With several veteran ARCA RE/MAX Series dirt-track warriors already in the line-up for the 45th annual Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, it will be, without question, extremely tough to win on the historic mile dirt track.

It just got that much tougher with the addition of Ken Schrader, who is entered in the No. 66 Hendren Motorsports Ford for the Sunday afternoon, August 19th event.

"Schrader called asking about the ride last week sometime," said car owner Bill Hendren. "After a little back and forth, we finally worked out a deal for Kenny to run our car. It's the same car that Bob Strait nearly won in last year, so it's a very good piece.

"We want to win; it's the only reason we show up. With Schrader in the car, we have a legitimate opportunity to win. It's a good, fast car with a fresh Joe Rhyne motor. We're very pleased that Kenny will be driving the car."

Bob Strait was originally scheduled to drive the car; however, the Mokena, Illinois veteran driver was involved in a motorcycle accident back on June 1st and broke his right hand and injured his left hand and knee. The 16-time ARCA RE/MAX Series winner is doing well and continues to mend.

"I'm excited for both Bill and Kenny," said Strait. "They've got a real good chance of winning the race. That's a great car, and when you put the two together, maybe he (Schrader) can get done last year what I wasn't able to."

Strait led 42 laps in last year's race and was leading on the final lap before Justin Allgaier passed the veteran driver heading into turn three to lead the final charge to the checkered flag.

Schrader, in 44 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts, has 14 career wins including a victory at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in 1998, which was the last time the Fenton, Missouri driver competed at Springfield. He also finished second at Springfield in 1997.

Other ARCA RE/MAX Series victories for Schrader on the dirt include wins at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in 2006, the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1994 and the Hagerstown Speedway half-mile dirt in 1990.

Schrader is also entered for the September 3rd, Labor Day Southern Illinois 100 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.