Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary: "Kyle Larson Dominates Bristol, the Dirt Racing Season kicks off, & Do NASCAR Fans Just Want A Demolition Derby? Released on April 16, 2025

Introduction and Technical Hiccups

Herman Schrader and Kenny Schrader kick off the episode with their trademark humor, discussing the challenges of setting up their podcast equipment. Herman remarks on their Midwest charm and the owners’ differing tech setups, while Kenny humorously laments his lack of technical know-how.

• Herman Schrader [02:08]: "We're always honest."
• Kenny Schrader [02:42]: "We just spent a half hour so you guys could talk me through how to turn my damn computer on and get to the screen."

Weekend Racing Recap

The duo delves into Kenny’s successful weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park. Kenny shares details about racing World of Outlaw sprint cars and midgets, celebrating Josh and Nikki Carroll's takeover of the Raceway Park. He highlights the smooth track conditions and the excitement surrounding the opening weekend.

• Kenny Schrader [05:42]: "That was a phenomenal weekend... we couldn't be more excited for them."

Herman also reflects on the challenges faced last week with rain affecting the home opener and the emotional farewell to Kenny Schrader and Ray Marer.

Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Kenny and Herman share personal racing experiences, including Kenny’s spin-out incident and the camaraderie in the racing community. They highlight the importance of accountability and humor in the sport.

• Herman Schrader [15:42]: "It's not how you run. It's how you place the blame."
• Kenny Schrader [16:38]: "I hung a right real quick... I can feel it. So we go down the front straightaway..."

Bristol Race Analysis

The conversation shifts to Kyle Larson’s dominance at Bristol, where he led 411 of 500 laps, comparing his performance to historical NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Darrell Waltrip. They discuss fan reactions to the lack of unpredictability in modern races, with Herman addressing the frustration among fans for the repetitive leader dominance.

• Herman Schrader [27:05]: "Kyle Larson is on a roll at that racetrack."
• Kenny Schrader [28:40]: "Maybe they need to go to a demolition derby instead and not be disappointed with the cup race because that's wrecking. That's not racing."

Fan Engagement and NASCAR’s Direction

Herman expresses concern over fan dissatisfaction, citing a statistic that 88% of fans hated the recent race. Both hosts argue that the push for more exciting, wreck-filled races contradicts the essence of true racing. They advocate for maintaining competitive integrity rather than catering solely to spectacle.

• Herman Schrader [25:53]: "Ty Gibbs God awful start to the season has come to a screeching halt."
• Kenny Schrader [34:36]: "It's just sports in general have been weaker."

Honoring NASCAR Legends and Personal Tributes

The hosts pay homage to influential figures in NASCAR, including Mike Helton, former NASCAR president, and the late John Andretti. They share heartfelt stories about their interactions and the impact these individuals had on their careers and lives.

• Herman Schrader [36:10]: "John Andretti was a sweetheart."
• Kenny Schrader [38:36]: "He's got, he's got me out of trouble a couple times."

Tony Stewart’s Versatility and Achievements

Herman and Kenny celebrate Tony Stewart's remarkable versatility in racing, noting his achievements across multiple racing disciplines. They commend his ability to excel in diverse forms of motorsport, highlighting his recent NHRA Top Fuel win.

• Herman Schrader [56:45]: "Tony Stewart has won in NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck, ARCA, Indy Car, Sprint Car, and more."
• Kenny Schrader [57:14]: "John Andretti was a badass."

Upcoming Events and Promotions

The episode concludes with promotions for upcoming races at Rockingham Speedway, featuring the Marshall Tucker Band, and a humorous recap of their dedication to promoting racing events. They also encourage listeners to follow their ventures on Dirty Mo Media’s social platforms.

• Herman Schrader [66:56]: "Marshall Tucker Band. Y'all come out."
• Kenny Schrader [67:40]: "It'll probably be the largest crowd for a standalone Xfinity race of the year."

Closing Remarks and Final Jokes

Herman and Kenny wrap up the show with their signature jokes, emphasizing their commitment to keeping racing fun and engaging for both themselves and their listeners.

• Kenny Schrader [66:05]: "Three golf clubs walk into the bar... I'm the driver."
• Herman Schrader [67:14]: "We're promoting the sport everywhere."

Key Takeaways:

• Kyle Larson’s Dominance: Larson’s exceptional performance at Bristol raises questions about the competitive balance in current NASCAR races.
• Fan Sentiment: There is notable dissatisfaction among fans regarding the predictability and lack of excitement in recent races.
• NASCAR Community: The importance of camaraderie, respect, and honoring past legends remains a cornerstone of the racing community.
• Future of Racing: Discussions highlight the need for NASCAR to balance competitive integrity with fan expectations for thrilling races.

Notable Quotes:

• Herman Schrader [15:42]: "It's not how you run. It's how you place the blame."
• Kenny Schrader [28:40]: "Maybe they need to go to a demolition derby instead..."

Stay Connected: For more stories, behind-the-scenes racing insights, and hilarious anecdotes, follow Herman and Kenny on Dirty Mo Media’s Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Listen to future episodes on YouTube and major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: Advertisements and non-content sections have been omitted to focus on the core discussions and insights of the episode.