Herm & Schrader Podcast Summary
Episode: Sad Reflections, Bright Future
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Kenny Wallace & Ken Schrader (with Allen Dietz)
Platform: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
Overview
The first Herm & Schrader episode of 2026 is a bittersweet blend of somber reflection and hopeful outlook. Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, along with new producer Allen Dietz, tackle the recent spate of losses in the racing world, discuss the latest industry news, and look forward to a promising year of racing. Despite the heavy subjects, the show's signature humor, candor, and camaraderie remain in full force, setting a tone of resilience and optimism for NASCAR and grassroots racing in the months ahead.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. New Year, New Producer, Same Spirit
- Introduction of Allen Dietz as the new producer (01:57).
- Banter about the ever-changing producer role and Allen’s racing background.
Notable Quote:
Dale Jr.: "We've gone through two producers and now we're on our third producer. Would you like to meet him?" (01:57)
2. Personal Losses and Reminiscences
- Schrader shares the recent passing of Ray Marler, his longtime friend and partner at I-55 Raceway. (03:45 – 05:54)
- Heartfelt tribute to Marler’s life (“he had a soft landing, went out peacefully in his recliner”) and impact on the racing family.
Notable Quote:
Schrader: "He had a soft landing. I see, went out easily, peacefully... I'll take 87. You sign up for 87 right now with a soft landing." (04:32; 05:46)
3. A Brutal End to 2025: Industry Bereavements
(06:22 – 15:15)
a. Greg Biffle’s Plane Crash
- Loss of Biffle, his wife, kids, and others in a tragic accident.
- Reflections on the risks of constant air travel in racing.
- Discussion about parallels with past aviation tragedies in the sport.
Schrader: “When you take out a whole family like that...it doesn't make any difference why it happened...it's happened. We lost seven souls.” (07:21)
b. Michael Annett’s Passing
- Acknowledgment of his close connections in the community, especially with Rusty Wallace and Dale Jr.’s teams.
- Details kept private, with speculation about illness.
Allen Dietz: “I think I heard it was an illness, but I don't want any details.” (09:20)
c. Dennis Hamlin (Denny Hamlin’s Father)
- Died in a house fire; Denny’s difficult year recapped—loss of championship, court case, father’s death.
- Anticipation that fans and the industry will rally around Denny Hamlin.
Allen Dietz: “I think it'll totally change the way that the fans react to him next year. And it's going to change how he reacts to the fans, too, and how he looks at things.” (13:22)
4. Looking Forward: NASCAR’s New “Hell Yeah” Campaign
(17:12 – 27:16)
- NASCAR launches a bold marketing campaign to reclaim its "redneck badge of honor."
- First ad set in a bar featuring Zane Smith and hyped Daytona 500 energy.
- General approval from the hosts for NASCAR tapping into its grassroots roots.
Schrader: “Our sport’s changed a lot, but that’s what started our sport...you’ve got to create some excitement.” (26:47)
Wallace: “Now everybody's using the word redneck because it is a badge of honor. We are rednecks.” (25:42)
5. NASCAR Settlement: The Charter System and Lawsuit Aftermath
(19:07 – 25:42)
- Recap of the ownership/legal battle between NASCAR and team owners.
- General agreement that the settlement brings stability—teams have more money, permanent charters, and franchise-like value.
- Noted shift in power dynamics, with high-profile owners having public disagreements.
Wallace: “The teams got full time charters...those charters have went from maybe $40 million to maybe $100 million.” (21:14)
Allen Dietz: “I look at the charters like franchises in the NFL or NBA...if Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski want out, they can sell it to anybody—even an OEM, and that keeps teams in the sport.” (23:00)
6. Grassroots Racing: A Positive Surge for 2026
(29:32 – 35:42)
- Record-breaking entry numbers at the Tulsa Shootout (over 2,000 cars).
- Despite “sky is falling” narratives, grassroots racing is still strong.
- Stories about local tracks (Dylan Motor Speedway, etc.) holding tradition-driven races with hefty car counts.
- Humorous banter about racers not being the "smartest" but the most persistent.
Schrader: “You can’t argue with numbers...there are more cars at Tulsa Shootout. Never… Everybody’s got the same amount of points. Everything’s perfect. Let’s go race.” (31:42)
7. Upcoming Races & The Year’s Racing Calendar
(36:05 – 50:08)
- Anticipation for the Chili Bowl, Rolex 24, Clash at Bowman Gray, and the Daytona 500.
