“They’re doing just fine”: Ken Schrader defends NASCAR’s current state compared to the days of the past

Ken Schrader, a former NASCAR Cup Series driver, recently appeared on the Dirty Mo Media podcast with fellow stock car racing legend Kenny Wallace. During the interview, Schrader defended the current state of stock car racing, comparing it to its earlier days. He offered a subtle reply to those who claim, "NASCAR isn't what it used to be."

Kenneth William Schrader, aka Ken Schrader, is an American professional race car driver. He spent 29 years in the Cup Series and ran 763 races, securing four wins, 184 top-tens, and 23 pole positions. He also competed in the Xfinity and Craftsman series. He currently races part-time in the ARCA Menards Series.

Having spent decades in stock car racing, the former Cup Series driver said:

"We got some people whose opinion is that NASCAR isn't what it used to be. Well, there's a lot of things that aren't what they used to be. So hey, the world's got issues, but you know, and NASCAR has its issues also, but they don't have any that's getting ready to put them out of business or anything they're doing just fine."

Schrader further pointed out that the sport is under the right leadership to lead it to a bright future and assured that "NASCAR is not going anywhere." Kenny Wallace agreed with this sentiment. The part-time ARCA Menards driver also shared a humorous anecdote about receiving a $10,000 fine at Darlington Raceway.

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NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader recalled his $10k fine at Darlington

In that same interview, Ken Schrader reminisced about his run-in with Morgan Shepherd, who was driving the #89 Chevy for Shepherd Racing Ventures in the Xfinity Series at the time. The incident at Darlington Raceway resulted in a $10,000 fine for Schrader.

The former NASCAR Cup Series driver, who used to race for Hendrick Motorsports, was facing issues with Shepherd. After completing 80 laps of the race, Schrader pitted his car and, while resting, contemplated various ways to retaliate against his opponent. Rick Hendrick, the team owner, approached Schrader and inquired if he needed anything.

“No, I want to stay in here and stay hot and mad,” Schrader told Kenny Wallace about how he reacted to Mr. Hendrick’s offer. “I got him (Shepherd) the second lap back out, and they told me (to stay) in the trailer after the race, but I didn't stay. I go home.” (0:19)

Later in the race, the former Cup Series driver told NASCAR officials Dick Beatty, a governing body inspector, and Les Richter, head of operations, that the incident was just an accident. However, they still levied a $10,000 fine on him.

“I got a $10k fine, and I probably shouldn't say it, but they're both dead now, so it's okay,” Schrader said as Wallace broke into a fit of laughter. “Beaty and Richter… they said, okay, we'll give you $3k a week off if you don't try to kill him.” (0:50)

As a result, Schrader had no runs for three weeks and received a $1K bill, which he threw away.