Herm & Schrader Podcast: "There's No Place Like Kansas"
Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace ("Herm"), Kenny Schrader
Guest: Craig Moore
Podcast Network: SiriusXM, Dirty Mo Media
Episode Overview
The episode dives headfirst into a wild week in the racing world, highlighted by Dale Blaney’s record-setting World of Outlaws win at 61, a dramatic finish at the Kansas NASCAR Cup race, and the ongoing drama that keeps fans tuning in. With classic Midwestern banter and irreverent honesty, Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader blend historic racing stories, current events, behind-the-scenes tales, and humorous asides — all in their unfiltered, no-holds-barred style.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Dale Blaney’s Historic World of Outlaws Win
[02:13–05:57]
- Dale Blaney, age 61, becomes the oldest winner in World of Outlaws history at Sharon Speedway, beating tough contenders like Buddy Kofoid.
- Schrader describes the race: “You know, Cole Floyd was bouncing off that top... he didn't have a lot of options. Coming off four, it was either get tangled up in tires against the fence or let Dale have it...He tried like hell.”
—Kenny Schrader, [03:24]
- Schrader describes the race: “You know, Cole Floyd was bouncing off that top... he didn't have a lot of options. Coming off four, it was either get tangled up in tires against the fence or let Dale have it...He tried like hell.”
- Unique car setup: Much discussion about the innovation of Dave Blaney’s sprint car, especially the right-offset wing.
- “That wing...it's a foot at least further to the right than normal. And everybody's like, oh my God. But like you say, it only works when it’s super dry.” —Herman Schrader, [05:57]
- NASCAR connection:
- Dale Blaney drives A.J. Allmendinger’s motorhome between Cup tracks—"the motorhome driver just set the record."
- Blaney family ties:
- "Ryan [Blaney] is an investor now at Sharon Speedway and that track..." —Kenny Schrader, [06:43]
2. Kansas Cup Race Recap & The Playoffs Drama
[11:46–25:33]
- Chase Elliott steals the win after Denny Hamlin dominates but suffers a critical pit stop error and late-race incident.
- “I noticed...you're focused on Denny and on Bubba...and then out of nowhere came Elliot. I was like, where did he come from?”
—Craig Moore, [13:04] - “They made it sound like Chase was not happy when Alan put four tires on him...he said, I saw this play out up here with Martin Truex...and it played out good.”—Kenny Schrader, [11:46]
- “I noticed...you're focused on Denny and on Bubba...and then out of nowhere came Elliot. I was like, where did he come from?”
- Pit Road Mishaps & High Pressure Playoffs:
- Hamlin’s jackman misses the peg, dropping him from 1st to 6th and changing the outcome:
"Jackman is devastated...Instead of Denny Hamlin coming out first, he comes out sixth after dominating."
—Herman Schrader, [14:58] - Hamlin and Bubba Wallace (his own driver) make contact, opening the door for Chase Elliott.
- Hamlin’s jackman misses the peg, dropping him from 1st to 6th and changing the outcome:
- Playoff Picture:
- Elliott and Ryan Blaney are now locked into the next round.
- Detailed top-10 and points breakdown provided for the "cutoff" going into the Roval at Charlotte.
- “This is going to be an umdinger. I mean, they're going to wreck the hell out of each other.”—Herman Schrader, [28:43]
- Reactions to Fan Perceptions:
- “It never hurts when an Earnhardt or an Elliott win. And, boy, it just solves all the problems. How much do you think...that Chase Elliott win...fixes all these fictitious NASCAR issues?”
—Herman Schrader, [22:28] - “When the guy lines up ace and wins...and a team owner and a hired driver are rubbing on one another...It's good no matter who it is. Doesn't hurt that it's Chase.”
—Kenny Schrader, [23:19]
- “It never hurts when an Earnhardt or an Elliott win. And, boy, it just solves all the problems. How much do you think...that Chase Elliott win...fixes all these fictitious NASCAR issues?”
- Kansas as a Standout Venue:
- “Kansas is now everybody's favorite track...multi groove. That's why drivers like it, just run all over that damn thing."
—Kenny Schrader, [23:19] - The development surrounding the speedway and how it raised the area’s profile.
- “Kansas is now everybody's favorite track...multi groove. That's why drivers like it, just run all over that damn thing."
3. Xfinity & ARCA Series Highlights
[29:59–37:12]
- Brandon Jones dominates at Kansas Xfinity, but all eyes are on Connor Zillich:
- Zillich’s 16 straight top-five finishes break a 41-year record ("the record is the record," says Kenny).
- Controversy: Zillich started at Daytona but was replaced mid-race, yet still gets credited.
“He did it. He also got credit for winning, so...He did it.”
—Kenny Schrader, [33:09] - Discussion on what Zillich needs to prove in Cup: "He just has to show that...he’s the real deal." —Kenny Schrader, [34:25]
- ARCA Standout: Brendan "Butterbean" Queen
- Eighth win of the ARCA season, just needs to start at Toledo for the championship.
