Late to Grid - Grassroots Racing

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What happens when you take a chance, pitch an idea to Roger Penske, and help change the way motorsports approaches physical performance?

On this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, host Bill sits down with Jim Leo of Pit Fit to explore his remarkable journey into the motorsports industry and the role he played in bringing a more structured approach to physical conditioning in racing.

Jim's path into motorsports wasn't the typical story of a young driver working his way up through karting. Instead, it started with a handwritten note to Roger Penske and an idea: apply sports performance and conditioning principles to racing teams.

That opportunity led Jim to work with Penske Racing, learn the demands of pit stops firsthand, and help develop training approaches for a sport where every fraction of a second matters.

In this conversation, Jim shares the experiences, relationships, and decisions that shaped his career, along with lessons that apply to anyone pursuing a goal in motorsports or business.

🏁 In this episode, we cover:

• How Jim Leo got his start working with Roger Penske and Penske Racing
• The early days of physical conditioning for IndyCar drivers and pit crews
• Why Jim learned pit stop techniques firsthand to understand the physical demands on crew members
• How driver fitness evolved throughout the 1990s and changed expectations for racing performance
• The influence of international racing and Formula One on driver preparation
• Why taking initiative, building relationships, and being willing to hear no can open unexpected doors
• How Jim's motorsports journey developed beyond a single racing team
• Lessons in work ethic, timing, and recognizing opportunities before they become mainstream

Whether you're an autocross enthusiast, a track day regular, an endurance racing competitor, or someone working to build a career in the motorsports industry, this episode offers a valuable look at the people and ideas behind racing performance.

You don't have to start racing as a kid to find your place in motorsports. Sometimes, the right opportunity begins with an idea and the courage to act on it.

Want to improve your own performance on track?

The best investment you can make is yourself. Keep learning, build your skills, and take the next step in your motorsports journey.

🎙️ RELATED EPISODE: DRIVER FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Jim recommended our previous conversation with Trey Shannon. Check out that episode for more insights into driver fitness and nutrition: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1573798/episodes/12088890

🏎️ Learn more about Pit Fit

Explore Jim Leo’s work in motorsports fitness and performance: www.pitfit.com

Explore driver education, high-performance driving, and motorsports resources with Atomic Autosports.

🏎️ Subscribe to the Late to Grid Podcast for more stories about the people, careers, and experiences that make grassroots racing and the broader motorsports community special.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a passion for racing meets an engineer's drive to solve problems? For Albert Watson, it led to Race Louvres, a company helping racers improve underhood airflow through testing, data, and thoughtful aerodynamic design.

On this episode of the Late To Grid Podcast, host Bill sits down with Albert to explore his journey from drag racing Mustangs to road racing, leading NASA's American Iron series, and building a business around a real problem in motorsports.

🏁 From Drag Racing to Road Racing

Albert shares how a friend's invitation to a road course changed his direction in racing. What started with Mustangs eventually grew into HPDE, wheel-to-wheel competition, and leadership roles in grassroots motorsports.

🔧 How Race Louvres Started

After years of building and modifying race cars, Albert wanted hood louvers that fit his needs. He also wanted proof that they worked. Drawing on his engineering background, he began experimenting with louver designs and investigating underhood pressure and heat extraction.

🧪 Testing Beyond Marketing Claims

Discover why measuring airflow inside an engine bay is challenging, how Albert developed methods to measure pressure, and why wind-tunnel testing became an important part of developing and evaluating Race Louvres products.

💡 Turning Passion Into a Business

Albert explains how a stay-at-home dad with an engineering background took a chance on a motorsports business. His story offers lessons for racers, builders, and entrepreneurs who want to turn their knowledge and interests into something bigger.

🤝 Customer Service in Grassroots Racing

Bill shares how he discovered Race Louvres while searching for a solution to high engine temperatures in his FC Mazda RX-7. Their experience highlights the importance of honest communication, useful educational resources, and helping customers make informed decisions.

Whether you're building a race car, attending track days, exploring high-performance driving education (HPDE), or considering a career in the motorsports industry, this episode offers insight into the people and ideas driving grassroots racing forward.

🏎️ Explore Race Louvres to learn more about their products, testing, and installation resources.

