Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – "Get To Know Legendary Racer 'Mad Dog' Mark Miner"

Episode Information:

• Title: Get To Know Legendary Racer “Mad Dog” Mark Miner
• Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
• Release Date: February 13, 2025
• Platform: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media

Introduction

In this episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader delve into the remarkable life and career of legendary racer Mark Miner, affectionately known as “Mad Dog.” The conversation spans Mark's early influences, his transition from asphalt to dirt racing, the genesis of his formidable tow truck business, and his enduring legacy in the racing community.

Early Racing Days

Timestamp [01:03] – [02:43]

Kenny Wallace welcomes Mark Miner and sets the stage by highlighting Mark's legendary status in the racing world. Kenny reminisces about the first time he encountered the Miner family, recalling how Mark's father, Bob Miner, raced against Kenny’s father, Russ Wallace, at Lake Hill Speedway in Valley Park, Missouri.

Kenny Wallace:
"You your dad, Bob Miner raced my dad at Lake Hill Speedway in Valley Park, Missouri. And that's when I first remember the miners. What do you remember about those days? Your dad racing?"
[01:42]

Mark Miner:
"I remember my dad had this giant Plymouth Roadrunner and what I remember him the most was chasing your dad, Russ Wallace. Because man, your dad had a fast car and my dad was a hard driver and it was just a lot of fun."
[02:09]

This exchange underscores the deep-rooted connection between the Miner and Wallace families, setting a nostalgic tone for the ensuing discussion.

Career at Boat Chassis

Timestamp [03:50] – [05:30]

Mark shares his formative years working at Boat Chassis, where he honed his fabricating skills. Inspired by witnessing his father and colleagues like Rusty Wallace and Jeff Thousand in action, Mark developed a passion for building race cars.

Mark Miner:
"Well, I remember my dad had this giant Plymouth Roadrunner and what I remember him the most was chasing your dad, Russ Wallace. [...] I saw Rusty and his buddy Jeff Thousand welding up race cars up there. And I thought, man, this is what I want to do. And if I know how to do this, I know I can get a ride. I know I can race for the rest of my life."
[05:04]

Kenny reflects on the meticulous craftsmanship of Glenn Bop, the best chassis builder in America at the time, highlighting the influence Glenn had on Mark’s development.

Kenny Wallace:
"What do you remember about Glenn? I remember those big fabricating hands, and he was so perfect. Everything was meticulous."
[08:07]

Move to Georgia and Tow Truck Business

Timestamp [10:07] – [12:38]

Mark discusses his strategic move to Douglasville, Georgia, seizing a business opportunity with Precision Race Cars. This transition not only expanded his professional horizons but also provided him with immediate racing opportunities.

Mark Miner:
"I felt like I had a little business opportunity down at a chancery shop there to become a partner with Precision Race Cars in Douglasville. Jerry Mitten was the owner and he liked my skills. And I thought, you know what? I don't know if I have opportunity here in St. Louis, which I may have, may not, but I had an opportunity to drive a car as soon as I got to Atlanta."
[10:19]

This move laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful tow truck businesses in St. Louis, showcasing Mark's ability to pivot and thrive beyond the racetrack.

Nickname "Mad Dog"

Timestamp [13:40] – [15:47]

A pivotal moment in the conversation revolves around how Mark earned his nickname “Mad Dog.” Contrary to assumptions that it stemmed from aggressive driving or altercations, Mark explains that the nickname originated from the racing community’s penchant for playful monikers.

Mark Miner:
"There's Mad Dog Miner coming out of turn four for the checkered flag. [...] It didn't have anything to do with getting into any fights, any tough driving, any of that."
[14:18]

Kenny humorously muses about the duality of Mark’s persona, appreciating both his friendly nature and formidable reputation.

Kenny Wallace:
"You are so good to me. You're so nice to me. You're pleasant. But something tells me to never cross you."
[15:11]

Mark counters by emphasizing his potential unpredictability, adding depth to his “Mad Dog” persona.

Racing Achievements

Timestamp [16:10] – [21:25]

Mark recounts his first victory at Granite City Speedway in 1981, highlighting his innate talent despite limited initial racing experience. The mutual respect gained from competitors like Mike Nosinski underscores the sportsmanship prevalent in the racing community.

Mark Miner:
"My first win was over at Granite City Speedway in 1981 on the five, eight mile. [...] I didn't know anything about driving. You get to him and [...] you were way faster than I was."
[16:14]

Kenny and Mark discuss the evolution of race car construction, contrasting the labor-intensive methods of the past with modern, more streamlined processes. Mark appreciates the advancements, noting that while racing today is easier in some aspects, the dedication required remains unchanged.

