On The Road Again: Ken Schrader's “Gotta Race”
Veteran driver’s schedule includes five races in four days in three states
April 20

If it has gas, four tires and faces a green flag, Ken Schrader will hop in the cockpit and drive it. The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series’ oldest – and some say funniest – competitor just can’t resist racing. In fact, it’s the title of his autobiography, “Gotta Race,” which he spent the Easter off-weekend signing between events at Paducah (Ky.) International Raceway and the I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo.

Schrader’s 2006 race totals to date NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series – 7 NASCAR Busch Series – 4 Budweiser Shootout – 1 Copper World – 2 Short track (dirt, late-model, etc.) – 12

Schrader, 50, will take a three-state tour this weekend, participating in all three NASCAR-sanctioned events at Phoenix before taking on two local-track races in Indiana and Illinois.

First Stop:Thursday’s NASCAR Grand National West Series’ Casino Arizona 150. Schrader will drive his own entry in the 150-lap event that begins at 8 p.m. ET.

Second Stop: Friday’s NASCAR Busch Series’ Bashas’ Supermarkets 200. Schrader will drive Brewco Motorsports’ No. 66 Yardman Ford in the 200-lap event that begins at 9 p.m. ET.

Third Stop: Saturday’s Subway Fresh 500. Schrader will drive Wood Brothers Racing’s No. 21 Little Debbie Ford in the 312-lap event that begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Fourth Stop: The Sunday afternoon ARCA event at Salem Speedway in Salem, Ind.

Fifth Stop: Sunday evening’s dirt late-model event at Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Ill.

Kurt Busch's crew chief to miss Phoenix
April 20

Roy McCauley, crew chief for driver Kurt Busch and the Miller Lite Dodge team out of the Penske Racing stable, will not be making the trip out West for this weekend's Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. He will be absent per doctor's orders.

McCauley experienced some mild chest pains and went to the hospital Monday for diagnostic tests. He successfully underwent minor surgery Tuesday to treat a small blockage.

"The procedure was 100 percent effective in alleviating the problem, but my doctor advised me to take it easy and spend this weekend relaxing at home," said McCauley, who will return to work -- and Talladega -- next week.

"Knowing that I can't be in Phoenix, it's going to probably be the most difficult couple of days of my life and I'm sure we'll burn out about a dozen cell phones before the weekend is over," said McCauley with a chuckle. "We've been able to create a really tight-knit team with Kurt and all the guys on the No. 2 team, and I have full confidence that they'll do a job worthy of their caliber this weekend. Those guys are like family to me, and I wish I could be there to support them further."

McCauley, a 36-year-old University of Maryland engineering graduate, has made the successful transition from head engineer at Penske Racing South to the crew chief position. He served in that spot for Ryan Newman's NBS effort last season and helped lead the team to an amazing six victories - five consecutive - and four poles.

McCauley made the jump over to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series this year, leading the Miller Lite Dodge team of new Penske Racing driver Kurt Busch. The combination clicked from the very beginning, with the team claiming a victory in only their fifth race together - at Bristol, Tenn., on March 26.

With McCauley on the mend this weekend, Matt Gimbel, crew chief for Busch's Penske Truck Rental Dodge NBS team, is expected to fill in on the Nextel Cup side for Saturday's race. He will be working closely together with team engineer Derek Stamets and car chief Corey Tucker.

Riggs fighting ahead to better days
By Godwin Kelly
Daytona Beach News Journal,April 20

It was a devastating way to start the 2006 Nextel Cup Series -- watching the Daytona 500 from the sidelines -- but Scott Riggs knew better days, much better days, were ahead.

Seven races into the season, Riggs has six starts and sits an amazing 28th in championship points. He's well in front of several other drivers who have raced in every event this year.

Not exactly the James Gang
By Monte Dutton
The Gaston Gazette,April 20

Hide the women and children. Put the troopers on high alert. The Busch Gang is headed for the desert.

Not really. Relax. Give it a rest.