Episode Summary: Herm & Schrader – NASCAR Charters In Limbo & Ken Schrader Sells His Race Track

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken (Herman) Schrader
Produced by: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media

1. Introduction and Opening Banter

The episode kicks off with the signature camaraderie between Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader. They engage in light-hearted teasing, setting the tone for an irreverent and entertaining discussion.

Notable Quote:

• [01:19] Ken Schrader: "I like spending time with you."
• [01:27] Kenny Wallace: "That makes me happy."

2. Personal Anecdotes and Pit Road Etiquette

Kenny shares a memorable encounter at Bristol Motor Speedway where Ricky Craven advised him to "quit trying to act serious," highlighting their authentic personalities on and off the track.

Notable Quote:

• [02:11] Kenny Wallace: "Just be yourself. Quit trying to act serious."
• [02:35] Ken Schrader: "You just look goofy, goofier."

3. Herman Schrader Sells His Race Track

Ken announces the sale of Federated I55 Raceway after 30 years of ownership alongside his partner, Ray Marler. He discusses the transition to Josh Carroll, ensuring the racetrack remains in capable hands.

Notable Quote:

• [47:57] Kenny Wallace: "You and I have talked in the past, and one thing I've learned is that you and Ray and the families, you love racing so much that you wanted to make sure who you sold it to."

4. NASCAR Charters in Legal Limbo

The hosts delve into the contentious issue surrounding NASCAR charters, focusing on Stewart Haas Racing's legal battles with Front Row Motorsports and 2311 Racing. They discuss the potential financial ramifications for Gene Haas, Tony Stewart, and Joe Custer.

Notable Quote:

• [16:02] Kenny Wallace: "Could this be a situation where Gene Haas, Tony Stewart, Joe Custer, they're left empty handed?"
• [19:07] Ken Schrader: "It's a big deal because Tony Stewart, you know, and Gene Haas and Joe, they're looking for their."

5. Safety Improvements in NASCAR

Ken and Kenny reflect on the evolution of safety measures in NASCAR, emphasizing the importance of pit road speed regulations and the implementation of safer barriers and HANS devices to protect drivers and crew members.

Notable Quote:

• [37:26] Ken Schrader: "They were just trying to ease the cluster of, back then, 43 cars getting on pit road at the same time."
• [40:21] Kenny Wallace: "When Ricky Craven said, one day we'll look back and how barbaric it is for us to run right into concrete walls."

6. Transition to Dirt Racing Topics

Shifting gears, the conversation moves to dirt racing. Kenny praises Randy Lajoy for his contributions to safety in the industry, highlighting the importance of secure seat mounting in dirt cars.

Notable Quote:

• [45:51] Kenny Wallace: "He, he, when he's at a local racetrack or any track, he goes to each car and he grabs where the shoulder area is not up by the head restraint, he grabs by the shoulder and he wiggles the seat."

7. Sponsorship News: Sunoco Partnership

Kenny announces a new sponsorship deal with Sunoco for his dirt racing endeavors, expressing enthusiasm about driving the Sunoco-sponsored car at Volusia.

Notable Quote:

• [53:25] Kenny Wallace: "Fred and everybody at Sunoco, they're going to sponsor my dirt car."
• [54:08] Ken Schrader: "And I'm super excited to have Sunoco as the full colors."

8. Current Affairs: Drone Drama and Taylor Swift’s Tour

The hosts tackle recent news events, including the incidents of drones flying over New York and New Jersey at night, expressing concern over potential threats. They also discuss Taylor Swift’s highly successful tour, grossing $2 billion, and her generous $197 million bonus to her crew.

Notable Quotes:

• [71:10] Kenny Wallace: "They can just not put in much liquor… They're looking for something and it sounds scary to me."
• [73:36] Ken Schrader: "It's a big difference."

9. Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

Kenny brings up Caitlin Clark's impressive achievements in the WNBA, questioning why some peers express jealousy over her success. Ken compares her impact to that of Jeff Gordon in NASCAR, noting how individual excellence can elevate a sport's popularity.

Notable Quote:

• [77:43] Kenny Wallace: "Caitlin Clark has made that difference. Everybody."

10. Personal Stories: How Ken Got into NASCAR

Ken shares his journey into NASCAR, detailing his early days racing dirt cars, his connections with influential figures like Elmo Langley, and the financial challenges he overcame to establish his racing career.

Notable Quote:

• [60:23] Ken Schrader: "We just got lucky. I mean, anybody, you know, you need a little luck."
• [61:47] Kenny Wallace: "We were living in sin, weren't we?"

11. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Wrapping up the episode, Kenny and Ken express gratitude to their listeners, announce upcoming topics, and share personal updates about family events. They maintain their engaging and humorous rapport, leaving listeners anticipating future episodes.

Notable Quote:

• [82:14] Ken Schrader: "Bye. Bye."
• [82:21] Kenny Wallace: "Until the next Herman Schrader show. We'll see you next time."

Key Takeaways:

• NASCAR Charters Controversy: A significant legal battle threatens the financial stability of prominent figures in NASCAR.
• Safety Enhancements: Continuous improvements in safety protocols have greatly reduced risks in racing.
• Industry Transitions: Ken Schrader's sale of Federated I55 Raceway marks the end of an era and the beginning of new leadership.
• Sponsorship Dynamics: Partnerships with major brands like Sunoco play a crucial role in supporting racers' careers.
• Impact of Individual Excellence: Athletes like Jeff Gordon in NASCAR and Caitlin Clark in the WNBA demonstrate how individual success can elevate entire sports.

Notable Mentions:

• Ricky Craven’s Advice: Encouraging authenticity over forced seriousness.
• Josh Carroll: The new owner of Federated I55 Raceway, ensuring the racetrack's legacy continues.
• Safety Innovations: The shift from dangerous pit road speeds to regulated speeds for crew safety.

This episode of Herm & Schrader offers a blend of personal stories, industry insights, and current events, all delivered with the hosts' trademark humor and honesty. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or simply enjoy entertaining conversations, this episode provides a comprehensive look into the multifaceted world of NASCAR and dirt racing.