Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader
Episode Title: Chase Briscoe Is Underrated, Dale Jr.'s Real Role as Crew Chief, & Vintage NASCAR Stories With The Great Rick Mast!
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Guest: Rick Mast
Sponsor Highlights: Fox Factory Vehicles, Mint Mobile, Progressive Boat Insurance, Novo Nordisk
1. Welcome and Introduction
Timestamp: [00:00 – 02:33]
The episode begins with a humorous exchange between Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, setting a casual and irreverent tone. They introduce their guest, Rick Mast, a charismatic NASCAR personality, highlighting their longstanding friendship and mutual admiration.
Notable Quote:
- Kenny Wallace ([02:27]): "We're always honest. We don't know that we're not in trouble already, you know, and sometimes truthful."
2. Life Lessons from Rick Mast
Timestamp: [03:15 – 08:48]
Kenny Wallace shares a heartfelt story about his early racing days, emphasizing the mentorship he received from Rick Mast. He recounts a pivotal moment where Rick advised him to "calm down" amidst racing frustrations, a lesson that profoundly impacted his approach to the sport.
Notable Quote:
- Kenny Wallace ([07:00]): "When I think of Rick Mast, there's a lot of things I think of all good. But when I first started racing in NASCAR, it was a very, very big deal for me... Rick said to me, 'you better calm down.' It was that simple. And it was so profound to me."
3. NASCAR Coverage by Prime Video
Timestamp: [17:51 – 28:36]
The discussion shifts to the recent end of Prime Video's five-race NASCAR coverage. The hosts debate whether this partnership marked the end of an era or a significant shift back towards traditional broadcasting styles reminiscent of the Speed TV days. They appreciate the extended post-race shows and the depth of coverage, suggesting it elevated the overall viewing experience.
Notable Quote:
- Charlie Marlo ([19:14]): "The prime deal, along with everything else... it's just so freaking cool, you know, all the stuff they did that was different, that was just, it was just great."
4. Chase Briscoe: An Underrated Talent
Timestamp: [27:42 – 48:36]
Kenny and Ken delve into Chase Briscoe's recent successes, arguing that Briscoe is significantly underrated in the NASCAR community. They highlight his three Cup Series wins—at Phoenix (2022), Darlington, and Pocono—and commend Joe Gibbs for recognizing and nurturing his talent early on.
Notable Quote:
- Kenny Wallace ([48:24]): "Phoenix 2022. And then it was Darlington last year and obviously Pocono this year. And then he's also won Xfinity and trucks, so he's won all three series."
5. Racing Behavior and Rule Changes
Timestamp: [33:07 – 47:31]
The conversation turns to the evolution of racing behavior and the introduction of stricter rules to prevent drivers from assisting one another during races. Through personal anecdotes, the hosts illustrate how camaraderie once allowed drivers like Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt Sr. to aid each other, leading to memorable moments but also necessitating rule changes to maintain fair competition.
Notable Quote:
- Rick Mast ([47:09]): "This is why we have so many rules in NASCAR right now. Keep going."
6. Safety in NASCAR: Then and Now
Timestamp: [54:54 – 60:41]
Reflecting on the dangers of past racing eras, Rick and Ken share harrowing experiences involving blown tires and crashes. They emphasize the advancements in safety measures, such as the introduction of safer barriers, which have significantly reduced fatalities and injuries in the sport.
Notable Quote:
- Rick Mast ([57:18]): "Ricky Craven said, one day we will look back on NASCAR racing and go, how barbaric. We would wreck and then run into a concrete wall."
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Role as Crew Chief
Timestamp: [64:39 – 70:07]
The hosts discuss Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s unexpected yet impactful stint as a crew chief for Connor Zillinger in the Xfinity series. They applaud Jr.'s dedication and serious approach to the role, debunking conspiracy theories about his sudden involvement and highlighting his genuine passion for racing.
Notable Quote:
- Charlie Marlo ([66:26]): "He's a racer. It's hard to articulate... he really is."
8. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on NASCAR Narratives
Timestamp: [70:07 – 76:40]
Kenny and Rick explore the growing issue of AI-generated fake news about NASCAR drivers circulating on social media platforms. They express concern over misleading stories about drivers like Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott, emphasizing the importance of verifying information sources to protect the integrity of their sport.
Notable Quote:
- Kenny Wallace ([75:21]): "AI is getting there. I'm sure it'll be perfect in a year or two. But right now there's still some glitches."
9. Closing Remarks and Jokes
Timestamp: [76:42 – End]
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts share a series of light-hearted jokes, maintaining the show's signature humor. They also promote their sponsors, including Fox Factory Vehicles, Mint Mobile, Progressive Boat Insurance, and Novo Nordisk, before signing off with gratitude towards their guest Rick Mast.
Notable Quote:
- Kenny Wallace ([78:11]): "Why do divorces cost so much money? Because they're worth it."
Conclusion:
This episode of Herm & Schrader offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, insightful discussions on NASCAR's evolving landscape, and highlights the remarkable achievements of drivers like Chase Briscoe. With guest Rick Mast, the hosts provide a nostalgic yet forward-looking perspective on the sport, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, safety, and authentic storytelling amidst the challenges posed by modern technologies like AI. Whether you're a seasoned NASCAR fan or new to the sport, this episode delivers engaging content that underscores the passion and camaraderie inherent in racing.