Mark Miner:
"We used to just work our ever loving tails off. We'd get a frame, bring it back, have that sucker put together, have it painted, interior, and race in like six days."
[20:32]

Returning to St. Louis

Timestamp [23:07] – [28:45]

Mark details his return to St. Louis driven by familial obligations and the desire for a more stable life. Establishing a tow truck company, he seamlessly transitioned his work ethic and business acumen from racing to entrepreneurship.

Mark Miner:
"We started a tow company [...] Ernie Jumper thought, 'Mark, you're a pretty aggressive guy. If you bought a truck, you would do just fine.'"
[27:01]

He acknowledges the crucial support from industry figures like Ed Petrov, whose mentorship and assistance were instrumental in the tow truck business’s success.

Mark Miner:
"Ed Petrov likes my work ethic, and we were part of the racing community. The racing network is phenomenal about keeping everybody together."
[28:45]

Business Success and Support Network

Timestamp [27:01] – [31:01]

Mark attributes his business success to a robust support network within the racing community. The collaborative spirit among racers and business owners like Ed Petrov fostered an environment where mutual growth and support were paramount.

Mark Miner:
"We have a network of people that has helped us phenomenally [...] Ed Petrov likes my work ethic."
[27:35]

Kenny draws parallels between Mark’s business journey and the broader challenges faced by racers transitioning to life after racing, emphasizing the importance of community and strategic partnerships.

Family and Legacy

Timestamp [24:03] – [25:58]

Mark speaks passionately about his family, particularly his son Conrad, who mirrors his own racing spirit. Conrad’s involvement in racing from a young age and his role in managing the family business highlight the continuation of the Miner legacy.

Mark Miner:
"Conrad always loved racing. [...] He runs our business right now as the day-to-day operations manager."
[25:20]

Kenny expresses pride in Conrad’s achievements, underscoring the familial bonds that strengthen Mark’s personal and professional life.

Mentality and Philosophy

Timestamp [30:19] – [43:46]

The conversation delves into the philosophies that have guided Mark’s success both on and off the track. Mark emphasizes the importance of teamwork, community support, and maintaining a balance between passion and practicality.

Mark Miner:
"It takes a lot of help. And fortunately, we've been around the right people and good people all of our life."
[30:46]

Kenny and Mark discuss the changing landscape of racing, with Mark expressing admiration for modern advancements that make racing more accessible and less physically taxing. They also touch upon the necessity of planning for life beyond racing, advocating for financial prudence and business acumen.

Mark Miner:
"Everything worked out [...] Got the right people around us and the right family members. And it worked."
[38:52]

Mark reflects on the pivotal advice from racing legends, integrating these insights into his own approach to business and life.

Conclusion

Timestamp [43:46] – [45:46]

As the episode draws to a close, Kenny and Mark reinforce the significance of mentorship and community in achieving sustained success. Mark’s legacy as “Mad Dog” extends beyond the racetrack, embodying resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication to family and community.

Mark Miner:
"This has been a great, great morning and an honor to be on here with you, Herm, and what a great show you have."
[44:09]

Kenny sums up the episode by celebrating Mark’s dual achievements in racing and business, while also highlighting the supportive network that has been instrumental in his journey.

Kenny Wallace:
"You are incredibly successful right now. You are the envy to a lot of dirt racers because [...] you got out unscathed."
[39:11]

Final Thoughts:

Mark Miner’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. From his early days racing alongside legends to building a thriving business and fostering the next generation, Mark exemplifies the enduring spirit of a true racing legend.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Wallace ([01:42]):
  "Man, I'm doing really good and I'm smiling because I know just enough about you to get me in trouble."

• Mark Miner ([14:18]):
  "There was Mad Dog Miner coming out of turn four for the checkered flag."

• Kenny Wallace ([15:11]):
  "You are so good to me. You're so nice to me. You're pleasant. But something tells me to never cross you."

• Mark Miner ([30:46]):
  "It takes a lot of help. And fortunately, we've been around the right people and good people all of our life."

• Kenny Wallace ([39:11]):
  "You are incredibly successful right now. You are the envy to a lot of dirt racers because [...] you got out unscathed."

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Mark Miner’s life, celebrating his contributions to racing and his entrepreneurial spirit. For fans and newcomers alike, Mark’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative of success forged through dedication, skill, and community.