Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader - "Two Throwbacks Talk NASCAR Throwback Weekend at Darlington!"

Introduction In the April 9, 2025 episode of "Herm & Schrader," hosts Kenny Schrader and Herman Schrader delve into the vibrant world of NASCAR, sharing personal anecdotes, discussing recent racing events, and offering insights into the upcoming NASCAR Throwback Weekend at Darlington. The episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and in-depth racing analysis, making it both entertaining and informative for NASCAR enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Recent Racing Activities and Cancellations The episode kicks off with Kenny and Herman discussing their recent racing schedules and the impact of unpredictable weather on races. Herman shares his experience attending a customer event in Stanton, Virginia, and subsequently working on David Strummy's lethal chassis. Unfortunately, rain led to the cancellation of races at Southern Ohio Raceway and Tyler County Raceway.

Herman Schrader [03:36]: "We're just getting ready for the two-day show at i55, the World Outlaw show this weekend, which will run Friday and Saturday."

Impact of Weather on Racing Kenny expresses concern over the severe flooding in Paducah, referencing a photo shared by Brian Shirley on Facebook. Both hosts reminisce about past flood events and the challenges they posed to racing schedules.

Kenny Schrader [03:36]: "Did you see the picture that Brian Shirley posted about Paducah? It's flooded to the maximum peak. I feel bad for Paducah."

Upcoming Events at Federated Auto Parts Raceway The conversation shifts to the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Outlaw show at Federated Auto Parts Raceway (i55 raceway). Kenny highlights the potential appearance of Kyle Larson and praises his performance on the track.

Kenny Schrader [04:23]: "Every time they come to Federated Auto Parts Raceway, we’re usually lucky to see Kyle Larson there. Oh my God, does he put on a show!"

Herman also shares updates about the recent sale of the track to Josh and Nikki Carroll, discussing the improvements and plans they have in store.

Herman Schrader [05:00]: "We sold that to Josh and Nikki Carroll, and they’ve already done a lot of work on the track. It's going to be great."

Personal Stories and Racing Experiences Kenny and Herman delve into their personal racing experiences, sharing memorable moments from their careers. They recount racing in adverse conditions, such as rain, and discuss the strategies employed during these challenging times.

Herman Schrader [07:32]: "Good thing you're not a road racer then."

Kenny reminisces about racing at Circuit Jacques Villeneuve, describing a particularly intense moment where he had to create his own technique to navigate through heavy rain.

Kenny Schrader [08:51]: "I created this technique on my own. I pulled my race car over to the guardrail and followed it back to the pit area, hoping not to get hit."

Pit Stops and Race Strategies A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing pit stops and their impact on race outcomes. Kenny and Herman analyze a recent race where a nine-second pit stop influenced the final results, highlighting the evolution of pit stop efficiency over the years.

Kenny Schrader [18:07]: "We gotta talk about this nine-second pit stop. It's unbelievable how much things have changed."

They compare modern pit stops to those in Formula One, acknowledging the remarkable speed achieved by F1 teams while noting that NASCAR teams are still working to bridge the gap.

Kenny Schrader [36:37]: "The fastest Formula One pit stop is 1.80 seconds. We're still eight seconds off."

NASCAR Throwback Weekend at Darlington The core of the discussion revolves around the NASCAR Throwback Weekend at Darlington. Kenny and Herman debate its relevance and popularity, considering feedback from drivers like Chase Elliott who feel the tradition may be losing its charm.

Kenny Schrader [44:38]: "If everybody does it, it's 380 different paint schemes. You gotta start digging pretty hard to come up with that."

Herman defends the event, emphasizing the nostalgic value and the fans' appreciation for the throwback themes, which celebrate iconic moments and drivers from NASCAR's past.

Herman Schrader [44:38]: "I like it. It don’t make any friggin' difference what color that car is. If the sponsor is happy, that's all that matters."

Audience Demographics and Engagement The hosts analyze their YouTube channel’s demographics, revealing that the majority of their audience is between 55 to 64 years old, with a significant portion being male. They discuss the challenges and opportunities this presents in engaging a diverse listener base.

Dalenhardt Jr. [71:55]: "55 to 64 year olds make up 29% of your audience, and 65 plus is 28%."

Kenny acknowledges the strong support from long-time fans while pondering strategies to attract younger listeners.

Herman Schrader [73:02]: "They're just running their mouth. It's down deep, they're still paying attention."

Upcoming Events and Future Plans Looking ahead, Kenny and Herman outline their schedules for upcoming races at Rockingham Speedway, including the NASCAR Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and ARCA East events. They express enthusiasm about the revamped Rockingham facility and its appeal to racing fans.

Kenny Schrader [55:13]: "Rockingham Speedway has repaved it, which is a big deal. We’re heading there for the Truck Series and Xfinity Series races."

They also highlight community events, such as performances by the Marshall Tucker Band, aiming to create a lively atmosphere for attendees.

Herman Schrader [62:41]: "We'll have a good time downtown Rockingham with the Marshall Tucker Band."

Humor and Light-Hearted Moments To balance the in-depth discussions, the episode includes light-hearted segments where the hosts share computer-related jokes and engage in playful banter.

Dalenhardt Jr. [69:34]: "What is a computer's first sign of old age? Loss of memory."

Herman Schrader [71:20]: "Chips."

These moments add a humorous touch, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and ability to entertain beyond racing topics.

Conclusion In wrapping up the episode, Kenny and Herman reiterate their passion for NASCAR and express excitement for the upcoming Throwback Weekend at Darlington. They encourage listeners to engage with their content on YouTube and tune into future episodes for more racing insights and stories.

Kenny Schrader [74:35]: "This is some of the most fun I've had on Herman Schrader."

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look into the hosts' racing lives, the intricacies of NASCAR events, and the enduring bond between Kenny and Herman. Their blend of personal stories, technical analysis, and humor makes for a compelling listen that honors the heritage of NASCAR while looking forward to its future.