John Schroeder

April 17, 1948 - May 15, 2022

Paul Flanders - Northern California speedway great John Schroeder, passed away on Sunday, May 15th. He was 74 years young.

Thomas Arbogast - Today started with grief learning of the loss of the great John Schroeder. This afternoon transitioned into reflection, remembering the great time spent together. This evening, I'm torn between crying and smiling. Crying knowing our conversations will not continue, smiling thankful for the memories. Those who knew John loved him, those who didn't, never understood him. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for the dedication to our kids. Thank you for being in my life when I needed it. Thank you John Schroeder, rest in peace my friend.

Kim VanderMeeden - RIP my friend John Schroeder. You will be missed. I am glad my dad, me and Teri Janniro were able to have lunch with you, Sandy Nana Schroeder and Dustin Schroeder a couple weeks ago. You did so much for the junior speedway riders.

Larry Heseman Sr. - Sad, sad loss, were really feeling bad. Im so glad Larry and I got to talk with him in Bakersfield a while back. So sorry Dustin and Sandy for your loss. RIP John, prayers to you and your Mom Dustin.

Dennis Robinson - Dam so sorry, John was a great man. RIP my friend.

Dan Dyer - A loss to many friends. I hadn't seen John since the old Belmont fire station days in the late 1970's. We just went different ways. What a shock!!!! My best to his family and friends. It was fun knowing you.

Will Mccloskey - Rip John, you were a good dude and I’m thankful I got to know you and hang out with ya. Thanks for all you did.

Roondog Mike Rooney - I'm out of words. To Johns Family and the of the world We lost a good one. Love you guy's.

Steve Martin - RIP John. He was instrumental in creating the JR speedway program in norcal and helped a lot of newcomers cut there teeth in speedway, Thank you John. Prayers to the Schroeder family.

Scott Rousseau - Oh no. This hurts so bad. So lucky to have been able to hang with Papa John Schroeder one last time at Fast Fridays last summer after not having seen him for more than 20 years. It was just like old times. John, I’ll miss you my friend. Sending all my love to Dustin Schroeder, Sandy Schroeder and the rest of the family. Anything you need, just say the word.

Freddie Cook - Well old man all I can do is thank you for the last few years that I had the absolute pleasure spending with you when I did. You and I spoke a crazy no one ever could understand and I cherish so deeply now that you have gone to the skies above. I hope I do you proud for the remaining time I have on this earth. It will be a rough time knowing I cant call ya shoot the shit like old times. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart John Schroeder you helped save my life a short time ago and I’m going do everything to do you proud old man WFO til the wheels fall off see ya soon with a can of grizzly and a glass Coke my brotha.

Ken Kelly - Robin and I send you are heartfelt sympathy Sandy. John leaves us too soon.

Kota Vb - We still are a team John Schroeder I love you so much you’ve influenced my life spiritually and helped me through so many life altering decisions I just wish I could have more time.

William Sassa - This broke my heart today man.

George Hitchcock - To a great man, that gave so much of himself to the youth to keep the sport alive. RIP John Schroeder. Thank you for your countless efforts. Much love to the Schroeder family. Dustin Schroeder love ya brotha.

Chance Grove - I am without words. we lost a very dear friend in the sport of American speedway. John, thank you for all the time and effort you have put into all of us J&S kids, without you I know a lot of us would not be where we are today in our racing career’s. You will forever be missed, loved and appreciated but never forgotten. Since the first day I threw my leg over one of these machines you’ve been with me the entire journey and I am proud to say that I’ve gotten to know you and represent J&S, RDP. Kota Vb - We still are a team John Schroeder I love you so much you’ve influenced my life spiritually and helped me through so many life altering decisions I just wish I could have more time.

RC Jones - I met John at Auburn speedway around the mid 1980's. I was lucky enough to watch him race speedway and ice speedway in the 80's. Not fast but loved to race. He brought his son Dustin through the junior ranks who went on to be good division 1 rider. John supported many of the junior riders over the years even building a practice track for them. He was a really neat guy and could drop joke in a heartbeat. My heart goes out to his wife Sandy and son Dustin.

Rider Number: 101
Hometown: Grass Valley, California - USA
Place of Birth: California - USA
Date of Birth: April 17, 1948
Occupation: Retired Fire Captain
Wife: Sandy
Children: Dustin, Pam
Relatives in Speedway: Son Dustin Schroeder
E-mail:
Web Site or Facebook Page:
Date Started Speedway: John rode Speedway from 1983-1987 and ice speedway from 1985 to 1987. In 1987 he broke his leg and retired.
Reason to Race Speedway: He watched Dustin, his son, and decided to come out and join in the fun.
Goals or Ambitions for Speedway: Ride to have fun and to stay young.
Top Photo by RC Jones, Perris Raceway July 27, 2019
Bottom Photo by: Gary Roberts

Info: John has been a long time supporter of speedway and has a place for the Junior riders to practice.

Bike: Jawa 2 valve

Tracks Ridden:
USA: Fast Fridays, Auburn - Cal Expo, Sacramento - Perris Raceway - Baylands - Napa

Professional Achievements:
2018 - Division Three Consolation - Perris Raceway 09/15/18
2007 - Fast Fridays Events May 25, Jun 1
2005 - Fast Fridays Events May 6, May 20, Jul 8
2004 - Fast Fridays Events Aug 20, Aug 27

John with Kota Vb at Auburn

2004 Fast Fridays, Auburn