Episode Summary: "Schrader Wins, Wallace Goes Shirtless, & NASCAR Takes Over Downtown Chicago"
Released on July 9, 2025 by Herm & Schrader on SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
In this lively and engaging episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader delve deep into the latest happenings in the NASCAR world, share personal anecdotes, and offer insightful commentary on recent races and broader trends within the sport. Here's a detailed breakdown of the episode’s key discussions and highlights:
1. Camaraderie and Personal Stories
The episode kicks off with Kenny and Ken reflecting on their longstanding friendship and partnership in the podcasting realm.
- Herman Schrader [02:37]: “He's a drinker in the show. I mean.”
- Kenny Schrader [02:44]: “I like spending time with you.”
A humorous moment ensues when Herman recounts a memorable incident where he raced shirtless after a particularly hot day.
- Herman Schrader [03:17]: “So I get done racing, and I am soaked and I'm dressed, but I don't put my shirt on.”
- Kenny Schrader [04:30]: “When did it rain up there?”
Herman shares the story behind the shirtless photo, highlighting the lighthearted teasing among competitors and the camaraderie within the racing community.
- Herman Schrader [04:20]: “I ran fourth last night, and they could easily cancel. Kenny. They couldn't.”
2. Recent Races Overview
The hosts provide a comprehensive review of recent races, focusing on performances in Lincoln and Quincy.
- Herman Schrader [05:00]: “We both are racing fools. We raced. So.”
- Kenny Schrader [05:18]: “We won one Saturday night at I55. Felt decent, had 40 cars, so it was fun.”
They celebrate Kenny’s strong performance and discuss the challenges faced during the races, including weather conditions and competitor dynamics.
3. Chicago Street Course Analysis
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Chicago street course, examining both positive performances and controversial decisions.
Michael McDowell’s Dominance
Herman begins by highlighting Michael McDowell's impressive lead over most laps.
- Herman Schrader [16:07]: “I found MRN radio on 107.5 going to the Quincy race yesterday. So I know that Michael McDow led 31 of 36 laps and broke.”
Shane Van Gisbergen’s Stellar Performance
The discussion shifts to Shane Van Gisbergen (SVG) from New Zealand, who has been dominating road courses.
- Herman Schrader [17:40]: “Shane Van Gisbergen they call SVG. He's from New Zealand and he grew up running those V8 cars. So this, this is his wheelhouse. This is what he does.”
- Kenny Schrader [18:13]: “He's got to work, and he's working hard at it. He’s showing up.”
Kenny emphasizes SVG’s strategic advantage on road courses:
- Kenny Schrader [20:00]: “When you go to all them cup races and you win one, and now you win two. Well, I'm sorry. You're doing good, you know, I mean, you deserve to be there.”
Cody Ware’s Crash and Caution Flag Delay
A critical and controversial moment discussed is Cody Ware’s crash and the subsequent delay in throwing the caution flag.
- Kenny Schrader [22:11]: “Reckon, you know, all the telemetry now, I read it was 93 mile an hour into the tire wall.”
- Herman Schrader [25:07]: “Jeff Gluck says Cody Ware blew a rotor and absolutely smashed into the tire barrier at full speed. NASCAR waited 34.7 seconds to throw the caution after impact.”
This delay led to debates among fans about the safety protocols and race management decisions.
- Herman Schrader [26:08]: “They did the right thing because on post race interviews I heard the media going, and here comes the rain.”
- Kenny Schrader [26:19]: “It's a really tough business.”
4. Elite Eight Bracket Challenge
The hosts dive into the ongoing Elite Eight bracket challenge, highlighting notable upsets and the progression of drivers.
- Charlie Marlo [31:36]: “Ty Dillon, who was the Last seed, the 32nd seed, has advanced. He beat Denny Hamlin Week 1. He beat Brad Keselowski in Chicago.”
They discuss the unpredictability of the tournament, citing significant advancements like Ty Dillon and the performance of drivers such as John Hunter Nemechek and Tyler Reddick.
5. Spotlight on Katherine Leggy
Katherine Leggy's remarkable performance in qualifying and the race is given special attention.
