Schrage ready for new challenge

By Ken de la Bastide

For the past 12 years Thomas Schrage has been behind the wheel in some form of racing machine and is looking forward to the new challenge of oval racing. Like many drivers, the Ohio resident has a full schedule on his plate for 2022. Schrage, 17, has a full-time ride in the F1600 series and is planning to compete in up to nine Kenyon Midget Series events.

He started racing karts at the age of 5 and has always raced on road courses, so oval racing will be a new experience.

“I want to get some oval experience,” he continued. “Right now I'm hoping for a good year.”

Schrage participated in the open test last October at Anderson Speedway and like many drivers found the high-banked quarter-mile challenging.

“It's really technical,” he said, “and lots of bumps. I don't know what to expect there, but it is fast.”

He hooked up with the Kenyon Midget Series through a prior relationship with series owner Brad Hayes. Schrage is planning to run at least two of the dirt track races on the Kenyon Midget Series schedule.

“I've never been around dirt,” he said. “I used to go watch the late models at a dirt track.”

Schrage said he grew up watching NASCAR and is hoping to make a career in racing.

“I always wanted to race,” he said. “I looked to see what possibilities there are in IndyCar or IMSA.”

Ever since starting to race Schrage's rides have always carried the No. 01.

“I was a big fan of the Dukes of Hazard,” he explained. “I watched it every chance I had and the 01 was the number on the General Lee.”

Currently Schrage took a year away from high school to concentrate on racing but intends to complete his senior year during the 2022-2023 school year. His car carries sponsorship from Airport Electric Service, which is owned by his father.