Brickyard build up: Ken Schrader.

Ken Schrader bizarrely credits a 1983 wreck at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for sending him from Indy car to stock car racing. Schrader had what he calls "the best wreck of his career" while attempting to qualify for the 1983 Indianapolis 500.

In a practice session, Schrader wrecked the only car the team had and spoiled their chances of making the show. Schrader made his first Winston Cup start the following season.

"When I didn't make the Indy 500 that year it forced me to look elsewhere for a job, and that is when I got started in Winston Cup," explained Schrader. "Now, here I am 16 years later with a great team and a great sponsor. It is hard to say that wrecking is ever a good thing, but in the case of the 1983 Indianapolis 500 everything worked out for the best."

"There is nothing like racing in Indianapolis," Schrader added. "With all of the history and everyone that has raced at Indy in the past, it is a little overwhelming when you think about it all. I gave it a try in an Indy car in 1983, but I'm really happy that didn't work out because here I am in Winston Cup. We tested there last week and I think we are going to be in good shape for the race. This "M&M's" team won the pole position in 1998 and I think we need to be back at the top of the board."

The "M&M's" Racing team has enjoyed past success at Indianapolis Motor Speedway which they hope to build on this weekend. The No. 36 team captured the pole for the 1998 Brickyard 400 with driver Ernie Irvan, while Schrader himself has qualified in the top 10 on five of seven occasions since the Winston Cup series' debut at IMS. Schrader also has two top-10 finishes including a career best of seventh.