Summary of "Bobby Labonte: A Heated Rival Turned Lifelong Friend" - Herm & Schrader Podcast

Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this dynamic episode of the "Herm & Schrader" podcast, host Kenny Wallace engages in an in-depth conversation with NASCAR legend Bobby Labonte. The duo delves into their shared racing history, Bobby's current business ventures, his perspectives on the evolving NASCAR landscape, and personal anecdotes that highlight their enduring friendship.

1. Warm Welcome and Introduction

Kenny Wallace [02:39]: Opens the episode with enthusiasm, welcoming Bobby Labonte and expressing admiration for their shared racing experiences. He highlights Bobby as a "dear friend" and a "hero," setting a friendly and appreciative tone for the discussion.

"Well, Kenny, conversation just keeps on rolling. And this next guest, dear friend, hero of mine... How you doing?" ([02:39])

Bobby Labonte [02:39]: Responds warmly, expressing gratitude for the invitation and excitement about the conversation.

"I'm doing great, Kenny. I hope you're doing well. Thanks for inviting me to be a part of this. Really excited about this." ([02:39])

2. Bobby Labonte’s Current Business Ventures

Kenny Wallace [05:08]: Shifts the conversation to Bobby's current business endeavors, specifically his company, Breaking Limits.

Bobby Labonte [05:08]: Provides a comprehensive overview of Breaking Limits, detailing its focus on public relations and hospitality for clients such as Universal Technical Institute and IndyCar Aero Electronics. He explains the company's evolution, including mergers and strategic partnerships that have expanded its reach and services.

"So, we own Breaking Limits for years... So we have clients like Ferrari, we've had Cola Vita olive oil..." ([05:08])

Kenny Wallace [08:08]: Clarifies the nature of Breaking Limits, emphasizing its role in hospitality and event activation rather than driver representation.

Bobby Labonte [08:14]: Elaborates on the company's operations, showcasing how they enhance event experiences with high-end services, including gourmet food and professional staff.

"Everything we do not represent drivers. It's more of a hospitality and activation... We fancy it up and we have chefs..." ([08:14])

3. Challenges and Growth in Business

Bobby Labonte [09:38]: Discusses the challenges of scaling a business without a fixed office space, highlighting a decentralized team structure that allows flexibility and growth.

"We don't have an office. This is just a place for me to sit sometimes." ([09:38])

Kenny Wallace [09:38]: Commends Bobby's adaptability and proactive approach to business management.

4. Transition from Racing to Business

Kenny Wallace [04:15]: Teases Bobby about his hands-on and decisive nature in business, likening it to his racing characteristics.

Bobby Labonte [10:07]: Shares a personal story about renovating his workspace, removing old racing memorabilia to create a more organized and professional environment. This anecdote underscores his proactive and action-oriented mindset.

"I took all my pictures and brought them over here." ([10:07])

5. Longhorn Chassis and Contribution to Dirt Racing

Kenny Wallace [73:40]: Highlights Bobby’s involvement with Longhorn Chassis, recognizing it as a top-tier manufacturer in the dirt racing world and expressing surprise at its success.

Bobby Labonte [33:31]: Narrates the inception and growth of Longhorn Chassis, detailing the initial challenges faced in building quality cars and the incremental learning process that led to eventual success. He emphasizes the collaborative efforts with his nephew Justin and the dedication required to establish a reputable brand in dirt racing.

"We started building cars... We sold four cars and we learn more from the people that buy them." ([33:31])

6. Emotional Stories and Racing Incidents

Kenny Wallace [34:16]: Asks Bobby about his relationship with fellow racer Steve Arpin and recalls a significant incident involving Arpin's accident.

Bobby Labonte [35:28]: Shares a heartfelt account of responding to Steve Arpin’s severe burns resulting from a racing accident. Bobby describes the urgency and teamwork involved in getting Arpin the necessary medical attention, highlighting his commitment to fellow racers.