- “He wanted Kansas. Toledo’s the season finale. And then followed up with a top 10 for Kaulig in Xfinity.”
—Kenny Schrader, [35:36] - Backstory: Butterbean's sponsorship nearly derailed due to the sponsor’s legal trouble.
4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "We don't ever start Herman Schrader off with dirt racing, but...this is world news." —Herman Schrader, [08:56]
- “Is this your most ever? That sounds like a lot.” —Herman Schrader, [10:52]
“Oh no, no.” —Kenny Schrader, [10:54] - “I hate the playoffs. It’s a catchy name...they’re gonna wreck the hell out of each other. It’s gonna be wild.” —Herman Schrader, [28:43]
- “I have no idea what the hell is wrong with people...We are in the biggest societal shift. Everybody’s wrong...I don’t know what the hell they’re thinking.” —Herman Schrader, [19:51]
- “We’re trying to do something here at Herman Schrader that hasn’t been done...make sure the show doesn’t run over one hour.” —Herman Schrader, [39:01]
- Joke Corner:
- "What did one slice of bread say to the other before the race?"
"Your toast." —Craig Moore, [41:52] - "Why do melons have weddings?"
"Because they can’t elope." —Craig Moore, [42:06] - "What do you call a French man wearing sandals?"
"Felipe." —Craig Moore, [42:12]
- "What did one slice of bread say to the other before the race?"
5. Dirt Racing Roundup & Industry Bits
[41:26–48:22]
- Late Model Recaps:
- Ricky Thornton wins $50,000 at Brownstown (Lucas Oil Series).
- Nick Hoffman wins by a fender at Brownstown Friday night; Rocket cars revival discussed.
- Tanner Thorson wins second High Limit race at Path Valley.
- Dale Blaney's World of Outlaws record re-emphasized.
- Brad Sweet's Business Savvy:
- Sweet, co-owner of High Limit and now the NARC King of the West Series, praised for his business sense and ambition for growing dirt racing.
- Kenny cautions: "Owning associations...it’s a whole lot of work. You got to get tough skin real quick." —Kenny Schrader, [46:51]
6. Final Thoughts, Personal Updates, and Upcoming Plans
[48:22–End]
- Personal racing schedules, honey-do lists, and traveling to visit family—emphasizing their down-to-earth midwestern vibe.
- Kenny Schrader: More play days and racing, calls pending for Saturday plans.
- Kenny Wallace: Racing slows in St. Louis, heading to Charlotte for Trackside Live, proud of his 89-year-old mom who was karting last week.
- Craig Moore: Off to Cincinnati for his mother’s birthday and a Bengals game.
- Brief, heartfelt segment on Tyler Reddick’s family facing challenges, expressing support and prayers.
- Denny Hamlin recognized as an inevitable Hall of Famer after hitting 16,000 laps led/59 wins:
- “He needs to be in, and he will.” —Kenny Schrader, [39:42]
- Discussion of Hamlin's recent on- and off-track drama.
- Classic Sendoff:
- “Well, I think we just did it. We did it. And I got a little over 45 minutes. And I hope everybody enjoyed that show...until the next Herman Schrader show.” —Herman Schrader, [50:28]
Episode Structure & Timestamps
- [01:00] Intro & Banter: Setting the tone, talking travel, racing life
- [02:13] Dale Blaney’s Record World of Outlaws Win & Sprint Car Tech
- [06:29] Blaney Family, Sharon Speedway and More Event Recaps
- [11:46] Kansas Cup Race Debrief: Pit Road, Playoffs, and Elliott’s “Steal”
- [21:37] Kansas Venue: Why Everyone Loves Racing There
- [23:19] Chase Elliott’s Win – Impact on NASCAR’s Image
- [25:57] Cup Top 10, Playoff Standings, “Roval” Expectations
- [29:59] Human Angle: Reddick’s Family Situation
- [31:07] Xfinity & Connor Zillich’s Record-Setting Streak
- [35:36] ARCA: Brendan “Butterbean” Queen’s Story
- [38:53] Denny Hamlin’s Stats & Hall of Fame Credentials
- [41:26] Jokes Segment: Classic Show Humor
- [42:47] Dirt Racing Weekly Wrap-up: Brownstown, Path Valley, Blaney
- [45:18] Brad Sweet’s Acquisition & State of Dirt Racing Business
- [48:22] Hosts’ Weekend & Family Plans
- [50:28] Episode Wrap-up & Goodbye
Tone & Style
Full of humor, unscripted asides, and authentic storytelling. Herm and Schrader aren’t afraid to be honest, loud, or sentimental. They alternate brusque racing analysis with affection for their peers, admiration for emerging drivers, and plenty of self-deprecating, good-natured jabs at each other, their sport, and the world.
For listeners: this episode is a top-to-bottom snapshot of the current racing climate, with unfiltered legends calling it as they see it—equal parts memory lane, news recap, old-school grit, and garage-level comedy.
