Episode Summary: "Mike Harrison: Chasing Championships With Family-First Racing"

Podcast: Herm & Schrader
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Guest: Mike Harrison
Release Date: February 6, 2025

1. Introduction to Mike Harrison’s Racing Legacy

Kenny Wallace welcomes listeners by extolling Mike Harrison's remarkable achievements in the UMP modified racing scene.

Kenny Wallace ([01:37]): "Mike Harrison. 631Amain wins since 1995. Eight-time UMP national champion. Six-time summer national champion."

Mike humbly acknowledges his journey, reflecting on his competitive spirit and camaraderie with fellow racers.

2. Balancing Farming and Racing

The conversation shifts to Mike's life outside the racetrack, emphasizing his dedication to farming alongside his racing career.

Kenny Wallace ([03:52]): "You are a farmer. You work for a corporate farming group. You farm. That's what you do."

Mike delves into his responsibilities managing approximately 25,000 acres since 2009, highlighting the challenges of balancing intensive farming with the demands of racing.

Mike Harrison ([04:32]): "Race is just a small part of life... I started farming in 2009. We roughly farm around 25,000 acres and it is, it's serious."

He praises his dedicated team, crediting them for allowing him to maintain his racing career despite the rigorous farming schedule.

3. Overcoming Physical Challenges

Addressing personal hardships, Mike shares his ongoing battle with hereditary back pain and a particularly severe neck injury that impacted his racing.

Mike Harrison ([11:15]): "I've dealt with back issues my whole life... the only thing that could have triggered it was plowing snow on my four-wheeler."

He narrates the ordeal of seeking medical help, enduring multiple injections, and the persistence required to continue racing despite physical pain.

4. The Importance of Family in Racing

Mike underscores the pivotal role his family plays in his life and racing career, illustrating how family support is integral to his success.

Mike Harrison ([30:22]): "If I was that big, tough guy, I wouldn't give a crap about family... My kids and my wife are always part of everything."

He shares heartwarming stories about his dogs and the integration of his family into his racing life, portraying a man who values his loved ones deeply.

5. Racing Philosophy and Driving Style

Kenny commends Mike’s exceptional talent, particularly his mastery of running the cushion/high side, a skill that sets him apart in the racing community.

Mike Harrison ([50:39]): "I love putting on a show. I love being up on that cushion... it's like putting on a performance."

His daring driving style and focus on specific techniques showcase his commitment to excellence and entertaining displays on the track.

6. Triumph at Eldora and Rivalries

Mike recounts his intense rivalry with Michael Long at Eldora, culminating in a thrilling championship victory under demanding conditions.

Kenny Wallace ([40:49]): "You are a racer... you let the wind fly, buddy. And you did it."

This segment highlights the high-stakes nature of racing at prestigious venues and Mike's ability to perform under pressure.

7. Transition from Traveling to Local Racing

Reflecting on his early career, Mike explains his extensive travels across multiple states for racing events, a stark contrast to his current focus on local tracks to accommodate family life.

Mike Harrison ([43:55]): "In the early 2000s... we raced 60, 70 times a year, traveling extensively."

He emphasizes how personal commitments have shaped his decision to race more locally, ensuring he remains present for his family.

8. Sportsmanship and Mentorship

Kenny shares a personal story about Mike's supportive nature during his own foray into dirt racing, highlighting the mutual respect and mentorship within the racing community.

Kenny Wallace ([54:54]): "You made me feel better about coming home. You told me... Kenny Wallace is good for dirt racing."

Mike expresses gratitude for fostering positive relationships, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie among racers.

9. Late Model Racing Experience

The discussion transitions to Mike's brief experience in late model racing, where he faced higher financial and technical demands compared to modified racing.

Mike Harrison ([60:19]): "The late model world is forever changing... it's way more technical than the mod stuff."

He appreciates the challenges but chooses to focus on what aligns best with his family's and team's capabilities, demonstrating strategic career management.

10. Passion for Snowmobiling

Beyond racing, Mike shares his enthusiasm for snowmobiling, a hobby he pursues during the winter months for relaxation and adventure.

Mike Harrison ([69:55]): "I've always been snowmobiling since I was a kid... it's a different kind of fun."

He describes his snowmobiling trips to Michigan and Wisconsin, emphasizing the thrill and camaraderie of the sport.

11. Closing Reflections

Kenny wraps up the conversation by celebrating Mike's multifaceted life, blending professional success with personal fulfillment. He expresses admiration for Mike's ability to maintain excellence while prioritizing family and personal interests.

Kenny Wallace ([75:08]): "Mike, thank you so much for being on Kenny Conversation."

Mike reciprocates the appreciation, highlighting the therapeutic nature of their discussion and the mutual respect between the hosts and guest.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kenny Wallace ([01:37]): "Mike Harrison. 631Amain wins since 1995. Eight-time UMP national champion. Six-time summer national champion."

• Mike Harrison ([04:32]): "Race is just a small part of life... I started farming in 2009."

• Mike Harrison ([11:15]): "I've dealt with back issues my whole life... the only thing that could have triggered it was plowing snow on my four-wheeler."

• Mike Harrison ([30:22]): "If I was that big, tough guy, I wouldn't give a crap about family... My kids and my wife are always part of everything."

• Mike Harrison ([50:39]): "I love putting on a show. I love being up on that cushion... it's like putting on a performance."

• Mike Harrison ([60:19]): "The late model world is forever changing... it's way more technical than the mod stuff."

• Mike Harrison ([69:55]): "I've always been snowmobiling since I was a kid... it's a different kind of fun."

Conclusion

This episode of "Herm & Schrader" offers an intimate glimpse into Mike Harrison's life, highlighting his unparalleled racing success, unwavering commitment to family and farming, resilience in the face of physical challenges, and passions outside the track. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what drives Mike both on and off the racetrack, making it a compelling listen for racing enthusiasts and those interested in the personal stories behind the sport.