🚦 Subscribe to Late To Grid for more conversations with racers, builders, and motorsports entrepreneurs. Visit Atomic Autosports to discover how we can help you take the next step in your motorsports journey.

#LateToGrid #RaceLouvres #Motorsports #GrassrootsRacing #HPDE #TrackDays

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a career in motorsports while staying connected to grassroots racing?

In this episode of the Late To Grid Podcast, we sit down with Mitch Bloom from Öhlins to talk about his journey through autocross, track days, SCCA events, suspension development, and the motorsports industry.

Mitch shares stories from Solo Nationals, Öhlins’ 50th anniversary celebration in Sweden, suspension testing, vintage racing at Put-in-Bay, and the wide range of racing applications supported by Öhlins. We also discuss his family’s racing history, his own track cars, a memorable brake failure at Road America, and the lessons that come from learning the hard way at the track.

Whether you're interested in racing careers, high-performance driving, driver education, or simply getting more out of your car, this conversation offers plenty of insight from someone who works across both professional and grassroots motorsports.

Learn more about performance driving, track preparation, and motorsports support with Atomic Autosports.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when an E21 BMW changes the course of your life?

John Butler joins Late To Grid to share his journey from discovering cars as a kid to autocross, endurance racing, track days, time attack, and a career in the motorsports industry.

We talk about getting started in racing, the importance of networking, learning from experienced drivers, and how simply saying “yes” can open unexpected doors in motorsports.

If you’re looking to get into racing, improve your driving, or find your place in the motorsports community, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Late To Grid for more real stories from the people behind grassroots racing.

Learn more about Atomic Autosports and get involved in your own motorsports journey.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

Back on Late to Grid! Bill recaps a challenging racing season with the RX-7, including Mid-Ohio, Nelson Ledges, suspension upgrades, a transmission failure, and the lessons learned along the way.

Then, Bill shares five practical tips for getting better results from a performance shop, from finding the right shop and sourcing parts to communication, budgeting, relationships, and planning ahead.

Whether you're into autocross, track days, endurance racing, HPDE, or grassroots motorsports, this episode has plenty of lessons to help you get more out of your car and your racing season.

Learn more about performance driving and racing support with Atomic Autosports.

Don't be late to grid.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to go from watching the Daytona 500 as a kid to driving your own BMW on track and becoming deeply involved in the motorsports community?

In this episode of Late To Grid, we sit down with Rory Gamble to discuss his motorsports journey, which began with one of the most memorable Daytona 500 finishes in NASCAR history. Rory shares how a childhood passion for racing evolved into rental karting, track days, HPDE events, and eventually owning and tracking a BMW M2 and E46.

We dive into the emotional side of racing, the importance of preparation before your first track day, the value of mentors and instructors, and how organizations like NASA and the broader motorsports community help newcomers succeed. Rory also shares lessons learned from his first experiences at Mid-Ohio, the challenges of getting started, and why grassroots racing remains one of the most welcoming areas of the motorsports industry.

Whether you're considering your first HPDE event, building a track car, exploring autocross, or simply love hearing stories about how people found their way into racing, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

If you've ever wondered whether you should take your car to a track day, this conversation may be the push you need to get started.

🏁 Topics Covered:

• Motorsports journey and racing inspiration
• The 2007 Daytona 500 and becoming a racing fan
• Rental karting and early motorsports experiences
• Buying and tracking a BMW M2
• First HPDE experience at Mid-Ohio
• NASA HPDE programs and driver development
• Grassroots racing culture
• Building confidence behind the wheel
• Lessons for new track day drivers
• The importance of community in motorsports

Looking to get your car ready for the track? Atomic Autosports helps drivers maximize reliability, performance, and confidence whether you're heading to your first HPDE, autocross event, or endurance race. Contact us to learn how we can help support your motorsports journey.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

You asked for it, and we’re delivering it: a deep dive into NASA Time Trials with Darek Koman from NASA Great Lakes.

In this episode of Late To Grid, Darek joins us in the Atomic Autosports studio to talk about his motorsports journey from HPDE, autocross, and track days into NASA Time Trials and wheel-to-wheel Super Touring competition. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from simply turning laps to competing against the clock, this one is for you.

