Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – "Burning Rubber to Stay Warm"
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Kenny Wallace & Kenny Schrader
Co-host/Guest: Dietz
Network: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
Episode Overview
In this lively and irreverent episode, Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader—two of NASCAR’s most beloved Midwestern icons—swap stories, debate current events in the world of racing, and touch on topics ranging from snowstorms and chilly race schedules to breaking NASCAR news, endurance racing highlights, legendary owners and drivers, plus a few classic jokes to close out. Their trademark camaraderie, honesty, and occasional curmudgeonly wisdom shine as they look ahead to upcoming races, reflect on racing history, and celebrate the latest NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees.
Table of Contents
- Weather Woes & Travel Plans
- Bowman Gray & the Early NASCAR Season
- Breaking News: Charlotte Roval Dropped
- Rolex 24 at Daytona Recap & Penske’s Legacy
- Building Championship Teams: Lessons from Legends
- NASCAR Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees
- Dirt Racing at Volusia & the Sunshine Nationals
- Memorable Quotes & Classic Moments
- Jokes, Wisdom & The Road Ahead
Weather Woes & Travel Plans
- The episode opens with the hosts ribbing each other and describing the winter storm blanketing the Midwest and South.
- Kenny Schrader talks about his Missouri property buried under eight inches of powder, busy prepping haulers to head to Florida for racing and planning to meet up with Tom Berry Jr. for testing in Georgia before hitting Volusia Speedway (01:54).
- Dietz checks in from North Carolina, describing how Charlotte overreacts to winter weather and how local kids got a “snow day” (03:03).
- Kenny Wallace describes his own travel anxiety, flying to Daytona with a forecast of chilly 50-degree highs, bemoaning the lack of Florida warmth (03:49).
“Out there in Missouri we had about 8 inches but it was so cold it was like powder… We have got no red warning lights where it says the road's blocked. So we're just going.”
— Kenny Schrader (01:54)
Bowman Gray & the Early NASCAR Season
- The hosts discuss the cold forecast for the upcoming NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC.
- Detailed weather rundown: Highs only in the 20s and teens all week, with modified heats starting at 8:30 PM Saturday (11:14).
- Schrader questions why haulers are leaving Wednesday for a Sunday race at a local track, comparing it to expensive cross-country trips (07:14).
- Dietz argues the Clash should run in warm weather or at Daytona, even suggesting running the race as a Super Bowl lead-in (08:32).
- General consensus: NASCAR’s scheduling is puzzling, and running at Bowman Gray in February is a risky, potentially poor decision.
“Who thinks the All Star race at Dover is going to be very good?... This not. It’s going to suck. And I’d be willing to bet my mortgage on it.” — Dietz (08:32)
Breaking News: Charlotte Roval Dropped
- Herman Schrader (Kenny Wallace) delivers real-time news that the Charlotte Motor Speedway playoff race is moving back to the oval configuration, as reported by journalist Jordan Bianchi (15:54).
- The hosts are enthusiastic; Schrader and Dietz voice that the novelty of the Roval wore off and fans are craving a return to tradition.
“We have enough road courses. Our history is oval racing. I think it, I like it.”
— Kenny Schrader (16:47)
Rolex 24 at Daytona Recap & Penske’s Legacy
- Discussion shifts to the record attendance and photo finishes at the Rolex 24 (18:41).
- Wallace marvels that after 24 hours, “the GTP class was decided by 1.7 seconds—that’s insane!”
- Schrader notes how, unlike in decades past, spec rules and close competition have made endurance racing more exciting than ever (21:19).
- Extended praise for Roger Penske, nicknamed “The Captain,” after his team’s third consecutive win at the Daytona 24, coinciding with his 60th year as a race team owner (25:40).
- The crew traces Penske’s career as both the ultimate team boss and a winning driver, debating fine details of his racing history (27:38–30:55).
"If Roger decided he wanted to win the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Championship next year, I would not bet against him."
