Thomas Schrage: Back In The Fight

Returning to USF2000 with high expectations and enormous gratitude to  Doug Mockett & Company (Gavin Baker).

BETHEL, Ohio – Shortly after wrapping up the 2024 season, I signed a deal with VRD Racing to return for a full-season campaign in the USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire championship, thanks to the continued support of my primary sponsor, Doug Mockett & Company.

It was a huge relief knowing I had the pieces in place early, and I was excited to hit the ground running and prepare for what I hoped would be a breakout year.

But life had other plans.

During training in the offseason, I started having issues with my shoulder. It began gradually but by November had escalated to the point where I could barely reach for a jar on a shelf. The pain was unbearable. I had to make a tough call: gamble on it healing naturally or undergo surgery with just under three months until the first green flag of the season. I chose surgery.

Trying to celebrate Christmas with my nephew, Landon.

The recovery process was grueling. I spent five weeks in a sling, including driving a manual car on the street with only my right arm – not something I’d recommend.

After a couple of weeks of therapy, I finally ditched the sling, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. I still remember how painful it was just trying to hold my arm by my side. It burned after just 30 minutes. But I pushed through the rehab, slowly building up strength, because I had one goal: to be ready for the season opener.

By the time Spring Training rolled around at NOLA Motorsports Park, I was under three months post-surgery and nowhere near 100 percent. I had zero off-season testing, and it showed. In my first two sessions back in the car, I was nearly 1.5 seconds per lap off the leader, buried at the bottom of the timesheets. For a moment, I questioned everything. Did I come back too soon? Was I risking my health for a shot at something that might not even be possible?

St. Pete was a challenge, but we made good progress.

But I couldn’t let myself quit. Leading up to St. Petersburg, I dug into every bit of video I had from the previous year and practiced on the sim for hours each day. Even if my body wasn’t ready, I was going to make sure my mind was.

When we got to St. Pete for the season opener, I knew I wasn’t at my best, but I was determined to make the most of it. We were quick, but my lack of time in the car caught up with me during qualifying when I clipped the barrier, ending our session early and forcing us to start at the back for both races.

Even so, I kept my composure and focused on survival and consistency. I clawed my way forward in both races and salvaged some valuable points. That weekend, I didn’t win or land on the podium, but it might’ve been one of the most important weekends of my career. I proved to myself that I could fight through adversity and still deliver.

The start of our podium streak at NOLA.

We returned to NOLA Motorsports Park for our second event of the year, and this time I was in much better shape physically. The shoulder was stronger, I had more confidence in the car, and I was ready to make a statement. Across three races, we delivered three straight podiums, at one of my least favorite tracks, no less.

That performance shot us up to third in the championship standings, and more importantly, it gave me the momentum I’d been working so hard to build.

Our first win came, fittingly, at Indianapolis.

Next stop: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. I had pace here in 2024 and came into the weekend focused on one thing, keeping the podium streak alive. We started strong with a second-place finish, though I wasn’t thrilled with the result. I knew we had more in the car and more in me.
Race 2 was my shot at redemption. I led all but the first lap and finally captured my first USF2000 victory. The relief was overwhelming. All the pain, therapy and uncertainty finally felt worth it. We closed the gap in the championship standings again and solidified our spot as a real title contender.

Another podium on the oval vaulted us into the points lead.

Then came one of the events I’d been looking forward to all season: the Carb Night Classic at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, our only oval on the calendar and one with 1.5x points on the line. This race meant a lot to me, not just because of the physical challenge but because I knew it could be a turning point in the season. I started third and quickly moved into second, managing my tires and staying patient. The race leader wasn’t in championship contention, and my biggest championship competition was buried outside the top 10. I didn’t take unnecessary risks, I played it smart and brought home a clean second-place finish. That result gave me something I’d been chasing all season: the championship lead.

Even more meaningful, it was my sixth consecutive podium, one of the longest streaks in USF2000 history. From struggling to lift my arm just months ago to leading the Driver’s Championship, I honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come.

Huge thanks to Joey Newgarden for taking my under his wing,

After our race, I had the amazing opportunity to attend my first Indy 500! Huge thanks to Joey and Josef Newgarden for hooking me up with credentials and grandstand seats. We were up in the Turn 1 Penthouse, with a view that stretched over almost the entire track. Easily some of the best seats in the house.

Before the race, I stopped by the Andretti Global suite to catch up with my primary sponsor, Doug Mockett & Company. We talked about how the season was going, my recovery, and what the future might hold. I’m incredibly thankful for Doug’s support and advice, along with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati and Airport Electric Service.

What a view!!

Without them, I wouldn’t even be racing this season, let alone leading the championship.

Now, our focus shifts to Road America for an official series test and the next round of the championship on June 20/21. It’s a fast, lengthy track where anything can happen, but we’re heading there with momentum, confidence, and a hunger to keep pushing.

The past few months have been some of the most difficult and rewarding of my career. From surgery to victory lane, it’s been a rollercoaster. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported me through this ride. We’re just getting started.

Until next time,
Thomas