Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary

Episode: Did NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Win At NASCAR’s Most Popular Track?
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader, and Charlie Marlow
Produced by: Dirty Mo Media

1. Personal Updates and Recent Race Experiences (01:44 - 04:28)

The episode kicks off with Kenny Schrader and Herman Schrader sharing their recent experiences post-race. Kenny recounts flying back from the Atlanta Cup race in John Scottoni's SR22 airplane, expressing gratitude for a smooth trip despite the late arrival. Herman adds that they managed to cruise home in a Freightliner from Seattle, completing the journey in about 35 hours. Both hosts highlight their camaraderie and mutual excitement about being back on the racing scene.

Kenny Schrader [02:22]: "I came home after the race. I was very lucky."

Herman Schrader [02:45]: "We were able to cruise right home in one of the Freightliners from Seattle, Washington."

2. Analyzing the Atlanta Race and Social Media Sentiment (04:28 - 22:18)

The discussion shifts to the Atlanta race, addressing the disparity between the hosts' on-site observations and the negative sentiments prevalent on social media. While many online critics were quick to express dissatisfaction following a catastrophic wreck, Kenny and Herman observed a largely happy and excited crowd at the track.

Kenny Schrader [08:12]: "What I saw was a lot of happy people. Everybody there is track super happy."

They delve into the technical aspects of the track, explaining recent changes such as the increase in banking from 24 to 28 degrees. This modification, alongside reduced car speeds (from 179 mph to approximately 180 mph), aims to enhance safety by controlling where cars land during crashes. The hosts reflect on historical precedents, recalling how past incidents led to the implementation of restrictor plates to slow down the vehicles.

Herman Schrader [10:33]: "They changed the banking from 24 degrees to 28 degrees."

The conversation highlights how these adjustments have led to more group racing, reducing individual speeds but increasing the potential for multi-car wrecks. Kenny reminisces about Bobby Allison's crash in 1987, which was pivotal in NASCAR's safety regulations.

Kenny Schrader [12:26]: "They slowed the racetrack down? No, they didn't slow the racetrack down. The car's down."

The hosts discuss the recent race dynamics, noting that the final laps were highly competitive, culminating in Chase Elliott's victory, which significantly boosted fan sentiment both at the track and online.

Kenny Schrader [27:59]: "So Chase Elliott saves the day. I think if Keselowski wins, it's going to be feel good, but nothing like a little dose of Chase Elliott."

3. In-Season Challenge and Its Impact on NASCAR (31:19 - 36:50)

Kenny introduces the newly announced In-Season Challenge, a bracket-style competition where the top 32 drivers compete head-to-head over five races, with both drivers and fans vying for a $1 million prize. The hosts debate whether this format will enhance the sport or introduce unnecessary complexities.

Kenny Schrader [32:51]: "Do you think that will help the sport? This In-Season Challenge?"

Herman expresses his support, emphasizing that while the bracket promises excitement, he remains hopeful that seasoned drivers will emerge victorious rather than random upsets.

Herman Schrader [35:30]: "I am a big supporter of most everything that NASCAR does... I like the racing, it's fabulous."

Charlie Marlow adds that while the concept is intriguing, the numerous upsets might undermine the integrity of the competition, comparing it to the unpredictability of NCAA tournament brackets.

Charlie Marlow [36:50]: "There's always one random person out of like, what, 8 million brackets that somehow picks it."

4. Broadcasting Changes: TNT Replaces Prime (36:50 - 40:00)

The conversation transitions to the recent shift in NASCAR broadcasting from Prime to TNT. The hosts discuss TNT's approach, noting similarities to Prime's successful format and the introduction of familiar personalities like Dale Jr. Shannon Spake, and Danielle Trottas. They express enthusiasm about TNT adopting an alternate broadcast style, similar to what Larry McReynol and Jeff Burton have done, envisioning a more relaxed and conversational commentary.

Kenny Schrader [38:05]: "TNT is back. They will talk about that broadcast later."

Herman Schrader [39:35]: "It sounds like fun. But you'd have to talk about what's on the screen."

5. Lightning Delay Incident and Safety Protocols (40:00 - 43:45)

The hosts recount a peculiar incident involving a lightning delay at a race, despite no visible signs of a storm. Kenny shares a story where the grandstands were evacuated due to a presumed lightning threat, only to find out it was a false alarm. They discuss the importance of erring on the side of caution for safety, even if it disrupts the event.

Charlie Marlow [41:49]: "I would, I get it - them airing on the side of caution."

Kenny Schrader [43:33]: "That's big. Last time that happened was St. Louis a couple of years ago."

6. Best NASCAR Tracks Poll and Listener Engagement (43:45 - 54:38)

Charlie announces a listener poll on the best NASCAR tracks, listing Atlanta, Kansas, Charlotte, Michigan, and Darlington. The hosts share their personal favorites, highlighting aspects like unique race dynamics, surrounding amenities, and memorable finishes.

Charlie Marlow [46:02]: "They've been putting on the barn burners this year."

Kenny Schrader [49:37]: "I love Darlington because the drivers are always skimming that wall."

The poll results indicate a strong preference, with 90% of voters favoring the listed tracks, while the remaining 10% express discontent, often reflecting broader frustrations with the sport.

Kenny Schrader [52:18]: "90 of the people loved it. The other 10 didn't like it. They hate themselves."

7. Racing Updates and Community Highlights (54:38 - 62:36)

The hosts provide updates on various racing events, including successes at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut and commend Nick Hoffman for his performance in the Outlaw Late Model Tour. They also reminisce about past racing moments and the importance of community and camaraderie within the NASCAR family.

Herman Schrader [62:36]: "Nick Hoffman stayed here at my place for three days... he won first and a third."

8. Humor Segment and Closing Remarks (53:50 - 66:14)

Concluding the episode, Kenny, Herman, and Charlie share a series of jokes submitted by listeners, adding a lighthearted touch to the discussion. They encourage audience engagement, promoting their merchandise and social media channels.

Charlie Marlow [53:52]: "Did you hear about the guy that accidentally swallowed a bunch of Scrabble tiles? His next trip to the bathroom could spell disaster."

Kenny Schrader [56:50]: "We quit drinking as much on the airplane on the way home."

The episode wraps up with final acknowledgments to sponsors and a promise to continue delivering engaging and entertaining NASCAR content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kenny Schrader [12:26]: "They slowed the racetrack down? No, they didn't slow the racetrack down. The car's down."
• Herman Schrader [35:30]: "I am a big supporter of most everything that NASCAR does... I like the racing, it's fabulous."
• Charlie Marlow [54:34]: "His next trip to the bathroom could spell disaster."
• Kenny Schrader [56:50]: "We quit drinking as much on the airplane on the way home."

This episode of Herm & Schrader offers a comprehensive dive into recent NASCAR events, technical insights, broadcasting changes, and community highlights, all laced with the hosts' signature humor and candid discussions. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, Kenny, Herman, and Charlie provide valuable perspectives that enrich your understanding of the racing world.