Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader – Tim Ward: The IMCA G.O.A.T.
Podcast: Herm & Schrader
Hosts: Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader
Episode Guest: Tim Ward
Release Date: September 18, 2025
Overview
In this lively and candid episode of Herm & Schrader, racing icons Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader sit down with Tim Ward—fresh off his second IMCA Supernationals win—to explore what makes him one of the greatest Modified drivers of his generation. The conversation covers Tim's racing journey from Arizona to the heart of the Midwest, the realities of grassroots dirt racing, the passion (and madness) that keeps racers coming back, and an inside look at Tim’s career highs, his attempts at NASCAR, and the unique culture of IMCA competition. Expect honest stories, deep insights into the working-man’s racing world, and irreverent humor throughout.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Tim Ward’s Background and Journey to the Midwest
[02:33–04:53]
- Tim was born in Mesa, Arizona, starting his racing journey there and jumping into modifieds at just 13.
- By 18, he realized moving to the Midwest was essential for higher competition, accepting an invite to Nebraska in 2012 and eventually settling in Harcourt, Iowa.
“We knew we needed to get to the Midwest to get better.” – Tim Ward [03:49]
IMCA Racing: Rules, Reach, and Competition
[05:24–06:08]
- IMCA praised for its consistent rules and affordability, making it attainable for the blue-collar racer.
- The Midwest serves as IMCA’s competitive and cultural hub, with numerous weekly races and diverse racing opportunities.
“When it comes to weekly racing, they have it figured out...the rules are as fair as they can be.” – Tim Ward [05:24]
The “G.O.A.T.”—Ward’s Achievements and Perspective
[06:08–10:33]
- At 31, Ward boasts 107 Modified wins, 9 track titles, 2 Dakota Classic Mod Tour Titles, and is one of only nine drivers to win multiple Supernationals in 43 years.
- He’s a consistent finalist, having qualified seven times in the last decade at Boone and fifteen times for the All Star Invitational—a record.
- Tim remains humble despite his stats.
“You’re not good. You’re great. You are one of the greatest IMCA modified racers of all time.” – Kenny Wallace [10:04]
“It’s pretty crazy really…growing up watching my dad do it, you dream of it.” – Tim Ward [10:15]
Personality, Family, and Racing Upbringing
[10:33–11:26]
- Ward is described as soft-spoken—a trait he credits more to his grandfather than his mom, despite family jokes to the contrary.
- His racing journey began young, highlighted by the 2008 Dirt Car Modified Series Rookie of the Year title at 14.
“My dad’s dad was super soft spoken and chill...I feel like that’s where I got it from.” – Tim Ward [11:01]
Technical Chops and Racing Intellect
[13:12–14:30]
- Tim emphasizes learning chassis setup through experience, especially with the tech help (Precision Performance, trial and error) and how constant adaptation is necessary.
“Trial and error is definitely maybe number one of learning your car.” – Tim Ward [13:47]
Boone Supernationals and “The Big Dance”
[17:40–23:47]
- Discussion of the IMCA Supernationals—the largest, most prestigious event. Tim walks through qualifying against 260 cars, the quirky puts/games that determine starting spots, and the importance of both skill and luck in advancing.
“There’s just too many cars, too many good guys there, that luck’s almost more important than being fast sometimes.” – Tim Ward [21:12]
- The “grind” of racing until 2–3 a.m. and the emotional highs and lows of the event.
The Reality of Grassroots Racing
[24:52–30:49]
- Kenny and Tim agree with Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s view: thousands of great racers exist, but only a handful can make it to NASCAR.
- Ward calls out other current IMCA greats—Cody Laney, Colin Hibben, and especially Kelly Shryock as heroes.
- The financial pressures, local business support, and the sheer passion (“sickos...we love it”) that keep them coming back.
“If a guy can keep running well, the race car pays for itself sometimes too. But yeah, we’re just crazy…we love it.” – Tim Ward [27:54]
The Psychology and Culture of IMCA Racing
[33:45–43:55]
- Discussion on regional heroes: big names can be unknown outside their local area.
