Episode Summary: The Great Rick Mast Fills In For Herm, Swapping Classic NASCAR Stories, and Homestead-Miami Breakdown
Podcast Information
- Title: Herm & Schrader
- Hosts: Kenny Schrader and Charlie Marlow
- Guest: Rick Mast
- Release Date: March 26, 2025
- Description: An irreverent and hilarious show focusing on racing, drinking beer, and storytelling with midwestern NASCAR veterans Kenny Schrader and Rick Mast.
1. Guest Introduction: Rick Mast Steps In
The episode begins with Rick Mast filling in for Herm, engaging in quick-witted banter with Kenny Schrader and Charlie Marlow.
- Rick Mast [00:01]: “Race the rudders.”
- Kenny Schrader [00:03]: “Raise the sails.”
The playful exchange sets a light-hearted tone as Rick joins the hosts from Rock Bridge, Virginia.
2. Rick Mast’s NASCAR Beginnings: Trading a Cow for a Race Car
One of the standout stories in this episode is Rick Mast’s unconventional start in NASCAR, involving the sale of a cow to fund his racing career.
- Rick Mast [03:41]: “The cow was begotten in the early of 73. I raised it all spring, summer and fall and in the fall I sold the cow for $575. I used that money and bought a '57 Chevrolet race car wrecked with a trailer and took that thing, fixed it up and won in my sixth race with it the next year.”
Kenny Schrader questions the authenticity of the story, leading to clarification:
- Kenny Schrader [05:14]: “You traded the cow for money and then traded the money for the race car. So you traded that for that race car.”
Charlie Marlow confirms the legitimacy of Mast's story, debunking it as mere urban legend.
- Charlie Marlow [05:58]: “That is legit. The car... up at Indy 94... we actually heard this. You did start your career by trading this cow.”
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [05:06]: “There are not a podcast in this country that can match our intelligence level no matter what genre it is.”
3. Racing Incidents and Driver Relationships
The hosts delve into various racing incidents, highlighting the intense relationships and camaraderie among drivers.
Encounter with Dale Earnhardt
Rick Mast shares a memorable interaction with racing legend Dale Earnhardt, emphasizing the tough but respectful nature of their relationship.
- Rick Mast [21:03]: “You know, he had a way. He just had a way. And I think about me and him was he had helped me a lot.”
Kenny Schrader reflects on past wrecks and the unspoken respect among drivers.
- Kenny Schrader [17:07]: “Like what taught us, though, Rick, I did not wreck you. I did not wreck you. I bumped you.”
Handling Exhaustion and Heat on the Track
The discussion also covers the physical toll of racing, including extreme heat conditions and the strategies drivers use to cope.
-
Kenny Schrader [12:03]: “I watched Rusty Wallace walking down pit road. He got in Bud Moore's car...”
-
Rick Mast [12:51]: “We've come a long way, Charlie.”
4. Evolution of NASCAR: Safety and Technology
The conversation shifts to the technological advancements and safety improvements in NASCAR over the years.
- Rick Mast [31:49]: “They have all these machines and all this stuff and all these big shops and you just had a cow...”
Rick critiques the excessive spending on car parts and machinery, advocating for the simplified regulations that reduce costs.
- Rick Mast [33:04]: “They were building pieces on the computer... if it did work, that puts you above everybody else.”
Kenny Schrader appreciates the new standardized car designs for making the sport more accessible.
- Kenny Schrader [32:33]: “That'S, that's, that's one thing I, I didn't like to do. If ever they had something new, you know, I didn't like trying it.”
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [34:30]: “They spend zillions of dollars making these little parts and pieces...”
5. Current NASCAR Dynamics: Dominant Drivers and Team Strategies
Kenny and Rick discuss the current landscape of NASCAR, focusing on the dominance of drivers with 'B' names like William Byron and Christopher Bell.
- Charlie Marlow [23:52]: “...Homestead started asking all the other drivers. And in the end, the B streak ends. Kyle Larson wins.”
They analyze Kyle Larson’s performance and speculate on his potential to achieve a phenomenal "triple" victory, comparing him to past successful drivers.
- Rick Mast [30:56]: “NASCAR needs, they need the Wood Brothers car out front, right? They need that.”
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [37:03]: “He is that good...”
6. Personal Anecdotes and Family Life
The hosts share heartfelt stories about their families, illustrating the personal side of their racing lives.
Rick Mast’s Daughter and Chase Elliott’s Recovery
Rick Mast recounts how his daughter Katie played a crucial role in Chase Elliott’s recovery after a skiing accident.
- Rick Mast [41:55]: “Katie took it from there. She met him at the hospital and made sure he had the right doctor and the right PT.”
Kenny Schrader adds his perspective on the importance of family support within the racing community.
Interaction with Fellow Racers
They discuss interactions with other racers, emphasizing the supportive yet competitive nature of their relationships.
- Rick Mast [54:35]: “I do notice one thing. Every time I go back, there are less and less of us there.”
7. Humor and Jokes
Humor permeates the episode, with the hosts sharing jokes and funny racing mishaps to keep the atmosphere light.
Listener Jokes
Charlie Marlow introduces jokes sent in by listeners, blending elementary humor with insider racing jokes.
- Johnny Brink's Daughter [67:01]: “Why did the doggy not go near the oven?”
- Charlie Marlow [67:17]: “The dog did not want to become a hot dog.”
Racing-Related Humor
Kenny and Rick exchange humorous anecdotes about racing gear and mishaps, highlighting the lighter side of their intense careers.
- Kenny Schrader [68:38]: “Just stupid.”
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [68:10]: “Yeah, that's bad. That's what the dude said. He was an engineer.”
8. Discussion on Championship Weekend Venue
Towards the end, the hosts debate whether Homestead should continue to host the NASCAR Championship or if it should rotate to other tracks.
-
Rick Mast [60:12]: “Unless...they got to move it from Phoenix because the championship comes down to the last fragging race.”
-
Kenny Schrader [60:34]: “I think, I think it ought to rotate, you know.”
They advocate for rotating the championship venue to enhance the sport’s prestige and reach different cities.
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [60:34]: “They got to move it from Phoenix because...”
9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
In the closing segments, the hosts reflect on the enduring nature of NASCAR and the changes it has undergone. They express gratitude towards their peers and the racing community, emphasizing the importance of legacy and shared experiences.
-
Rick Mast [73:00]: “We digress.”
-
Kenny Schrader [72:10]: “Thanks for bailing us out here.”
Notable Quote
- Rick Mast [72:20]: “They're driving their ass off doing what they're supposed to do when you step into that race car.”
Overall Impression
This episode of "Herm & Schrader" offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on NASCAR, blending classic stories with contemporary insights. Rick Mast’s presence adds depth and authenticity, making the discussions both engaging and informative. The blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and critical analysis provides listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining experience, whether they're long-time fans or newcomers to the sport.