Podcast Title: Herm & Schrader
Episode: Rusty Wallace & Angie Skinner: Promoting The Rusty Charity Ride & The State Of NASCAR
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Rusty Wallace
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In this dynamic episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Rusty Wallace are joined by Angie Skinner to discuss the upcoming Rusty Wallace Charity Ride and delve into the current landscape of NASCAR. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, promotional insights, and candid opinions about the evolving motorsport industry.
Promoting The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride
Background and History
Rusty Wallace initiates the discussion by highlighting the growth and success of the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride. What began as a modest event has transformed into a significant fundraiser, with last year’s efforts raising an impressive $400,000 for the NASCAR Foundation and the Rapid City Special Olympics.
Rusty Wallace (03:03): “Last year, with what Angie organized and all the stuff she did, we raised $400,000 for the NASCAR Foundation and Special Olympics.”
Event Details and Sponsorships
Angie Skinner elaborates on her role in amplifying the charity ride's reach, emphasizing the importance of sponsorships and community involvement. The event is sponsored by Harley Davidson and the Buffalo Chip, ensuring robust backing and community engagement.
Angie Skinner (04:49): “We need to get people to register. We have all our sponsorships and our VIP spots pretty much sold out, but individual riders... a lot of people say they don't know about it.”
Charity Bike Auction
A centerpiece of the event is the charity bike auction, featuring the 2025 Harley Davidson Road Glide, affectionately named the "21 Fat Tire." Rusty proudly describes the bike's enhancements and its role in last year’s fundraising success.
Rusty Wallace (08:14): “The new charity bike... it raised $160,000 when we sold it. This one’s going to be a big money raiser.”
Rusty Rita Tequila Partnership
The episode introduces the new partnership with El Bandido Yankee Tequila, resulting in the creation of the "Rusty Rita." Angie passionately promotes this collaboration, highlighting its appeal to attendees.
Angie Skinner (11:02): “We have a Rusty Rita, El Bandido Yankee Tequila. It’s no additive Tequila. It’s really good, clean Tequila. We’re going to have some Rusty Ritas.”
Call to Action
Angie and Rusty encourage listeners to participate, detailing registration fees and the benefits of joining the ride, including exclusive swag bags and autograph sessions.
Angie Skinner (34:05): “Individual rider fees are $175. If you're a rider and a passenger, it's $350. And you get a really nice swag bag, too.”
Highlighting Notable Sponsors and Guests
The discussion includes acknowledgments of key sponsors like Southern Country Custom and special guests such as Freddie Spencer, Richard Rollins from Gas Monkey Garage, and artist Scott Jacobs. These partnerships not only enhance the event’s appeal but also contribute significantly to its fundraising objectives.
Rusty Wallace (39:10): “Dixon is the hottest flannel on the planet. It’s recognized around the biker industry. If you got that, you’re pretty badass.”
State of NASCAR
Street Courses and Changing Formats
The conversation shifts to the evolving structure of NASCAR, particularly the introduction of street courses and their impact on the sport's dynamics. Rusty expresses optimism about these changes, citing the need for innovation to attract new fans.
Rusty Wallace (66:05): “I personally like moving it around. I think it's unique, you know, I’m totally in favor of that.”
Driver Dynamics and Leadership
Rusty shares insights into driver behaviors, emphasizing the importance of leadership and direct communication within NASCAR. He reminisces about past interactions with figures like Bill France and how straightforward dialogue can resolve issues effectively.
Rusty Wallace (54:07): “If I got an issue, I’m just going to pick the phone up and I’m going to call Jim France and say, 'Jim, this is bugging me.'”
Critique of Current Drivers
The hosts discuss contemporary drivers like Carson Hocevar, highlighting both their talents and areas needing improvement. Rusty acknowledges Hocevar’s speed but notes the necessity for tempering aggression to prevent on-track incidents.
Rusty Wallace (48:31): “He’s got speed. He’s fast. He’s really fast. But he's a bull in a china cabinet right now.”
Personal Stories and Experiences
Kenny Wallace's Anecdote
Kenny shares a personal story about a past NASCAR experience, illustrating the intense scrutiny and high-stakes environment of the sport. This anecdote underscores the longstanding challenges drivers face.
Kenny Wallace (58:12): “I had got underneath John Andretti at Phoenix, going down the back straightaway, and my right front got into John Andretti's left rear, and it was smoking.”
Rusty Wallace’s NASCAR Encounter
Rusty recounts a pivotal moment when he was wrongly accused of wrecking Dale Jarrett, leading to a direct confrontation with NASCAR officials. This story highlights the importance of integrity and communication within the racing community.
Rusty Wallace (60:07): “I said, I think you owe me an apology.”
Closing Remarks
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the significance of the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride and encourage listeners to support the event. They also express their continued passion for NASCAR, despite the challenges and changes within the sport.
Rusty Wallace (79:59): “Don't pay attention to the number we're asking for. This is all for these kids. It's all to raise money for NASCAR Foundation and the Special Olympics of South Dakota.”
Conclusion
This episode of Herm & Schrader effectively combines the promotion of a noble cause with an insightful analysis of NASCAR’s current state. Through engaging dialogue and heartfelt stories, Kenny Wallace, Rusty Wallace, and Angie Skinner provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of both the charity ride and the evolving motorsport landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- Rusty Wallace (03:03): “Last year, with what Angie organized and all the stuff she did, we raised $400,000 for the NASCAR Foundation and Special Olympics.”
- Rusty Wallace (54:07): “If I got an issue, I’m just going to pick the phone up and I’m going to call Jim France and say, 'Jim, this is bugging me.'”
- Angie Skinner (34:05): “Individual rider fees are $175. If you're a rider and a passenger, it's $350. And you get a really nice swag bag, too.”
- Rusty Wallace (66:05): “I personally like moving it around. I think it's unique, you know, I’m totally in favor of that.”
- Rusty Wallace (60:07): “I said, I think you owe me an apology.”
For more insights and updates on the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride and the state of NASCAR, visit rustywallaceride.com. Follow Herm & Schrader on Dirty Mo Media’s social channels to stay connected.