- Katherine Leggy [27:55]: “She goes on the track and she's got to cut a lap because she's got to outrun Corey Heim.”
- Kenny Schrader [28:39]: “She stepped up and did it. So that's good for her.”
Herman emphasizes her achievement as the first female driver since Danica Patrick in 2017 to finish in the top 20.
- Herman Schrader [29:21]: “She's the first lady since Danica Patrick in 2017 to finish in the top 20.”
6. Daniel Suarez’s Departure from Track House
The episode addresses Daniel Suarez’s decision to leave the Track House team, sparking rumors about future driver moves.
- Herman Schrader [37:39]: “Daniel Suarez announces that he is not going to drive for Track House anymore...”
- Kenny Schrader [38:24]: “It's a difference of opinion... he won a couple races and he helped Track House a bunch of.”
Speculation arises around Connor Zilich potentially taking Suarez’s spot, with references to his connections and reputation.
- Herman Schrader [39:15]: “Connor Zilich is going to drive this car. Wonderful kid... he feels like, you know, that's the talk.”
7. NASCAR’s Evolution and Fanbase Dynamics
A substantial discussion revolves around NASCAR’s shift from traditional oval tracks to incorporating street courses and road races, analyzing its impact on both old and new fans.
- Herman Schrader [46:38]: “NASCAR does things that didn't happen in grandpa's day...”
- Kenny Schrader [47:59]: “They showed the networks what they were capable of doing... a lot of entertainment.”
The hosts debate the balance NASCAR must maintain to cater to die-hard oval racers while attracting a broader, younger audience interested in diverse racing formats.
- Kenny Schrader [53:04]: “People's expectations have changed...”
They also touch upon proposals and ideas from prominent figures like Denny Hamlin to further innovate the sport.
- Charlie Marlo [49:37]: “Denny Hamlin has these great ideas...”
8. Entertainment in Sports
Transitioning from racing, the hosts explore the broader trend of entertainment integration in sports, comparing NASCAR to phenomena like the Savannah Bananas and the Harlem Globetrotters.
- Herman Schrader [52:03]: “We should have something off topic towards the end of our show... Is entertainment the way to go now?”
- Kenny Schrader [53:59]: “Entertainment has always been huge in our sport...”
They discuss the necessity of enhancing fan engagement through additional entertainment facets, acknowledging both the benefits and potential criticisms from traditionalists.
9. Audience Interaction and Humor
The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing and reacting to listener-submitted jokes, adding a lighthearted and humorous conclusion to the intense discussions.
- Herman Schrader [60:27]: “Why does everyone in Greece hate waking up at dawn? Because dawn is tough on Greece.”
- Kenny Schrader [61:40]: “Boo.”
Additionally, Charlie Marlo shares a cheeky joke to end the segment on a fun note:
- Charlie Marlo [62:19]: “What does a push up bra have in common with a bag of chips? Once you manage to get it open, you realize it's only half full.”
10. Closing Thoughts
In their final remarks, Herman and Kenny express their unwavering support for NASCAR, acknowledging the sport’s challenges and its continuous evolution to stay relevant and entertaining.
- Kenny Schrader [59:29]: “I'll back them 100% because I don't want to be in charge. And I know from history that they have...”
Their camaraderie and passion for racing shine through as they sign off, leaving listeners both informed and entertained.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Herman Schrader [03:17]: “So I get done racing, and I am soaked and I'm dressed, but I don't put my shirt on.”
- Kenny Schrader [18:13]: “He's got to work, and he's working hard at it.”
- Herman Schrader [27:50]: “Katherine Leggy just ran a 1 minute 32 second 368 in cup qualifying...”
- Kenny Schrader [53:59]: “Entertainment's always been huge in our sport...”
This episode of Herm & Schrader offers a blend of in-depth NASCAR analysis, personal stories, and engaging banter, making it a must-listen for racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Whether discussing the intricacies of recent races or pondering the future direction of NASCAR, Kenny and Ken provide valuable insights with their trademark humor and authentic camaraderie.