Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary

Episode: Josh Berry's First Cup Series Win, Loose Lugs Wreak Havoc, & The Secret to Cheap Booze in Vegas!
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Schrader & Herman Schrader
Platform: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media

1. Weekend Weather Woes and Racing Cancellations

The episode kicks off with Kenny and Herman discussing their disrupted racing plans due to severe tornadoes sweeping through the Midwest. Kenny shares his frustration over canceled races at North Alabama Speedway, highlighting the challenges posed by unpredictable weather.

Kenny Schrader [01:44]: "We were supposed to go to North Alabama Speedway and race... Maybe Wednesday because of the forecast. They canceled it."

Herman recounts his own experience dealing with the storm, emphasizing the community's resilience and the minimal damage they fortunately sustained.

Herman Schrader [03:07]: "But our buddy Josh Carol... felt terrible for him."

2. Josh Berry’s Historic First Cup Series Win with Wood Brothers

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Josh Berry's first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving for the legendary Wood Brothers team. Both hosts express immense pride and excitement over Berry's achievement, underscoring the significance of a win that wasn't a photo finish but a clear triumph.

Herman Schrader [09:57]: "Josh Berry and NASCAR. I know I keep saying it every week, but we did not have a side by side finish. But this is one of the bigger wins in NASCAR over the last so many years because it was not a photo finish."

Kenny elaborates on Berry's journey, praising his grassroots racing background and the Wood Brothers' unwavering support.

Kenny Schrader [13:46]: "I don’t know Josh that well, but I know he comes from the background... he’s built the car, set the cars up, towed the cars, drove the cars."

3. Loose Lug Nuts Causing Chaos on the Track

The hosts delve into the technical issues plaguing recent races, particularly the problem of loose lug nuts leading to frequent tire and wheel losses. They discuss the transition from five lug nuts to a single lug nut system, comparing it to Formula One and IndyCar standards.

Kenny Schrader [19:59]: "You got five times. If you’re the chance, it's five times greater that you’re going to lose a wheel now than it used to be, because you used to have five lug nuts. Now you got one."

Herman criticizes the current NASCAR lug nut system, advocating for a return to the five-lug setup to enhance safety and reduce race disruptions.

Herman Schrader [21:08]: "They need to get this figured out because we’re one of the only series in the world that still has passenger car lug nuts."

4. Vegas Anecdotes: The Secret to Cheap Booze

Transitioning to lighter topics, Kenny and Herman share humorous experiences from their recent trip to Las Vegas. Herman narrates a funny incident involving overpriced margaritas and limited slot winnings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of gambling.

Herman Schrader [59:08]: "I went to Caesar's Palace, and I love Caesar's Palace, but Kenny Kim's playing slots and she says, honey, will you go get me a margarita? ... I wrote it down here. ... $20.58 for a margarita. Then the lady brings it back free."

Kenny chimes in with his own perspective on the high costs of drinks in Vegas, reinforcing the theme of finding value amidst the city's extravagance.

Kenny Schrader [59:27]: "If you're gonna have anything to drink, you might as well be gambling."

5. Junior Motorsports and Josh Berry’s Career Progression

The conversation shifts to Junior Motorsports, celebrating Josh Berry's rise within the team and his close relationship with key figures like Rodney Childers. The hosts discuss the team's strategic moves and the broader implications for Berry's future in NASCAR.

Herman Schrader [15:55]: "We had Josh Berry on Sunday morning on trackside live inside the neon garage... Josh Berry is a graduate from Junior Motorsports."

Kenny highlights the team's longstanding history and the Wood Brothers' pivotal role in nurturing talent.

Kenny Schrader [10:19]: "I love that because this thing just took this car, just took real good care of him as a team."

6. Additional Racing Highlights and Driver Spotlights

Beyond Berry's win, Kenny and Herman touch upon other notable performances in the racing world. They discuss standout drivers like Corey Heim and Corey Day, their recent victories, and the competitive dynamics shaping the current season.

Herman Schrader [28:11]: "These two Corys, we're gonna mix a little bit of dirt racing with the truck race."

The hosts also express concern over Ty Gibbs participating in dangerous sprint car races, emphasizing the risks involved despite his promising career.

Herman Schrader [30:17]: "I'm worried about Ty Gibbs doing these, you know, sprint car wings at such a young age when his cup career is not where it needs to be right now."

7. Chris Powell's Retirement and Vegas Speedway Insights

A heartfelt tribute is paid to Chris Powell, the retiring manager of Las Vegas Speedway. Kenny recounts his positive experiences working with Powell, praising his leadership and the speedway's growth under his tenure.

Herman Schrader [40:04]: "Chris Powell has announced his retirement, Kenny, and congratulations to Chris."

They reflect on the infrastructural developments at the speedway, celebrating its status as a premier racing hub.

Kenny Schrader [44:27]: "They just did a phenomenal building play. I mean, it’s really nice."

8. Personal Stories and Light-Hearted Moments

Interspersed with racing discussions, the hosts share personal anecdotes, including Herman's amusing encounter at a Rod Stewart concert and their camaraderie over shared jokes.

Herman Schrader [49:55]: "I was addicted to the hokey pokey... What did the plate say to the other plate? Dinner's on me."

Kenny participates by contributing his own jokes, fostering a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

Kenny Schrader [63:43]: "Palm tree."

9. Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks

Towards the end, Kenny outlines upcoming racing events, including their participation in "Get Dirty with Kenny" and future races at Tri City Speedway and Federated Auto Parts Raceway.

Kenny Schrader [65:35]: "We’re doing like you said, but we’re doing a little different this one last hurrah... April 4, Tri City Speedway... April 5, Federated Auto Parts Raceway."

Herman shares plans for a family cruise, balancing their professional and personal lives, and wraps up the episode with well-wishes for the racing season ahead.

Herman Schrader [66:18]: "Race season for the middle of America is starting right now. Until the next."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kenny Schrader [01:44]: "We were supposed to go to North Alabama Speedway and race... Maybe Wednesday because of the forecast. They canceled it."

• Herman Schrader [09:57]: "Josh Berry and NASCAR. I know I keep saying it every week, but we did not have a side by side finish. But this is one of the bigger wins in NASCAR over the last so many years because it was not a photo finish."

• Kenny Schrader [19:59]: "You got five times. If you’re the chance, it's five times greater that you’re going to lose a wheel now than it used to be, because you used to have five lug nuts. Now you got one."

• Herman Schrader [21:08]: "They need to get this figured out because we’re one of the only series in the world that still has passenger car lug nuts."

• Kenny Schrader [59:27]: "If you're gonna have anything to drink, you might as well be gambling."

• Herman Schrader [30:17]: "I'm worried about Ty Gibbs doing these, you know, sprint car wings at such a young age when his cup career is not where it needs to be right now."

• Herman Schrader [40:04]: "Chris Powell has announced his retirement, Kenny, and congratulations to Chris."

• Herman Schrader [49:55]: "I was addicted to the hokey pokey... What did the plate say to the other plate? Dinner's on me."

Conclusion

This episode of Herm & Schrader delivers a balanced mix of high-energy NASCAR discussions, personal stories, and light-hearted humor. From celebrating Josh Berry's milestone victory to dissecting technical racing issues and sharing amusing Vegas escapades, Kenny and Herman provide listeners with an engaging and informative experience. Their camaraderie and genuine passion for racing shine through, making this episode a must-listen for fans eager to stay updated on the latest in the racing world.