Schrader expects to be back in the #36 in 2003 and M&M’s news: Ken Schrader isnt concerned with the rumor mill, even if his name has surfaced in recent weeks. Prior to Pocono, reports had the veteran out of the #36 MB2 Motorsports Pontiac, to be replaced by Jerry Nadeau [rumored here incorrectly]. Schrader was on hand at Pocono while Nadeau was nowhere to be seen. A year ago, Schrader signed a one-year extension, a move that occurred near midseason but wasnt made public until late in the year. With talk of wholesale changes sweeping through the garage, Schrader is hoping a similar accord can be reached this time. Whether anyone outside the MB2 team knows about it or not isnt his concern. Jay Frye, general manager for MBV/MB2 Motorsports, certainly isnt talking as if the team was looking to make a move, and it appears the team is actively pursuing a multi-year agreement with M&M’. We anticipate everything moving forward with Kenny for next year, Frye said. We are awaiting to hear word. When you sign a long-term contract there are multiple options in it and were waiting to hear what that’ going to be. It could be one year, it could be two years, it could be no years.”(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read) AND Ken Schrader’ name is all over the Silly Season grapevine on a couple of fronts this week, but a team spokesperson told me [writer Jimmy Creed] Wednesday not to believe everything you hear. One rumor has it that Schrader’ sponsor, M&M Mars, will leave the MB2 team after this season to either go with a high-profile owner like Robert Yates, Cal Wells or Rick Hendrick or become an official corporate sponsor of NASCAR itself. Another links Schrader’ name with the #43 ride at Petty Enterprises. According to the team spokesperson, M&M Mars is already a corporate partner with NASCAR and even uses the phrase the chocolate of NASCAR fans in its marketing campaigns, a deal that runs through 2003. As for Schrader, his contract with MBN2 is up this season, but it appears his name is just getting tossed about like many other drivers at this point.(Anniston Star)(6-13-2002) AND II: hearing that one of the teams M&M Mars is talking to is the #17 Roush Racing team.(6-13-2002)