- Schrader headed to Casa Grande, AZ and Volusia Speedway.
- Emphasis on the “Positive Mental Attitude” (PMA) to start the racing year, with references to legends like Alan Kulwicki.
- Discussions about the unique grind and tradition of year-round racing.
Wallace: “We want to start this show off PMA. Positive Mental Attitude, everybody. That’s the way we are right now.” (37:12)
8. Insider & Historical Commentary
(54:00 – 56:02)
- History lesson: Daytona 500 wasn’t always the season opener—Riverside used to be first and last race of the season.
- Lighthearted “quiz moment” where Schrader schools Wallace on racing history.
Schrader: “For years, Daytona wasn’t the first race… it was Riverside.” (54:22)
9. Old School Meets New School: The Fans, The Industry, and Changes
(52:36 – 62:24)
- Discussion on the “everything is no good anymore” sentiment among leaders in sports.
- NASCAR sees slow, steady increases in attendance/viewership; even small gains are celebrated.
- Talk about balancing old and new fans, and if the formula that built NASCAR could still attract a new generation.
Schrader: “You just can’t make anybody happy… but they’re making changes and they’re damn trying.” (53:20) Allen Dietz: “Maybe the formula that worked when we were growing up could still work with new fans… with adjustments for attention spans.” (61:50)
10. Mark Martin’s New Podcast and Role as an Industry Voice
(57:12 – 61:41)
- News: Mark Martin launching a show on the Kenny Wallace Media platform, with son Matt and Charlie Marlow.
- Observations on Mark’s increased bluntness and engagement on industry issues.
Schrader: “We’re going to have to up our game because Mark’s going to make us sound really stupid.” (59:32)
Wallace: “If NASCAR sat down with Kelly Earnhardt and Mark Martin… you’d have to put more seats back in. Those two are passionate about the sport and can help it.” (61:01)
11. Banter, Deep Cuts, and Jokes to Wrap Up
(63:19 – show close)
- Allen Dietz rolls out rapid-fire dad jokes while Wallace and Schrader provide irreverent commentary.
- Final reminder to check out the show on YouTube and Dirty Mo Media, and a nod to all the "forehead" present in the video stream.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “He had a soft landing...peacefully in his recliner.” – Ken Schrader’s tribute to Ray Marler (04:32)
- “Our sport’s changed a lot, but that’s what started our sport—drinking in the bar.” – Schrader on NASCAR’s new ad campaign (26:47)
- “PMA: Positive Mental Attitude.” – Wallace on how racing legends approached setbacks (37:12)
- “Now everybody’s using the word redneck because it is a badge of honor. We are rednecks.” – Wallace on fan culture (25:42)
- “You just can’t make anybody happy… but they’re making changes and they’re damn trying.” – Schrader (53:20)
- “We’re going to have to up our game because [Mark Martin] is going to make us sound really stupid.” – Schrader (59:32)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:57: Meet new producer Allen Dietz
- 04:27 – 06:13: Tribute to Ray Marler
- 07:09 – 08:15: Greg Biffle’s plane crash & aviation safety
- 09:17 – 10:06: Michael Annett’s passing
- 10:51 – 13:22: Dennis Hamlin’s death and Denny’s tough year
- 19:07 – 25:42: NASCAR lawsuit, charter system, and industry structure
- 29:32 – 35:42: Massive grassroots turnout (Tulsa Shootout, regional races)
- 41:52 – 46:15: Chili Bowl, Gateway Indoor Dirt Nationals, streaming impact
- 47:42 – 48:40: Rolex 24 stories
- 49:23 – 50:28: Clash at Bowman Gray, rise of short tracks
- 54:00 – 56:02: The history of season-opening races
- 57:12 – 61:41: Mark Martin’s podcast & industry commentary
- 63:19 – 66:47: Dad jokes and episode wrap-up
Summary for New Listeners
This episode typifies the Herm & Schrader show: part eulogy, part roast, part deep-dive racing roundtable. Even as Wallace, Schrader, and Dietz wrestle with a devastating string of off-season losses, they put racing culture, industry business, and fan experience under the microscope—with no shortage of zingers along the way. You'll come away caught up on the state of NASCAR, filled with new trivia, and, just probably, with a smile on your face.
Next episode tease: IHRA’s new direction, more banter, and stories from the 2026 racing season. Stay tuned!