Podcast Title: Herm & Schrader
Episode: Kaylee Bryson: Making History On Asphalt & Dirt!
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader sit down with the trailblazing 24-year-old race car driver, Kaylee Bryson. Known for her prowess on both asphalt and dirt tracks, Bryson shares her journey, challenges, and aspirations in a candid and engaging conversation.

Background and Racing Beginnings

Kenny Wallace opens the discussion by highlighting Kaylee's impressive background:

[02:29] Kenny: "So for a lot of people that don't know about Kaylee, she's from Muskogee, Oklahoma. She's a complete badass, 24 years old and she can drive anything."

Kaylee traces her roots back to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she grew up racing at local tracks with her family. From go-karts to micros, her early involvement laid the foundation for her racing career.

[04:00] Kaylee Bryson: "I started racing for my family in micros and go karts... It was just me as a race car driver. I want to be a race car driver."
[05:25] Kenny: "You are a Trans Am champion last year, 2024. You are USAC's first and only female winner."

Career Progression and Achievements

Kaylee's career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. After excelling in micros and midget racing, she secured a fully funded midget racing opportunity with Toyota, which catapulted her into the spotlight.

[04:35] Kenny: "I like it that you said he let me put cameras on his car. Now, are you the one that puts these cameras on your helmet on your car?"

Her dedication and passion earned her significant milestones:

• USAC's First Female Winner
• 2024 Trans Am Champion
• Qualifying for the A Main at the Chili Bowl, a historic first for a female driver.

[13:26] Kaylee Bryson: "That was the best feeling ever after the checkered flag, let alone making it in the show."

Racing Techniques and Experiences

Kaylee delves into the intricacies of racing both asphalt and dirt, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of each.

[22:48] Kaylee Bryson: "Wing sprint cars on pavement are the most physical cars I've ever driven. They're tanks."

She discusses the challenges of adapting to different car types and surfaces, highlighting her favorite techniques and the importance of team support.

[25:02] Kaylee Bryson: "It's just how aggressive you can drive these cars... They're so much fun. It's a blast."

Transition to Different Racing Types

Expanding her repertoire, Kaylee transitioned from open-wheel midgets to stock car racing, specifically in the Trans Am SGT and X GT classes. This shift showcases her versatility and ambition to excel across various racing disciplines.

[27:57] Kaylee Bryson: "It's all about connections... They turned into a family friendship."

Her move to stock cars was facilitated by connections within the racing community, particularly with Sam Pierce Racing, demonstrating the importance of networking in motorsports.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Beyond the track, Kaylee shares insights into her personal life, emphasizing the strong support system provided by her family.

[36:25] Kaylee Bryson: "I have a really awesome family... They support my crazy dream 110%."

She acknowledges the influence of racing icons like Danica Patrick but maintains a focus on her personal goals rather than the broader impact of her gender in the sport.

[37:27] Kaylee Bryson: "I'm just out here having fun doing what I love to do."

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Kaylee expresses her ambition to join NASCAR, balancing her passion for both dirt and asphalt racing. She aspires to drive in higher-tier series such as ARCA, Xfinity, or the Truck Series.

[35:26] Kaylee Bryson: "If I had the opportunity to go run a truck or an Xfinity car right now, absolutely, I would do it."

Her commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability positions her as a rising star in the racing world.

Notable Quotes

• Kenny Wallace on Kaylee’s Social Media Presence:

  [12:13] Kenny: "You can use it. Listen up, everybody. Listen up. Mom and dads, she just told you. Especially kids, listen to what Kaylee just told you. That's the way she did it."

• Kaylee on Living Her Dream:

  [05:48] Kaylee Bryson: "I have never watched a NASCAR race before I started. I jumped in the car. I didn't know anything about it and that was my dream."

• Kenny on Kaylee’s Racing Mindset:

  [33:09] Kenny: "Everybody needs to go watch that video of you coming from the back. Do you think that just comes from open wheel, midget 8 lap heat races?"

Conclusions

Kaylee Bryson exemplifies determination, talent, and versatility in motorsports. Her ability to excel across different racing formats, coupled with her strategic use of social media and networking, sets her apart as a formidable competitor and a role model for aspiring drivers. As she continues to break barriers and set records, Kaylee’s journey is a testament to what passion and hard work can achieve in the high-octane world of racing.

Follow Kaylee Bryson:

• Instagram & X (Twitter): @Kaylee11B

Next Races:

• Terre Haute and Toledo in the Silver Crown car on May 13th and 19th, respectively.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Herm & Schrader. Stay tuned for more stories from the heart of the racing world!