| Tim schendel biography |
| Tim, a native to Sparta, WI, began acquiring race experience while still in his teens. Working beside his father, Ron Schendel, who fielded cars for local drivers in the Sparta-La Crosse area, Tim learned the fundamentals of what it takes to become a champion. His competitive roots were set when he raced "enduro" events at a local track at the age of sixteen. He officially announced his entry into late model competition at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway on his eighteenth birthday. Just two years later, Tim would find himself in the middle of the toughest and tightest Rookie-of-the-Year competition in history for the NASCAR Re/Max Challenge Touring Series. Not only did he claim the title, he finished a very respectable tenth in the final point's standings. This accomplishment, for such a young driver in the highly competitive series, demonstrated his mature ability and dedication to his racing career. The momentum gained in 2000 inspired Tim to establish three difficult team goals at the commencement of the 2001 season: win a pole, win a race.... finish in the top five in points. Tim achieved the first goal when he received the Bud Pole award at Wisconsin International Speedway's tricky D-shaped oval in Kaukauna, WI. The conclusion of the season found him with a highly regarded fourth-place points finish. A surprising bonus was the honor bestowed upon him by his fellow racing peers--The Sportsmanship Award. The perseverance of his 2001 goals carried him into the 2002 season. Tim had established himself as a true competitor and was consistently in contention for race victories. He earned two Bud Pole awards, one on the shortest venue in the series and again on the longest venue, proving his unlimited scope as a driver. The highlight of the season occurred on July 20, when Tim took his car and crew to victory lane at the famed Pike's Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO. In addition to his victory, the completion of the 2002 season found Tim with eleven top-ten and four top-five finishes, and a sixth place overall standing in the points. In 2003, the NASCAR Re/Max Challenge Series took on new sponsorship and converted to the International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series (ITEMS). By the time 2003 series cam to a close, Tim posted nine top-ten and four top-five finishes. His momentum carried him into the final race on the ITEMS schedule. Tim capped off his season, earning his place in local racing history, by joining the list of racing greats, including Matt Kenseth, Dick Trickle, Mark Martin, Ted Musgrave and Travis Kvapil, as "Oktoberfest 250" race winners. At the seasons end, Tim was selected to be the recipient of the sportsmanship award for his professional demeanor and demonstration of support for NASCAR, his series, his sponsors, his team and his fans. Tim's attack on the 2004 season affirmed his dedication to his career. At the completion of the season, Tim's record stood for itself. He acquired ten top-ten finishes, eight top-five finishes and one Bud Pole Award. He secured a fourth place finish in the points and again an invitation to participate in the NASCAR All-Star Toyota Showdown in Irwindale, Ca. 2005 placed Tim behind the wheel of his Mathews Chevy in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Midwest Series for the sixth consecutive year. Tim claimed seven finishes inside the top six including wins at the last two events of the season. The NASCAR officials honored Tim, once again, with the series sportsmanship award and his fellow racing peers honored him with the Larry Detjens Sportsmanship award making him the first driver to win both awards in the same season. With the intent of meeting his career objectives, Tim's 2006 plans included an expansion into the ARCA series. He participated in at least six events with that series and competed in the NASCAR Auto Zone Elite Division series where he claimed the Midwest series Championship title! The season didn't end there though. Tim headed out to Irwindale, California for the Toyota All Star Showdown where he claimed the Championship title there as well. The year proved to be a year of great success. In 2007, Tim ran in the Busch East Series where the season was highlighted for him with a third place finish at Loudon as well running in a select few NASCAR Craftsman Truck series events. In addition to driving for Iron Eagle Racing, Tim also works full-time in their shop. Building and maintaining several racecars ensures proficiency and understanding of the machines placed under him every weekend. Not only has he acquired knowledge behind the wheel of a racecar, but also under the hood, giving him an even greater opportunity for growth as a driver. Tim's dedication to the sport of auto racing inspires him to achieve his full potential. His patient, yet aggressive, driving style has proven effective over these early years of his career. He consistently earns the respect of his fellow competitors with his clean and professional manner on and off the track. Tim is a true champion in every aspect of the word. Schendel is slated to run the full 14 race schedule in the ASA Midwest Tour Series for 2008 with his long time sponsor of Texpar Energy. |
