newman’s high point was a third-place finish in the Daytona 500 – his highest ever placement in the Great American Race.
Jeremy Mayfield scored two front-row starts in a row at Lowe’s and Dover to start the summer, briefly bringing hope that a longtime marriage could be salvaged.
Joe Nemechek’s 13th-place finish at Homestead ended the season with a signature seven-race top-20 streak.
A ninth-place finish in the final points standings in what looks to be your last legitimate season for a championship might bring many drivers down. In past years, it may have brought down the spirits of Mark Martin.
2006 was Jamie McMurray’s first year at Roush Racing after three-plus years driving for Chip Ganassi. His best race of the year was at Dover in June.
9. Dear Santa, Remember me? Not too many NASCAR team owners do either, and as a result I have had to take a part-time job. This year, could you please bring me a competitive ride in any of the three big series? – Steve Park
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