2001 Daytona Crash Survivor Scrutinizes Tony Stewart’s Series, Reignites Kyle Busch’s “Respect” Argument

In what seems to now have become a trend, Tony Stewart’s SRX Series at the Stafford Motor Speedway was cut short by heavy rains and thunderstorms. Forced to conclude the 80-lap final event post lap 58, series debutant Denny Hamlin was crowned the title winner. Filled with multiple cautions and wrecks, the semi-banked half-mile Stafford Springs circuit saw driver aggressiveness at its peak.

Competing in the Stafford SRX Series, NASCAR icon, Ken Schrader got a first-hand experience of the other drivers’ on-track rowdyism. Speaking in a post-race interview, Schrader discussed the SRX Series race, reigniting Kyle Busch’s “respect” argument.

Ken Schrader scrutinizes Tony Stewart’s SRX venture

On lap 8 in the Heat 1 race, Brad Keselowski driving the #6 car spun out after a bump from Tony Stewart in the #14 car. The hit saw Keselowski’s #6 slide all the way through the infield and then careen onto the track, collecting two more cars. Clinching the lead from Marco Andretti, series debutant Denny Hamlin grabbed the Heat 1 race victory. Progressing into Heat 2, Ken Schrader driving the #52 car was sitting behind SRX Series owner Tony Stewart in the 6th position. On lap 11, #3 Paul Tracy attempted to overtake Schrader on the inside line. Although successful in his overtake attempt, Tracy’s #3 car’s front bumper nudged the #52. This caused Ken Schrader to spin out and come to a stop on the track, warranting a caution to be flown.

Losing the 6th spot to Paul Tracy, Ken Schrader completed the Heat 2 in the 11th spot. Troubles didn’t end there for Schrader as during lap 6 of the main event, a total of 6 cars wiped out, including the #52. The resulting carnage led to Kevin Harvick dropping out of the race after his #4 car suffered major damage. Displeased with the brash and unapologetic actions of fellow drivers, Ken Shrader, in a post-race interview with Frontstretch, had some choice words to say.

Feeling drivers had lost respect for each other on the racetrack, Ken Schrader reignited Kyle Busch’s “respect” argument saying, “Guys need to be driving the school bus, figure eight race at Toledo. They just got no respect for equipment. I know it’s tight and all the cars are the same speed, but it’s ugly.”

Now racing mostly on the local dirt and asphalt track, Ken Schrader once raced on NASCAR’s ovals alongside the revered Dale Earnhardt.

Watch This Story: Joey Logano Warns Denny Hamlin To Watch Out, Reviving Kyle Busch’s “Respect” Argument

Ken Schrader’s NASCAR career

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Starting his full-time NASCAR venture in 1985, Ken Schrader in his debut year won the Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year award. Moving on to Hendrick Motorsports in 1988, Ken Schrader bagged the pole for three consecutive years at the esteemed Daytona 500.

Winning 4 races, 184 top tens, and 23 poles throughout his 29-year-long Cup Series career, Ken Schrader retired from NASCAR in 2013. Ken Schrader was also one of the three drivers to crash during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 which claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt.  

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Do you think the NASCAR icon’s “respect” comment was justified?