Phoenix King Kenny back at PIR.

Kenny Schrader has long been the epitome of the 'have car will race' school of motoring and despite being a NASCAR Winston Cup regular since 1985 the popular veteran can often be found racing any type of car at any type of racetrack whenever his rigorous NASCAR schedule allows him, usually with a great deal of success.

NASCAR Winston Cup Series veteran Ken Schrader has been coming to Phoenix International Raceway in February for more than 20 years in a variety of different machinery that is a reflection on his versatility as a driver. The 46-year-old driver of the No.36 MB2 Motorsports Pontiac in Winston Cup competition is the winningest driver in track history with 11 wins at the 'Desert Jewel,' including victories in USAC Silver Crown, USAC Midget, NASCAR Featherlite Southwest, and NASCAR Winston West Series races.

In an effort to start the month of February on a winning note, Schrader and fellow Winston Cup star Kurt Busch will participate in Phoenix International Raceway's annual 'Winter Heat' extravaganza combining the cream of the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series and the NASCAR Winston West Series with 'King Kenny' looking to repeat his 2001 clean sweep of both events.

But after going a phenomenal two-for-two at last year's NASCAR Winter Heat presented by Bosch, does Schrader actually think he can do the double again?

"Well, if I didn't think I could do it I wouldn't be coming out," said Schrader. "That's why we're coming, to win. The only problem is that there are going to be about 80 other drivers in the two divisions that feel the same way. But we do have a good track record and good cars, so yeah. I'm optimistic we can win again. Why not?"

When asked if he could pinpoint some aspect, or style, or groove that makes PIR such a good track for him, Schrader says there's really no secret. "I really don't know that there's anything you can put your finger on, except that I really like the track and you usually do your best at your favourite track. The first time I came out here in '79 I just fell in love with the place. I've had some really good cars here, too. But like I said, I really do love the track and the town. I think that's why I've always done well here."

This year, in addition to the 'regular' NASCAR Winston West and Featherlite Southwest Series races, Schrader will have added competition from fellow NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Kurt Busch. But as far as Schrader is concerned, Busch is just another racecar driver among many great drivers.

"Kurt's going to be tough, I mean, he's good week in and week out," said Schrader. "But I don't think he's the main guy. I'm more concerned about (Matt) Crafton and (Craig) Raudman and (MK) Kanke and (Rick) Carelli in the Southwest race. I don't know if (Brendan) Gaughan and (Eric) Norris and Kevin Richards are going to be back for the Winston West race. I think some of those guys are moving up to trucks this season. But if they run, and they probably will, those are the guys who I'll have to beat."

Schrader will compete in both the 100-mile NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series race and the NASCAR Winston West 150-mile race. Both races will be held on Saturday, February 2nd. Practice, qualifying and consolation races will be held on Friday, February 1st.