— Kenny Schrader (25:40)
Building Championship Teams: Lessons from Legends
- The group unpacks what makes owners like Penske and Rick Hendrick so successful—hiring capable, motivated people and fostering a family-like environment (32:00–33:29).
- Schrader shares stories about the unique workplace culture at Hendrick Automotive, including his own son's recent hiring (34:01).
“Any business is a people person, and they're really good at picking people.” — Kenny Schrader (32:37)
NASCAR Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees
- The show pays tribute to the latest Hall of Fame class: Ray Hendrick, Harry Gant, and Kurt Busch.
- Ray Hendrick: Race stats that boggle the mind—44.4% wins, top five in 80% of his 40-year career starts (42:01). Dietz shares a family story about Hendrick's dominance at Fayetteville.
- Harry Gant (“Handsome Harry”, “Mr. September”, “High Groove Harry”, “The Bandit”): Remembered as universally respected and approachable, with a record as the oldest Cup winner at 52 and a master of the high line (46:06–47:25).
- Kurt Busch (“The Outlaw”): Recognized for immense natural talent, high-profile team moves, winning in all three NASCAR national series, and overcoming controversies to remain a major player (48:56–53:13). Noted as “the best teammate I ever had,” per Mark Martin (50:21).
“There was nobody that was really not for Harry… everybody liked Harry.”
— Kenny Schrader (43:26)
Dirt Racing at Volusia & the Sunshine Nationals
- Recap of the World of Outlaws Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway:
- Thursday: Chris Madden wins after an intense slide job battle
- Friday: Hudson O’Neill wins, surviving late-race drama
- Saturday: Tim McCready, age 51, claims the $20k victory—“good for the sport” according to Freddie Carpenter (54:18–56:14)
- The crew discusses the evolving dirt late model rivalry between Hudson O’Neill and Bobby Pierce, and the importance of experience and longevity in dirt racing (56:52–59:15).
“To see Tim McCready at 51 years old, hammer that thing for 50 straight laps—popular win.” — Herman Schrader (54:58)
Memorable Quotes & Classic Moments
- On Experience vs Youth:
“When you do it so long, you can keep going.”
— Herman Schrader (59:42) - On Career Advice:
“Kenny, my son's eight years old. What’s he got to do to keep racing?”
“Buy golf clubs.”
— Kenny Schrader (34:51) - On Race Scheduling:
“They’re scrambling to try to do right. And the only way you can find out if you did right is do it.”
— Kenny Schrader (13:42)
Jokes, Wisdom & The Road Ahead
- The hosts entertain with groan-worthy dad jokes:
- “Five ants rented an apartment with another five ants. Now there are tenants.” (61:20)
- “Why is it bad to iron a four-leaf clover? You never want to press your luck.” (62:11)
- Laughter abounds over the group’s knack for “dumbing down” racing history Google searches (30:13–30:55).
- Looking forward, Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace preview their Volusia racing plans, noting modest paydays and reminiscing about racing for $700 at local tracks (63:09–65:37).
Conclusion
The episode is packed with genuine banter, detailed race analysis, and plenty of heart. Whether dissecting NASCAR strategy, roasting each other, or honoring legends, Wallace and Schrader make it clear: racing is about people, passion, and stories worth sharing—preferably with a cold beer and a well-told joke.
Notable Timestamps
- 01:54 – Snow stories and Missouri prep for Florida travel
- 07:14 – Bowman Gray race schedule debate
- 15:54 – Breaking news: Charlotte Roval dropped
- 18:41 – Rolex 24/IMSA recap
- 25:40 – Roger Penske’s 60th year and legacy
- 42:01 – Ray Hendrick Hall of Fame career stats
- 46:06 – Harry Gant’s nicknames and legacy
- 48:56 – Kurt Busch’s career and Hall of Fame induction
- 54:18 – Tim McCready’s win at Volusia at age 51
- 61:20 – Ants joke, classic Schrader punchline
- 63:09 – Volusia and DirtCar Nationals preview
For More
Catch Herm & Schrader on Dirty Mo Media and YouTube, or follow along on your next road trip for more stories, insights, and vintage racing wisdom.