Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary
Episode: Our New Nickname & Turning Back Time With A Trip To Rockingham!
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace & Ken Schrader
Produced by: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader delve into their recent trip to Rockingham Speedway, exploring NASCAR's return to this historic track. They discuss the current state of NASCAR, fan engagement, and the broader implications for the sport's future.
2. The Adventure to Rockingham Speedway
Kenny and Ken recount their journey to Rockingham, highlighting the excitement of witnessing the track's revival.
- Kenny Schrader [07:06]: “Schrader was me and you. We went to Rockingham.”
- Herman Schrader [03:34]: “The Missouri was excellent. It was a great environment.”
They describe entering the Xfinity garage area, where NASCAR officials humorously nickname them the "Missouri Mafia."
- Kenny Schrader [04:30]: “One of the NASCAR officials looks at me and Schrader and goes, oh, look, the Missouri Mafia.”
3. NASCAR’s Business Decisions and Track Management
The conversation shifts to NASCAR's strategic decisions regarding track ownership and race locations.
- Herman Schrader [08:19]: “NASCAR didn't leave those places. The families that own those tracks decided to sell their facilities.”
- Kenny Schrader [10:50]: “100% of the fans is like, you know, NASCAR's left us, dirt racing type people. They price us out of the sport.”
They compare NASCAR's approach to business, noting the lack of public defense of decisions and the focus on profitability.
- Kenny Schrader [11:10]: “All these years, I never heard NASCAR defend themselves. They just let us all go, go, go.”
4. Fan Demographics and Engagement
Kenny and Ken discuss the demographics of current NASCAR fans, expressing concern over an aging fan base.
- Charlie Marlowe [05:26]: “Pretty boring weekend here in St. Louis... Blues lost, Cardinals lost, and...”
- Kenny Schrader [17:53]: “I don't want to exaggerate the return to Rock. It was all real.”
They highlight the passion of longtime fans compared to newer, younger audiences.
- Herman Schrader [18:35]: “Our fans are going to be dying, Kenny.”
- Kenny Schrader [18:12]: “We got to do something.”
5. Observations on Race Events at Rockingham
The hosts provide detailed accounts of the races held at Rockingham, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere and high attendance.
- Herman Schrader [15:18]: “A lot of local people came in for that race.”
- Kenny Schrader [16:37]: “It was a time warp. I wish you could have been with us, friend.”
They describe the enhanced facilities, motorhome setups, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of the early 2000s.
- Herman Schrader [15:43]: “The facilities were still there. They repaved Rockingham, and it stood tall now.”
6. Viewership vs. Live Attendance
The discussion turns to the disparity between television viewership and live race attendance, critiquing NASCAR's reliance on TV revenues.
- Herman Schrader [19:48]: “People watching our show. Those numbers are people watching our show.”
- Kenny Schrader [40:33]: “Perception and deception. Perception means you’re being fooled, but...”
They argue that despite packed grandstands, TV ratings remain low, affecting the sport's overall popularity.
- Kenny Schrader [41:10]: “Earned 58 million viewers for Bristol? That’s not accurate.”
7. Future of NASCAR and Track Revival
Kenny and Ken speculate on NASCAR's future, discussing potential international expansion and the sustainability of revived tracks like Rockingham and Wilkesboro.
- Herman Schrader [48:38]: “We're going to Mexico this year. Nothing is complete yet.”
- Kenny Schrader [49:50]: “I feel like NASCAR owes it to the fans. These tracks are good for NASCAR.”
They express optimism about the return of traditional tracks while acknowledging uncertainty about future race locations.
- Herman Schrader [50:11]: “We don't have a clue what's going to happen, but it has a chance.”
8. Personal Anecdotes and Jokes
Towards the end, the hosts engage in lighthearted banter, sharing jokes and personal stories to wrap up the episode on a humorous note.
- Herman Schrader [62:02]: “Scientists have found that cows produce more milk when the farmers talk to them.”
- Kenny Schrader [62:09]: “Well, they should hire me.”
They also discuss their viewing habits and the addictive nature of popular TV series like Yellowstone.
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Kenny and Ken summarize their experiences, reaffirming their commitment to the sport and their desire to see NASCAR thrive.
- Kenny Schrader [60:43]: “This completes our stage... It was a feel-good story. It looked good. And they're gonna do it again.”
- Herman Schrader [60:52]: “First off, we haven't run a Cup race points race at Wilkesboro. We're still figuring things out.”
They conclude with a hopeful outlook, anticipating future developments in NASCAR and expressing gratitude to their loyal listeners.
Notable Quotes
- Kenny Schrader [11:10]: "I never heard NASCAR defend themselves because, in my opinion, all these years..."
- Herman Schrader [08:19]: "NASCAR never left those places. The families that own those tracks decided to sell..."
- Kenny Schrader [17:53]: "There was no children at the racetrack. With my point. They were all our age."
Final Remarks
This episode of Herm & Schrader offers an insightful look into the current landscape of NASCAR through the experienced eyes of Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader. Their candid discussions shed light on the challenges facing the sport, the evolving fan base, and the potential paths forward for NASCAR's enduring legacy.