Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – Episode: Racing Roots and Family Values: Katelyn Larson Keeps It Real

Introduction

In the December 12, 2024 episode of Herm & Schrader, hosted by Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, the spotlight shines on Caitlin Larson, wife of renowned NASCAR driver Kyle Larson. The episode delves into Caitlin's multifaceted role within the racing world, her family dynamics, and the challenges of balancing fame with personal life. Through candid conversations, Caitlin offers insights into the racing industry, her family's involvement, and her approach to parenting young racers.

Caitlin Larson’s Role at Silver Dollar Speedway

Caitlin Larson plays a pivotal role in the operations of Silver Dollar Speedway, a prominent racetrack owned by her family. She oversees racetrack promotions and is actively involved in organizing key events, including the popular bikini contests.

• Managing Promotions: Caitlin explains her responsibilities during major events, emphasizing the blend of business and entertainment. “My job that week is to run the bikini contest and promote that for Friday night. And it's such a big event and such a big hype around it with all the crew guys and it's just, you know, they, they have such a long year on the road and that any kind of fun entertainment in the middle of their season and after a long night of racing to get them to come judge or to come watch, drink a beer. We just try to have fun with it.” ([07:33])

• Maintaining Professionalism: Despite initial skepticism about bikini contests, Caitlin maintains a professional approach, ensuring that participants are respected and the events serve both entertainment and business purposes. “We just want everything to grow. Everything is a business to Brad, and he looks at it that way. So we're just trying to make, you know, treat the girls with respect. But also have fun and show that. That, you know, that we're also, like you said, it's a business.” ([07:57])

Family and Racing Dynamics

The Larson family's deep-rooted connection to racing is a recurring theme. Caitlin discusses the collaborative environment fostered by her husband Kyle and her brother Brad Sweet, a multi-time World of Outlaws champion.

• Sibling Bond: Caitlin highlights her close relationship with her brother Brad, attributing much of her involvement and passion for racing to his mentorship. “He's always a big mentor in my life. Like, if I have a question about business or even just about personal life or, you know, trying to figure out, navigate marriage and stuff, he's always. He always has a positive outlook on everything.” ([09:50])

• Racing Heritage: The intertwining of family and racing careers underscores the Larson-Sweet family's influence in the sport. Caitlin notes, “If you're on top, all they see is your ass. So how do you control that in your brain?” ([22:33]), emphasizing the pressures that come with their standing in the racing community.

Balancing Fame and Personal Life

Caitlin navigates the complexities of being a public figure within the NASCAR realm while striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy for her family.

• Handling Popularity: Despite her significant following, Caitlin remains grounded, often laughing off autograph requests and striving to keep her interactions genuine. “I always laugh when people ask my autograph and I just don't quite understand. Sometimes I still feel very normal.” ([11:48])

• Family Routine: Homeschooling her children and managing household responsibilities with the help of a nanny, Caitlin ensures her family remains at the center of her life. “Keeping day to day life with kids normal helps. I mean, they're homeschooled, but we have a teacher, so getting up and making a lunch and just, you know, normal day to day things.” ([22:44])

Dirt Racing vs. NASCAR

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the contrast between dirt racing and the more corporate nature of NASCAR. Caitlin passionately shares her love for the grassroots charm of dirt tracks compared to the polished, high-stakes environment of NASCAR.

• Cultural Differences: Caitlin appreciates the community and authenticity of dirt racing, likening it to the beloved dive bars of Knoxville. “They [dirt tracks] are coming up more and more little dive bars, little communities and it's just, it's a family.” ([14:21])

• Preserving Tradition: While recognizing the criticisms from old-school NASCAR figures, Caitlin defends dirt racing's enduring appeal. “It's incredible racing and I don't know, it's. And it's for the fan. To me, it's short races and there's in between. Time to go down and get a beer. It's loud, but it's not as loud as NASCAR can be.” ([14:21])

Parenting Racing Children

Caitlin offers a heartfelt look into raising young racers, particularly focusing on her son Owen Larson. She emphasizes the importance of allowing her children to explore their passions without undue pressure.

• Supporting Without Pressure: Caitlin ensures Owen can pursue racing while also trying other activities, fostering a well-rounded upbringing. “We don't ever push him to do anything. We don't ever yell at him. You know, it's just as long as he's having fun.” ([50:06])

• Overcoming Challenges: Owen's initial struggles and subsequent reinvigoration in racing highlight the family's dedication to nurturing his talents. “He's getting a lot better and now he's all in. I think he's running up front. He's running against Brexton and Brexton. You know, he's racing every weekend in different types of cars and, and Owen's now competitive with him so he's starting to feel better about embracing and going to travel with his friends and stuff.” ([48:10])

Memorable Encounters: Michael Jordan in Italy

One of the episode's most engaging segments recounts Caitlin's unexpected meeting with Michael Jordan during a family trip to Italy, showcasing her down-to-earth nature even amidst high-profile interactions.

• Unexpected Friendship: Caitlin narrates the spontaneous encounter, wherein Michael Jordan's genuine demeanor left a lasting impression. “He was so generous and so normal to us that I didn't feel like I... he was just one of us.” ([30:31])

• Building Connections: The interaction extended beyond the initial meeting, with Michael Jordan expressing his passion for racing and inviting Caitlin and her family to watch an F1 race, cementing a meaningful bond. “We were cracking up because they gave us a microphone and we were singing and having a good old time.” ([27:47])

Advice and Personal Insights

Towards the episode's conclusion, Caitlin shares practical advice for listeners planning trips to Italy, blending her love for travel with her grounded perspective.

• Travel Tips: Emphasizing comfort over style, Caitlin advises, “Just wear comfortable shoes. Yeah, I mean, you're not probably gonna go with the cute shoes, but like I did.” ([32:25])

• Appreciating History: Reflecting on her visit to historical sites, Caitlin underscores the value of experiencing history firsthand. “I didn't appreciate it until I saw it. And we did all of the three-hour tours and I thought, oh gosh, a three-hour tour. I'm gonna be bored out of my mind. But it was amazing.” ([33:02])

Conclusion

The episode of Herm & Schrader provides an intimate glimpse into Caitlin Larson's life as a NASCAR wife, businesswoman, and mother. Her ability to balance the demands of a high-profile racing career with her dedication to family highlights the often unseen challenges faced by those behind the scenes in the racing world. Through heartfelt anecdotes and practical advice, Caitlin embodies the essence of resilience and passion, offering listeners both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the racing community's familial bonds.

Notable Quotes:

• Caitlin Larson [07:57]: “We just want everything to grow. Everything is a business to Brad, and he looks at it that way. So we're just trying to make, you know, treat the girls with respect. But also have fun and show that. That, you know, that we're also, like you said, it's a business.”

• Caitlin Larson [14:21]: “I think I love all racing.”

• Caitlin Larson [22:44]: “Keeping day to day life with kids normal helps.”

• Caitlin Larson [30:31]: “He was so generous and so normal to us that I didn't feel like I... he was just one of us.”

• Caitlin Larson [50:06]: “We don't ever push him to do anything. We don't ever yell at him. You know, it's just as long as he's having fun.”

Connect with Caitlin Larson:

For more insights into Caitlin Larson's life and her adventures in racing, follow her on Instagram @CaitlinLarsonRacing. She regularly shares glimpses into her family's racing endeavors, vacations, and behind-the-scenes moments.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Caitlin Larson's conversation on the "Herm & Schrader" podcast, highlighting her role in racing, family dynamics, and personal philosophies.