Herm & Schrader Podcast Episode Summary: "Kurt Busch On His Illustrious NASCAR Career, Running The Indy 500, & Dealing with Head Injuries"

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Guest: Kurt Busch

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader engage in an in-depth conversation with NASCAR legend Kurt Busch. The discussion spans Busch's remarkable NASCAR career, his daring venture into the Indy 500, and the challenges he faced dealing with head injuries that ultimately influenced his decision to retire.

Early Career and the Gong Show

Kurt Busch opens up about his entry into NASCAR, highlighting the pivotal moment that launched his career.

Kurt Busch [09:50]: "But at Phoenix, I had raced some Southwest Tour races there, and so had all the others. And my slowest lap, Kenny, I honestly, like. I'll tell you the truth, was everyone's fastest lap in the practice session. And so I went out there and started ripping around in the Xide truck."

Kenny Wallace recalls how Busch's undeniable talent led him to secure his first NASCAR ride through the infamous "Gong Show" at Roush Racing.

Kurt Busch [10:47]: "And I went to an old friend, a mentor of mine, named Mark Martin. And I asked Mark, I go, mark, why did you stay in it so many years after you said you were going to retire? And he says, kurt, because the phone kept ringing. I said, done. You got it? I understand. Yes, sir."

Dominating NASCAR

Busch reflects on his illustrious NASCAR statistics and what they mean to him beyond the numbers.

Kurt Busch [05:28]: "You don't think about stats when you first start out and you're just driving, driving, have fun... it's honestly the first thing you know, the team and the team camaraderie with everyone. Because that's the family that I enjoy now in NASCAR after I've been, you know, from full-time racing now just hanging with 2311."

Kenny Wallace commends Busch's driving prowess, emphasizing his ability to keep the car neutral yet aggressive.

Kenny Wallace [06:27]: "Is your ability to drive the car neutral? Does anybody ever tell you that you can drive a car loose?"

Kurt Busch [06:49]: "Yeah, those are the comparisons that I've seen over the years with different teammates... it's always like I was a percent or 2% looser on the crossweight."

Venturing into the Indy 500

One of the standout segments of the episode delves into Busch's ambitious foray into the Indy 500, showcasing his versatility as a driver.

Kurt Busch [13:11]: "It was a journey. I mean, January 1st I didn't have a contract, but mentally I went to work and I would run to the gym... I just signed with Stewart Haas racing in the Cup Series. And with this adventure, I wanted to challenge myself with something new where I thought I could do well."

Busch shares vivid details of his rookie test and actual race experience, demonstrating his adaptability and skill.

Kurt Busch [16:03]: "I was doing 217 talking to Elvis. I'm like, you ready? You ready? Oh, wait, the corner's here. I gotta go... And I was like, just don't turn in too early... that was the Indy rookie test."

Despite not winning, Busch finishes a commendable sixth place, underscoring his talent and determination.

Kurt Busch [20:23]: "Learning to go through turn two wide open, and you're going to lift a little bit on the straightaway, but by the time you go through four, you got to hold it... That's all I could get was sixth out of it because those guys are about ready to hand me my lunch."

Dealing with Head Injuries and Retirement

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Busch discusses the severe impact of head injuries on his career and personal life, leading to his eventual retirement.

Kurt Busch [25:53]: "In the fall, low level day for Kurt Bush and team. It's like, dude, things change once you start accumulating all of them."

Kurt Busch [29:25]: "That's why it was a tough decision, but it wasn't like the one moment from Pocono. It was a lot of things then."

Busch candidly recounts the struggles with concussions and their lingering effects, emphasizing the difficult choice to step away from racing for his health.

Kurt Busch [30:32]: "But my arthritis and different things swelling up in my body now because I'm working out too much. That's why it became too much. And I said, you know what? I gotta make this decision."

Reflections on NASCAR and Teams

Busch reflects on his relationships with various racing teams and his role beyond being a driver.

Kurt Busch [32:07]: "With Finch... we almost won Sonoma. It was the setup. I tried to remember as much of the setup I had won the year prior in the shell car with Penske."

Kurt Busch [33:35]: "It's work in all areas, you know, whether it's, you know, I was at a Toyota event with their Supra program and seeing some of the drivers over there... it's like, all right, let's look at it this way."

Busch highlights the importance of teamwork and his contributions as a mentor and advisor within the racing community.

Opinions on Current NASCAR Issues

In the latter half of the episode, Busch shares his insights on various contemporary issues within NASCAR, including the next-gen car, technical inspections, and record fines.

Next-Gen Car

Busch expresses concerns about the rigidity of the new cars and the ongoing need for development to enhance safety and performance.

Kurt Busch [49:35]: "It needs its continued development. I think we've seen a lot of cars hit this year and the rear gets crumpled up in a better manner."

Technical Inspections

Comparing NASCAR's inspection process to IndyCar's, Busch advocates for greater transparency and the introduction of independent officials to maintain integrity.

Kurt Busch [51:09]: "I like it. I just wish it was transparent that all teams could see where everybody was... Maybe we need a third-party independent set of officials."

Record-Setting Fines

Busch discusses the implications of hefty fines on teams and suggests that while they are necessary, the distribution of fine funds could be improved.

Kurt Busch [52:46]: "I mean everything is so close. But when you mess up and you're out of that box, you gotta get your hand slapped."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Busch reflects on his journey, expressing gratitude for the support systems that have enabled his successful career while acknowledging the personal sacrifices made along the way.

Kurt Busch [44:11]: "It's been fun though. I wouldn't, I wouldn't trade it in. I mean, I'm a blue-collar kid from Vegas making $18 an hour, which was big money back as a teenager."

Kurt Busch [54:32]: "Always for a racer. We come from a racing family and we're always here to help each other in the NASCAR world, my friend."

Kenny Wallace closes the conversation with heartfelt appreciation for Busch's transparency and contributions to the sport, leaving listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities behind a NASCAR career.

Notable Quotes:

• Kurt Busch [05:28]: "You don't think about stats when you first start out and you're just driving, driving, have fun."
• Kurt Busch [13:11]: "I wanted to challenge myself with something new where I thought I could do well."
• Kurt Busch [25:53]: "I can't race."
• Kurt Busch [51:09]: "Maybe we need a third-party independent set of officials."

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Kurt Busch's racing life, his triumphs, adversities, and the personal decisions that shaped his illustrious career. For fans and newcomers alike, Busch's candid reflections provide valuable insights into the high-stakes world of NASCAR.