- Fighting, aggression, and why racers can get so emotional—citing cost, effort, and closeness of competition.
“Everyone’s just so close...it’s so hard to win, so you take that away from somebody, they’re gonna get mad.” – Tim Ward [37:00]
- Winning is about ego as much as money; on a Monday after a “Big Dance” win, you feel on top of the world.
Dry Spells, Late Model Adventures, and the Challenge of Change
[44:21–48:14]
- Tim admits that 2025 was a “dry spell,” with no feature wins until late August—after sizzling years prior.
- He discusses dabbling in late models: higher expenses, a steeper technical learning curve, and being outspent by better-resourced teams.
“We were starting to get better and then we broke a motor...We hadn’t even won a feature yet in 25, so it definitely felt like we were [in a slump].” – Tim Ward [45:40]
Culture, Classes, and “Staying in Your Lane”
[48:14–52:05]
- IMCA’s divisions, especially stock cars and mods, both have strong, almost “cult” followings in their regions.
- Stock cars have grown as large as modifieds in both reputation and numbers.
- Tim’s brother-in-law, Jake McBurney, won the stock car Supernationals in the same year.
“The stock car is a premier class just like a mod.” – Tim Ward [49:38]
Taking a Shot at NASCAR
[53:42–58:18]
- In 2018, Tim got a last-minute K&N (ARCA) ride at Las Vegas, finishing 14th. A year later, he ran the NASCAR Truck race at Eldora, finishing 16th despite major logistical hurdles.
“Pretty much my first full laps in the truck under power was my heat race at Eldora.” – Tim Ward [55:20]
- Ward would do NASCAR again if the opportunity arose.
Racing Family, Motivation, and Legacy
[59:38–61:30]
- Tim gives heartfelt thanks to his parents, Amy and Rick Ward, whose support made his career possible and shares an emotional story about finally making the big show at Boone after his father’s own decade-long quest.
“If it wasn’t for my dad being such a sicko racer, we definitely wouldn’t be doing it.” – Tim Ward [60:09] “When we made it in 2016, it was a really big deal for us...he tried so hard making it and it was a dream of mine to make it.” – Tim Ward [60:20]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On luck vs. skill at Boone:
“Luck’s almost more important than being fast sometimes.” – Tim Ward [21:12] -
On IMCA’s “cult” status and competition:
“You can be a hero in IMCA, every class has its Daytona 500… If you run a mod, that’s your Daytona 500.” – Kenny Wallace [49:49] -
On the support network:
“Somebody stops by…gave us $200 for gas…You just don’t expect that.” – Tim Ward [30:49] -
On racers’ passion:
“We’re just crazy…we love it. Like, we can’t stand not racing.” – Tim Ward [27:54] -
On moving up the ladder:
“Every man has an ego…and if you win a 20 lap feature at your local racetrack, you feel you do belong.” – Kenny Wallace [59:15] -
On family and legacy:
“If it wasn’t for my dad being such a sicko racer, we definitely wouldn’t be doing it.” – Tim Ward [60:09]
“When we made [the Supernationals] in 2016, it was a really big deal for us…” – Tim Ward [60:20]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Tim’s move from Arizona to Iowa: [02:33–04:53]
- IMCA rules & culture discussion: [05:24–06:08]
- Career stat rundown & reaction: [06:08–10:33]
- Supernationals qualifying & “Big Dance” insights: [17:40–23:47]
- Racing economy & support system: [27:54–30:49]
- IMCA class rivalries & regional cults: [48:14–52:05]
- NASCAR K&N and Truck race stories: [53:42–58:18]
- Reflections on family, legacy, and “making it”: [59:57–61:09]
Final Thoughts
Tim Ward’s journey is a testament to the grit, community, and obsession that fuels grassroots racing. The episode delivers both a celebration of Ward’s accomplishments and a raw look at the ups and downs of being great in a tough, working-class sport. Family, friends, and a diehard love of racing are the real keys to success—even when the big checks are rare.
“Who wants to go back to a normal life? ...We’re screwed.” – Tim Ward [41:34]
For those who live for racing, there’s no other way.