Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – Episode: "The Rodney Childers Playbook: Winning in NASCAR and Life"

Introduction and Career Highlights In this episode of Herm & Schrader, hosts Kenny Wallace (B) and Ken Schrader (A) sit down with NASCAR legend Rodney Childers (C) to delve into his illustrious career and insights into racing and life. Rodney, celebrated for his role as the 2014 championship crew chief for Kevin Harvick, shares his extensive experience in NASCAR, highlighting impressive statistics that underscore his success.

Rodney Childers [01:02]: "Win a lot of races with them, you know, with Kevin and to win a championship with them was really cool back in 2014."

Joining Spire Motorsports Rodney discusses his recent move to Spire Motorsports as the crew chief for Justin Haley. He expresses enthusiasm about the team's transformation and the influx of top-tier talent from Stewart Haas Racing, emphasizing the potential for future success.

Rodney Childers [03:43]: "This is my first time working here at Spire. Everything's been really, really good so far for a small team that has changed so much in a couple of years."

Early Racing Career and Transition to Crew Chief Rodney recounts his beginnings in racing, starting with go-karts influenced by a childhood friend and progressing through various racing series. His technical knowledge and hands-on experience with car mechanics laid the foundation for his transition from a driver to a crew chief.

Rodney Childers [09:00]: "I was really learning all that stuff and, you know, scaling five go karts a week and just learning all that stuff."

NASCAR's Dangerous Era and Impact The conversation shifts to the perilous period in NASCAR marked by multiple tragic accidents, including the deaths of Adam Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. Rodney reflects on how these events influenced his decision to step away from driving and focus on crew chief responsibilities to continue his passion for racing while mitigating personal risks.

Rodney Childers [16:34]: "We went through a spell there that it was pretty scary with Adam and Kenny Irwin and all these different people. I had one of them happen right in front of me at Gateway."

Relationship with Dale Jr. and High School Connection A surprising revelation unfolds as Rodney shares his high school connection with Dale Earnhardt Jr., highlighting their friendship and mutual support in their early racing endeavors. This personal anecdote underscores the deep-rooted relationships within the NASCAR community.

Rodney Childers [24:05]: "Yeah, we went to high school together. And we sat right beside each other in drafting class."

NASCAR Analytics and Leadership Rodney emphasizes the importance of data and analytics in modern racing. He discusses his proactive approach in integrating in-car cameras and leveraging data to enhance car performance and driver comfort, showcasing his analytical mindset that complements his technical expertise.

Rodney Childers [35:47]: "The car basically has data on it now. So we can see steering wheel angles and traces. We can see the throttle, the brake, all those things."

Personal Life and Family Rodney opens up about his personal life, emphasizing the significance of family. He shares his long-standing relationship with his wife Katrina and his dedication to his children, highlighting how his family supports and influences his career in NASCAR.

Rodney Childers [54:36]: "We've been together for 23 and a half years and we've never had an argument. They've supported me through thick and thin."

Current State at Spire Motorsports Rodney provides an update on his current role at Spire Motorsports, describing the state-of-the-art facilities and the robust team in place. He expresses optimism about the team's potential and the strategic collaborations with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports to drive future successes.

Rodney Childers [60:39]: "We're all right here together. And, you know, they've spent a lot of money to make all this happen."

Closing Remarks The episode concludes with Rodney reflecting on his journey and the importance of perseverance. Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader commend Rodney for his resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport, positioning him as a pivotal figure set to elevate Spire Motorsports to new heights.

Kenny Wallace [63:42]: "Rodney Childers. He's going to win again. He's gonna make Spire Motorsports and his driver, Justin Haley, put him in Victory Lane."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rodney Childers [02:52]: "It takes all of us to make it happen."
• Rodney Childers [09:47]: "Not many 13 year olds know what tubing is in their go kart and how it was welded."
• Rodney Childers [16:34]: "I was a disaster for weeks when Dale got killed."
• Rodney Childers [23:59]: [Advertisement skipped]
• Rodney Childers [35:47]: "You can see if the car's loose or tight."
• Rodney Childers [54:36]: "We've never had an argument."
• Kenny Wallace [63:42]: "Rodney Childers. He's going to win again."

Conclusion Rodney Childers' episode on Herm & Schrader offers a comprehensive insight into his remarkable career, personal philosophy, and the intricate dynamics of NASCAR. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel both on and off the racetrack. Rodney’s journey from a passionate young racer to a highly respected crew chief serves as an inspiration, highlighting the blend of technical prowess, leadership, and personal dedication required to succeed in the high-stakes world of NASCAR.