"So we took him that night maybe or the next morning and flew him to..." ([35:28])

7. Perspectives on NASCAR’s Evolution

Kenny Wallace [59:40]: Initiates a discussion on the current state and future of NASCAR, seeking Bobby's insights.

Bobby Labonte [60:09]: Reflects on how NASCAR has transformed over the decades, particularly focusing on changes in sponsorship dynamics, technological advancements, and the increased financial demands of running a team. He contrasts the past ease of securing sponsorships with today's more challenging environment.

"We could have done it on $800,000... but we were all there just working together." ([18:43])

8. Views on NASCAR Penalties and Fines

Kenny Wallace [71:36]: Expresses frustration regarding the rising penalties and fines within NASCAR, suggesting they overshadow the racing itself.

Bobby Labonte [72:45]: Agrees, critiquing the stringent regulations and their financial impact on teams. He advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the integrity of the race over excessive bureaucracy.

"Yeah, it's that new. It is a... It's... What... we're not racing a 65 Ford rear end with truck arms on it." ([78:19])

9. Thoughts on the Next Gen Car

Kenny Wallace [74:24]: Discusses NASCAR's introduction of the Next Gen car and its implications.

Bobby Labonte [77:18]: Shares his hands-on experience with the Next Gen car, from simulation testing to actual races. He acknowledges the car's improved racing capabilities but also points out areas where he wishes for more flexibility and reduced costs.

"The biggest thing I see is it does race good. I wish it was a little more flexible, easy." ([78:13])

10. Concluding Thoughts on NASCAR’s Future

Kenny Wallace [84:04]: Reflects on NASCAR's resilience and current standing in the motorsports world.

Bobby Labonte [81:13]: Emphasizes the steadfastness of NASCAR's leadership and their ability to adapt and sustain the sport through challenging times. He credits the organizational efforts for maintaining fan engagement and operational continuity.

"What is good about NASCAR is they love it because it'd be easy for them to have said, ah, okay, we're just... It's not something." ([83:12])

11. Final Remarks and Friendship

Kenny Wallace [85:14]: Wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Bobby's participation and their enduring friendship, acknowledging the memorable moments they've shared in NASCAR.

"Well, Bobby, listen, this is my opinion. You and I were blessed because we were in the greatest time in NASCAR history." ([85:14])

Bobby Labonte [85:24]: Returns the sentiments, thanking Kenny and reaffirming their close bond.

"Thank you, Herm. I appreciate it. Kenny, we'll talk to you next time." ([85:24])

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Wallace [10:39]: "Yesterday, what'd you learn from a dear life coach of mine?... 'Do not let the old man in.'"

• Bobby Labonte [11:17]: "Clint Eastwood is the one that came up with the 'don't let the Old man in.'"

• Kenny Wallace [74:06]: "We’re pushing the down button."

Key Insights:

• Adaptability in Business: Bobby emphasizes the importance of evolving business strategies, as seen with Breaking Limits' mergers and diversification.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Success in both business and racing is attributed to strong teamwork and collaborative efforts with family and colleagues.

• NASCAR’s Financial Hurdles: Both hosts discuss the escalating costs in NASCAR, highlighting the struggle for teams to secure sufficient funding amid increasing sponsorship demands.

• Emotional Resilience: Personal stories, like Steve Arpin’s accident, showcase the community and support system within the racing world.

• Technological Integration: The adoption of simulation tools and new racing technologies signifies NASCAR's shift towards modernization, while also presenting new challenges.

Conclusion: This episode offers listeners a rich blend of nostalgia, personal anecdotes, and critical insights into the current state of NASCAR. Through Bobby Labonte's experiences and perspectives, the conversation underscores the evolving dynamics of racing, the necessity for adaptability in business, and the enduring friendships that sustain the motorsports community.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the substantive discussions between Kenny Wallace and Bobby Labonte.