Herm & Schrader: Ryan Blaney Conquers Nashville, Carson Hocevar Makes Another Enemy, & Cleetus McFarland To The Truck Series?

Episode Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of "Herm & Schrader," hosts Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader delve into the latest happenings in the racing world, sharing their insights, personal anecdotes, and engaging in spirited discussions about current NASCAR events and personalities. Joined by co-host Charlie Marlowe, the trio offers listeners an entertaining and informative deep dive into the racing scene, particularly focusing on recent races, driver dynamics, and emerging trends in the sport.

Ryan Blaney's Triumph at Nashville

The episode kicks off with a celebration of Ryan Blaney's impressive victory at the Nashville race. Kenny Wallace highlights Blaney's smooth driving and the significance of his win within the context of Ryan's celebrated racing lineage.

Notable Quote:

• Kenny Wallace (22:13): "And Ryan Blaney wins. And, Kenny, anytime Ryan Blaney wins, you got to think of his dad, because it's such a great racing family."

This win not only underscores Ryan Blaney's talent but also honors the legacy of his father, Dave Blaney, who has been a pivotal figure in the racing community despite not achieving the same level of success in the Cup Series.

Carson Hocevar’s On-Track Controversy

The hosts transition to discuss Carson Hocevar's recent on-track incident at Nashville, where he collided with Ricky Stenhouse. This event has stirred conversations about driver conduct and the competitive nature of the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Wallace (36: Kenny Wallace): "Carson Hosar is not on Ricky Stenhouse. Not on him, but goes down in that corner and hits him in the left rear..."
• Charlie Marlowe (37:18): "It looks like there will be a phone call."

Kenny Schrader reflects on the potential repercussions, including possible disciplinary actions, while Charlie Marlowe provides a humorous take on Ricky Stenhouse's response, suggesting that Hocevar might not confront him directly but that tensions could still simmer.

Brittany Force Ties Shirley Muldowney’s NHRA Record

A significant highlight of the episode is the discussion surrounding Brittany Force's achievement in tying Shirley Muldowney's impressive record of 18 Top Fuel race wins, establishing her as one of the most successful female racers in NHRA history.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Marlowe (12:18): "Tony Schumacher, 88. Antron Brown, 65. Larry Dixon, 62..."
• Kenny Schrader (11:10): "Well, I know that it would mean a lot because it was also the [New England] Epping."

The hosts express their admiration for Force's accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of her contributions to the sport and her role in inspiring the next generation of female racers.

NASCAR’s Rising Popularity and New Media Influences

Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader delve into the increasing popularity of NASCAR, attributing part of its growth to strategic media partnerships and the involvement of influential figures like Cletus McFarland. The discussion highlights how YouTube personalities and digital content creators are bringing fresh audiences to the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Wallace (16:14): "F1 has taken such a surge. And then NASCAR... the Amazon Prime, the TV coverage is fantastic."
• Charlie Marlowe (53:30): "Cletus has 4.4 million YouTube subscribers. NASCAR itself has 1.5 million."

The hosts acknowledge the impact of platforms like YouTube and streaming services in expanding NASCAR's reach, noting that personalities like Cletus McFarland are pivotal in attracting younger demographics and enhancing fan engagement.

Cletus McFarland’s Potential Move to NASCAR Truck Series

A major point of discussion centers around Cletus McFarland, a YouTube sensation and ARCA driver, who is reportedly in talks to join the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Stellantis’ Ram Brand.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Marlowe (53:30): "YouTube star Cletus McFarland could drive for prospective Ram NASCAR Truck Series team..."
• Kenny Schrader (54:24): "More power to him if he can pull it off."

The hosts express excitement about McFarland's potential entry into NASCAR, viewing it as a strategic move that could bridge traditional racing fans with the digital audience he commands. They discuss the possibilities of Dodge re-entering the sport through this collaboration, highlighting the mutual benefits for both the automaker and the burgeoning driver.

Justin Allgaier’s Retirement from Xfinity Series

The episode also touches on Justin Allgaier's heartfelt decision to retire from the Xfinity Series. Allgaier cited personal reasons, including focusing on his family and transitioning out of full-time racing.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Wallace (44:55): "Justin Allgaier, it is the right decision because, I mean, I'm sure he'll do just as good going home and with his championships and wins..."
• Kenny Wallace (46:30): "Justin Allgaier says he's going back home. That's heartfelt."

Wallace and Schrader reflect on Allgaier's impactful career, acknowledging his numerous wins and championships while expressing support for his decision to prioritize family and explore new avenues beyond driving.

Dirt Racing Highlights and Updates

Shifting focus to dirt racing, the hosts provide updates on recent events and standout performances. They commend drivers like Bobby Pierce for their exceptional skills and discuss the revival of tracks like Butler Speedway in Michigan.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Schrader (62:13): "There's too much. You can't keep up with it all."
• Kenny Wallace (60:02): "Bobby Pierce, he runs that high side so fast."

The conversation underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of dirt racing, highlighting the dedication of drivers and the improvements in track facilities that contribute to the sport's ongoing popularity.

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share their anticipation for future races and reflect on the evolving landscape of motorsports. They emphasize the importance of adaptability and embracing new media trends to sustain and grow the sport's fan base.

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Schrader (68:09): "There's not number one. They're different. You got to go to both."
• Kenny Wallace (70:52): "Until the next Herm & Schrader show. We'll see you all next time."

The conversation leaves listeners with a sense of excitement for what's to come, promising more in-depth coverage and entertaining discussions in future episodes.

Conclusion

This episode of "Herm & Schrader" offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of recent developments in the racing world. From Ryan Blaney's Nashville victory and Carson Hocevar's on-track drama to Brittany Force's historic achievement and the potential influx of new media stars like Cletus McFarland, the hosts provide a well-rounded perspective on the current state and future trajectory of motorsports. Their blend of expertise, humor, and heartfelt commentary makes for a podcast episode that is both informative and entertaining for racing enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kenny Wallace (22:13): "And Ryan Blaney wins. And, Kenny, anytime Ryan Blaney wins, you got to think of his dad, because it's such a great racing family."
• Kenny Wallace (36: Kenny Wallace): "Carson Hosar is not on Ricky Stenhouse. Not on him, but goes down in that corner and hits him in the left rear..."
• Charlie Marlowe (37:18): "It looks like there will be a phone call."
• Charlie Marlowe (53:30): "Cletus has 4.4 million YouTube subscribers. NASCAR itself has 1.5 million."
• Kenny Schrader (54:24): "More power to him if he can pull it off."
• Kenny Wallace (16:14): "F1 has taken such a surge. And then NASCAR... the Amazon Prime, the TV coverage is fantastic."
• Charlie Marlowe (53:30): "YouTube star Cletus McFarland could drive for prospective Ram NASCAR Truck Series team..."
• Kenny Wallace (44:55): "Justin Allgaier, it is the right decision because, I mean, I'm sure he'll do just as good going home and with his championships and wins..."
• Kenny Schrader (68:09): "There's not number one. They're different. You got to go to both."

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