Schrage looking to build on 2022 success

Thomas Schrage claimed his second Kenyon Midget win of the season at Anderson Speedway on Sept 17, 2022.

By Ken de la Bastide

Coming off a successful 2022 season, Thomas Schrage is looking forward to the next challenge in his racing career. The Ohio driver competed in 21 F1600 races during the year, posting an impressive nine victories and claiming the championship.

Schrage also competed with the Kenyon Midget Series seven times and recorded two victories at the demanding Anderson Speedway.

“Last year was the best of my racing career,” he said.

Schrage also dropped a hint that he would like the opportunity to race in the 75th Lucas Oil Little 500 sprint car race. That race takes place at Anderson Speedway where his second victory came after he captured the K&K Marketing Fast Time during qualifications and charged from the back of the field to win earning the Advanced Racing Suspensions Hard Charger award.

“It was very successful,” Schrage said of the F1600 championship. “It was what we expected. We had to fight through some difficult problems throughout the year. But the last race we switched cars and won all three races.”

In a two-year career in F1600 races, Schrage has started 38 races, posted 12 wins, 23 podium finishes and four pole positions. During the off season, Schrage went back and completed high school and competed in the “Rumble” at Fort Wayne.

“I'm looking forward to the next couple of years,” he said. “I have no plans for anything this year right now. Last year, I had firm plans of what I was going to race.”

Schrage said last year he planned to run nine Kenyon races and missed a few at the end of the season. “I did expect to get a win in the series,” he said. “I didn't expect it so early in the season and at Anderson.” Schrage said he is planning to return to the Kenyon Midget Series in 2023 depending on his racing schedule and the availability of a Kenyon car.

“It's not worth it for me to return to the F1600 series,” he said. “I would like a new challenge in the USF2000 series if a ride becomes available.”