Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader Episode: Ram Returns to NASCAR, Michigan Delivers The Season's Best Race, & Why Is Eldora Dirt Track Royalty?
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Platform: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media

1. Weekend Racing Highlights

Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace kick off the episode by sharing their recent racing experiences. Kenny Schrader recounts a challenging weekend at Lincoln, Illinois:

[02:40] Kenny Schrader: "We finished sixth and then got rained out Saturday and Sunday at a multitude of different racetracks. Never went. But they kept canceling, canceling, canceling."

Kenny Wallace adds his perspective on the unpredictability of racing schedules due to weather:

[04:04] Kenny Wallace: "Do racers will themselves like we're going to race? Do they will themselves?"

2. NASCAR's "Heater" Status and Michigan Race Analysis

The hosts delve into the current momentum of NASCAR, particularly highlighting the Michigan race's exceptional quality. Kenny Wallace introduces the concept:

[07:35] Kenny Wallace: "NASCAR is on a heater, guys. In sports, a heater means you're on a roll."

Kenny Schrader praises the racing intensity and fan engagement at Michigan:

[08:32] Kenny Schrader: "They've been having some fab, fabulous races... it's on the heater."

Charlie Marlowe supports this by emphasizing the race's television appeal:

[09:53] Charlie Marlowe: "From a TV standpoint, it was the best race of the year."

The discussion highlights Denny Hamlin's impressive performance and his quest for 60 Cup Series wins:

[13:13] Kenny Wallace: "Denny's getting into that rare air where he's closing... he needs three more wins to get to 60 wins in cup."

3. Ram's Return to NASCAR and Automaker Dynamics

A major segment focuses on Ram's comeback to NASCAR, marking the sport's fourth automaker. Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader explore the implications:

[27:04] Kenny Wallace: "Ram is back in NASCAR. This will be the fourth automaker."

Charlie Marlowe provides background on Ram's corporate structure and future plans:

[28:08] Charlie Marlowe: "Ram, they're the trucks and they're coming to the truck series next year."

Kenny Schrader discusses how Ram's entry could invigorate the sport:

[32:50] Kenny Schrader: "There's no... We just got more enthusiasm. We got another manufacturer. It's just good."

4. Truck Racing Developments and Eldora Highlights

The hosts shift focus to the Truck Series, particularly Stuart Friesen's standout performance and the excitement around Eldora:

[34:06] Kenny Wallace: "They were... the mother of all restarts. They push each other... Stuart Friesen reminds me of you."

Charlie Marlowe shares race details and the competitive nature of truck racing:

[33:32] Charlie Marlowe: "Corey Lajoy was leading late... that finish was very exciting."

Kenny Schrader lauds Jonathan Davenport's dominance at Eldora:

[55:20] Kenny Schrader: "JD's won $2 million at Eldora. That’s pretty safe."

5. Drivers Returning to Short Tracks and Enhancing NASCAR’s Appeal

A notable discussion revolves around NASCAR drivers rekindling their passion for short tracks and dirt racing, enhancing the sport's grassroots appeal:

[35:01] Kenny Schrader: "Just being done a lot of old school racers back."

Kenny Wallace highlights the benefits of this movement for both drivers and fans:

[37:11] Charlie Marlowe: "It just all builds motorsports fans for sure."

Drivers such as Ryan Priest, Stuart Friesen, Kyle Larson, and Carson Hovar are mentioned as key figures revitalizing short track racing.

6. International Expansion: NASCAR's Mexico Series

The episode touches upon NASCAR's international ventures, specifically the Mexico Series, emphasizing the expansion of the sport:

[53:24] Charlie Marlowe: "We've got the Chalango 150 on Saturday. The Viva Mexico 250 is Sunday."

Kenny Wallace expresses enthusiasm for the growth:

[53:38] Kenny Wallace: "This is good stuff. There's a couple Mexico series races. It's going to be exciting."

7. Eldora Dirt Race Breakdowns and Innovations

Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace provide in-depth analysis of the Eldora races, focusing on unique strategies and standout performances:

[55:27] Kenny Schrader: "Jonathan Davenport's Eldora record... he's the only dirt racer in history that has won 2 million or more."

Kenny Wallace underscores the prestige and competitive nature of Eldora:

[57:55] Kenny Schrader: "The World 100 is the most prestigious, personally."

8. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

The hosts wrap up by acknowledging their listeners and promoting their social media presence, encouraging audience interaction and feedback.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kenny Schrader on Racing Challenges:
  “We finished sixth and then got rained out Saturday and Sunday...”
  [02:40]

• Kenny Wallace on NASCAR's Momentum:
  “NASCAR is on a heater, guys. In sports, a heater means you're on a roll.”
  [07:35]

• Kenny Schrader on Denny Hamlin's Performance:
  “Denny's still top of his game... he knows that him and his team can do it whenever they get in that car.”
  [13:25]

• Kenny Wallace on Ram’s NASCAR Return:
  “Ram is back in NASCAR. This will be the fourth automaker.”
  [27:04]

• Kenny Schrader on Short Track Revival:
  “We have a lot of old school racers back.”
  [35:01]

• Kenny Schrader on Eldora Dominance:
  “JD's won $2 million at Eldora. That’s pretty safe.”
  [55:20]

Conclusion

This episode of Herm & Schrader offers an engaging deep dive into the current state and exciting developments within NASCAR. From the impressive performances at Michigan and Eldora to Ram's strategic return, the hosts provide insightful commentary enriched with firsthand experiences and expert analysis. Additionally, the discussion on drivers returning to their roots on short tracks underscores a revitalizing trend that promises to broaden NASCAR’s appeal. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this episode delivers a comprehensive overview of the thrills and challenges in the racing world.