Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – Episode: Mark Martin’s Travels, Appreciating Larry Phillips, & Remembering Scott Bloomquist
Episode Information:
- Title: Herm & Schrader
- Host/Author: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
- Episode: Mark Martin’s Travels, Appreciating Larry Phillips, & Remembering Scott Bloomquist
- Release Date: January 30, 2025
Introduction to the Conversation
The episode kicks off with host Kenny Wallace welcoming NASCAR legend Mark Martin to the show. Kenny expresses admiration for Mark’s extensive career and introduces the primary topics of discussion: Mark's recent travels, his appreciation for Larry Phillips, and memories of Scott Bloomquist.
Mark Martin’s Recent Travels
Timestamp: 01:38 – 07:51
Mark shares details about his recent trip to Newport, Rhode Island, highlighting the historical architecture and the oldest restaurant in the United States where his family enjoyed a memorable meal. He emphasizes the preservation of history in Newport compared to the rapid modernization elsewhere.
- Mark Martin: “We went to Newport, Rhode Island, for the second time. Looking at old historic architecture, homes built in the 1600s... we ate dinner in the oldest restaurant in the United States.”
He also recounts his visit to Bentley Warren's, praising Bentley’s enthusiasm and the camaraderie among racing friends.
Discussion on Luck in Racing
Timestamp: 02:44 – 05:08
The conversation shifts to the concept of luck in racing. Kenny references Roger Penske’s idea that “we create our own luck,” to which Mark responds thoughtfully.
- Mark Martin: “You can create your good luck, but you can't create your bad luck. Sometimes things are just not in your control.”
They discuss examples of bad luck in racing, notably mentioning Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s unfortunate incident in the Daytona 500.
- Kenny Wallace: “That’s bad luck, wouldn’t you say, Mark?”
- Mark Martin: “Yeah, Dale had horrific luck in the Daytona 500 leading up to his win.”
Mark Martin’s Current Endeavors and Health
Timestamp: 05:08 – 13:22
Mark talks about his active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares his life and racing stories. He mentions his upcoming race at State Park Speedway in Wausau, Wisconsin, reminiscing about his racing days in 1977.
Regarding his health, Mark discusses his dietary changes to manage borderline pre-diabetes, detailing his focus on reducing carbs and incorporating more vegetables and protein shakes into his diet.
- Mark Martin: “I eased up a little bit on my diet. I have to watch my carbs because I’m borderline pre-diabetic.”
Kenny acknowledges Mark’s influence on his own dietary habits, crediting Mark for helping him improve his blood sugar levels.
- Kenny Wallace: “Mark, you really have changed my life. You taught me how to eat.”
IROC Event and Historical Racing Insights
Timestamp: 14:45 – 21:32
Mark recounts his experience with the International Race of Champions (IROC) event organized by Ray Evernham. He details how Ray revived a 1995 IROC Avenger car, which led to a highly attended event at Lime Rock.
- Mark Martin: “We ran that thing, and we had a blast. It was the biggest crowd Lime Rock had ever had for that event.”
He expresses his reluctance to compete again, emphasizing the toll racing took on him over four decades.
- Mark Martin: “I don’t want to compete because it sucked the life right out of me for 40 years.”
Appreciating Larry Phillips and NASCAR Hall of Fame Discussion
Timestamp: 25:50 – 32:35
Mark speaks fondly of Larry Phillips, a revered figure in late model dirt racing, and criticizes NASCAR’s Hall of Fame for overlooking Phillips despite his outstanding achievements.
- Mark Martin: “Larry’s not in the hall of Fame because none of the people that are voting for him ever had to race against him or watched him race. If they had, he'd already be in.”
He shares personal anecdotes about working with Larry Phillips, highlighting Larry’s craftsmanship and influence on his racing career.
- Mark Martin: “Larry gave me my first job. He was testing me... He built those cars and had very little help.”
Kenny expresses frustration over Larry Phillips’ exclusion from the Hall of Fame, emphasizing the consensus among top NASCAR drivers regarding Phillips’ legacy.
- Kenny Wallace: “Four of the best NASCAR drivers in history say, why is Larry Phillips not in? It’s their loss.”
Remembering Scott Bloomquist
Timestamp: 33:06 – 44:01
The conversation turns to the late Scott Bloomquist, a legendary dirt racer from Batesville, Arkansas. Mark shares his memories of Scott, describing him as a brilliant and charismatic driver who significantly impacted late model dirt racing.
- Mark Martin: “Scott was the Dale Earnhardt of dirt racing. He ran into some tough times in recent years, but he was the best at what he did.”
He recounts his collaboration with Scott through Lance Landers’ race team, praising Scott’s technical knowledge and racing prowess.
- Mark Martin: “Scott knew the details of these cars like insane. He shared information with us, making the cars perform exceptionally well.”
Kenny adds personal reflections on Scott’s character and contributions, highlighting the deep respect and sadness felt by the racing community at his passing.
Impact of Modern Racing Dynamics
Timestamp: 45:01 – 54:41
Mark and Kenny discuss the evolution of NASCAR, contrasting the camaraderie and self-policing of the past with the current era's regulations and entertainment-driven decisions.
- Mark Martin: “Double file restarts, equal cars, winner take all... those changes lead to the current state of racing.”
Kenny criticizes the modern approach as prioritizing entertainment over the integrity of racing, likening it to "scrambled eggs."
- Kenny Wallace: “I call it scrambled eggs, buddy... everybody got same horsepower, same car. Double file restart.”
Mark acknowledges the shift, noting that while racing today is more of a spark fest, it still holds entertainment value despite the loss of some traditional racing elements.
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Timestamp: 54:41 – 57:11
As the podcast winds down, Mark shares his enthusiasm for future appearances, including a planned visit to Kenny’s location for coffee. Kenny wraps up the episode by thanking Mark for his insightful contributions and reflecting on the ongoing changes in NASCAR.
- Kenny Wallace: “You heard from the great Mark Martin. This is catching up with Mark Martin, available on Spotify and iTunes.”
Mark concludes by expressing his appreciation for the conversation and the enduring love for racing.
Notable Quotes:
- Mark Martin (02:44): “You can create your good luck, but you can't create your bad luck. Sometimes things are just not in your control.”
- Kenny Wallace (10:01): “If I did something wrong, Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Dale Senior... you was gonna make me feel this small.”
- Mark Martin (28:35): “Larry’s not in the hall of Fame because none of the people that are voting for him ever had to race against him or watched him race.”
Conclusion
This episode of Herm & Schrader offers an intimate glimpse into Mark Martin’s reflections on his illustrious racing career, his deep respect for figures like Larry Phillips and Scott Bloomquist, and his observations on the evolving landscape of NASCAR. Through personal anecdotes and candid discussions, listeners gain a profound understanding of the passion and challenges inherent in the world of racing.
Follow Dirty Mo Media:
- Twitter: DirtyMoMedia
- Facebook: DirtyMoMedia
- TikTok: DirtyMoMedia
- Instagram: DirtyMoMedia