Podcast Summary: Herm & Schrader Episode: Ward Burton: The Great Outdoors, Crown Jewel Wins, & The State of NASCAR
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosts: Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
Guest: Ward Burton

1. Introduction and Early Life

[02:10] Kenny Wallace: Kenny warmly welcomes Ward Burton, expressing excitement over finally having him on the show after years of anticipation.

[02:45] Ward Burton: Ward shares insights about his new YouTube show, Crossroads with the Burtons, highlighting the challenges of transitioning his passion for the outdoors into a televised format. He emphasizes his dedication to accurately portraying his love for nature and conservation.

[05:13] Ward Burton: Discusses his upbringing in South Boston, Virginia. Ward recalls moving from Danville due to the lack of a child delivery center in Halifax County, marking the unexpected start of his life.

[06:49] Ward Burton: Reflects on growing up in the 60s and 70s, enjoying vast outdoor spaces that fostered his independence and love for nature. He reminisces about early racing experiences with his father, which laid the foundation for his future career.

2. Family and Personal Growth

[08:16] Kenny Wallace: Kenny draws parallels between the Wallace and Burton families, noting similarities in their upbringings and family dynamics.

[10:15] Ward Burton: Highlights his younger brother, Brian Burton, who successfully runs the family’s construction business, emphasizing the importance of hard work and honesty instilled by their grandfather.

[12:15] Ward Burton: Shares amusing anecdotes about his childhood adventures, including taming snakes and his fearless nature, which translate into his confident racing style.

3. Transition to Wildlife Conservation

[14:31] Ward Burton: Ward delves into a pivotal moment in his 20s when he left college to live in a tobacco barn, seeking peace and a deeper connection with nature. This period of introspection led him to establish the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.

[17:36] Ward Burton: Explains the mission of his foundation, focusing on land conservation and supporting military bases through sustainable practices. He recounts receiving the Governor's Environmental Excellence Award in 2008, a testament to his impactful work.

[23:01] Ward Burton: Ward emphasizes the importance of giving back and supporting causes greater than oneself, highlighting his foundation's growth to nearly a million dollars in annual budgets and its ongoing projects.

4. Racing Career Highlights

4.1 Southern 500 Victory [36:20] Kenny Wallace: Celebrates Ward’s 2001 Southern 500 win, likening it to the Masters in golf due to its prestige.

[36:52] Ward Burton: Details the challenges and strategy behind the win, including overcoming technical issues with his car and making decisive moves during the race to secure victory.

4.2 Daytona 500 Triumph [55:56] Ward Burton: Recounts winning the 2002 Daytona 500, describing the intense competition and strategic maneuvering that led to his triumph. He reflects on the teamwork and preparation that made the victory possible.

[60:55] Ward Burton: Expresses gratitude for the racing team's efforts and the collaborative spirit that underpinned his successes on the track.

5. Sponsorships and NASCAR's Evolution

[63:12] Ward Burton: Discusses the significance of sponsorships like Caterpillar, WBNA, and Hardee’s during his racing days. He contrasts the straightforward sponsorship landscape of the past with today's complex and expensive environment.

[65:07] Ward Burton: Critiques the current business model in NASCAR, highlighting how increasing costs have made it difficult for drivers to maintain sponsorship, thereby affecting the sport's accessibility and sustainability.

[68:28] Kenny Wallace: Agrees with Ward’s perspective, referencing insights from former crew chief Felix Sabates about the financial strains on modern NASCAR teams. They lament the shift from personalized sponsorships to more corporate-driven funding models.

6. Throwback Weekend at Darlington

[41:04] Kenny Wallace: Discusses the recent Throwback Weekend at Darlington, where Ward wore his original 1994 fire suit, sparking nostalgia among fans.

[42:30] Ward Burton: Shares the story behind the fire suit, retrieved from his basement, and his collaboration with his son Jeb to don the iconic attire. He expresses appreciation for the event's ability to honor NASCAR's rich history and engage with longtime fans.

[50:59] Kenny Wallace: Highlights the presence of racing legends like Donnie Allison at the event, underscoring the sense of community and legacy within NASCAR.

7. Personal Anecdotes and Family Insights

[44:22] Ward Burton: Opens up about his relentless fitness regimen, maintaining his health to stay competitive both on and off the track. He attributes his discipline to a lifelong commitment to physical activity.

[74:36] Kenny Wallace: Reflects on cherished memories with Ward, including interactions with Ward's children Jeb, Sarah, and Ashton, illustrating the close-knit bonds within the racing community.

[75:46] Kenny Wallace: Recalls a heartwarming story of Jeb Burton reaching for his ice cream cone at Pocono, symbolizing the playful and supportive relationships within the families of NASCAR drivers.

8. Reflections on NASCAR Today and Future Outlook

[72:01] Ward Burton: Provides a candid assessment of NASCAR's current state, acknowledging the sport's enduring appeal but advocating for adjustments to its business model to ensure its future sustainability. He calls for broader sharing of TV revenue and more support for team owners.

[73:21] Kenny Wallace: Concludes the discussion by emphasizing the need for NASCAR to adapt to changing financial landscapes, ensuring that talented drivers can continue to compete without being overwhelmed by sponsorship pressures.

9. Closing Remarks

[76:50] Kenny Wallace: Encourages listeners to follow Ward Burton's endeavors through Dirty Mo Media's platforms and expresses gratitude for Ward’s participation. Ward reciprocates the appreciation, wishing Kenny well and acknowledging the swift passage of time during their conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Ward Burton [05:35]: "When I look back on it, that started my love and my direction my whole life with the freedom that I had to explore."

• Ward Burton [14:31]: "Racing found me about three years later and led me down this path while we're talking now. So I was very, very fortunate."

• Ward Burton [23:01]: "We all have the ability to make a difference, have a small or big impact for others and for other causes, and that's what we're supposed to do."

• Kenny Wallace [38:45]: "You're going to hit the wall hard."

• Ward Burton [39:00]: "I knew clearly at those two tracks and, and Tommy and them were able to give it to me. And that's how we won that race that day."

• Kenny Wallace [65:07]: "Jeff has proven it time and time again with his companies... It works."

• Ward Burton [72:01]: "The sport still works like it always works for companies. ... But, you know, the same pieces. So I love that they got the same pieces."

Conclusion

In this episode, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader engage in an in-depth conversation with NASCAR legend Ward Burton. They explore Ward's journey from his adventurous childhood in Virginia to his successful racing career and his profound commitment to wildlife conservation. Ward provides insightful reflections on the evolution of NASCAR, emphasizing the need for sustainable business practices to preserve the sport's future. Personal stories and heartfelt anecdotes offer listeners a glimpse into Ward's life beyond the track, highlighting the importance of family, fitness, and philanthropy. This episode serves as both a celebration of Ward Burton's achievements and a critical examination of the challenges facing modern NASCAR.