We dig into why Time Trials is such a powerful stepping stone in motorsports, especially for drivers who want competition without immediately jumping into a fully caged race car. Darek shares how he uses track time to experiment with tire pressures, dampers, sway bars, alignment, driving lines, data, and the all-important “butt dyno.” Yes, it’s technical. Yes, it’s useful. And yes, your car may still decide the differential is no longer interested in differential-ing.

This episode covers:

• How Darek got started through NASA HPDE and Time Trials
• Why Time Trials is a smart bridge between track days and wheel-to-wheel racing
• How to use data to understand where you are gaining or losing time
• Why tire temperatures, setup notes, and weather conditions matter
• The value of using every session you paid for
• Why rain sessions are some of the best car-control training available
• The community side of grassroots motorsports and NASA Great Lakes
• How a street car can evolve into a serious track or race car

Whether you are new to HPDE, chasing faster lap times in Time Trials, building a track car, or considering your next step in grassroots racing, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has lived the progression.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

How does a bet between friends turn into one of the Midwest’s best-known track day organizations?

In this episode of Late To Grid, Bill sits down in the Atomic Autosports studio with Ken Grulich of Three Balls Racing to talk about his motorsports journey, the origin of Three Balls Racing, and what drivers can do to make their next track day smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.

Ken shares how his love for speed started with his dad, sand dunes, motorcycles, quads, and three-wheelers before eventually leading him to road course driving. What started as a challenge between friends involving a 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo, a 1969 big block Corvette, and a track rental at Gingerman Raceway grew into a grassroots track day organization that now hosts events at tracks like Gingerman Raceway, Grattan Raceway, Waterford Hills, and Mid-Ohio.

This conversation is packed with advice for new and experienced drivers, including why you should talk to people in the paddock, why video can make you faster, why showing up late to a track day can ruin more than your schedule, and what tools and spares you should bring before your next HPDE or track day.

Ken also shares one of the wildest bucket-list stories from a Three Balls Racing event and explains why comfort, confidence, seat position, preparation, and community matter just as much as horsepower.

If you’re interested in motorsports, track days, HPDE, grassroots racing, autocross, endurance racing, racing teams, or building your own motorsports journey, this episode is for you

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What sport did you letter in during high school… and why wasn’t it racing? 😄

In this episode, Bill sits down with Jonathan Eckelberg to talk about one of the most promising “future of grassroots racing” stories out there: the High School Racing Association (HSRA). It's a program that helps high school students get involved in local short track racing, build real-world skills, and (in some schools) earn official recognition like letters and jackets.

Jonathan’s racing roots run deep; he grew up at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway watching his dad race, jumped into the Hornet division as soon as he was old enough, and went on to race for 17 seasons, including years in pro late models (with some legendary post-race Pabst stories along the way). Eventually, life priorities changed and he hung up the helmet...right as he stepped into a new role that keeps him in the sport: HSRA Series Director.

From there, the conversation gets into what HSRA really is and why it matters:

• Why racing can be a perfect fit for students who don’t connect with traditional stick-and-ball sports
• How HSRA mixes hands-on automotive work with STEM, marketing, communication, and teamwork
• Why tracks are getting involved (and why it’s urgent as the average pit/stand age climbs)
• How HSRA reaches schools through auto programs, tech ed, and athletics/activity directors
• The biggest barriers for new families (cost, tools, storage, truck/trailer) and how the program helps connect them with resources and mentors
• What “success” looks like when HSRA students graduate out and move up into other divisions

Jonathan also shares what he’s most proud of: watching brand-new families enter motorsports for the first time, then build confidence, community, and a pathway that can stick with them for life.

Learn more about HSRA here: https://highschoolracing.org/

Question for you: If your high school offered racing as a sport, would you have joined as a driver, crew, media/marketing, or sponsor-hunter?

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when your favorite race track suddenly disappears?

In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we sit down with Christian Robinson from SEMA and PRI’s Government Affairs team to break down one of the most important issues in motorsports today: Right to Race legislation.

If you’re involved in autocross, track days, endurance racing, or grassroots motorsports, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

We dive into how legislation is actively shaping the future of racing and how local tracks across the country are being threatened by development, lawsuits, and regulatory pressure. Christian shares behind-the-scenes insight into how SEMA and PRI are fighting to protect the $69B motorsports industry and the small businesses that keep it alive.

You’ll also learn:

• What “Right to Race” actually means (and why it’s simpler than you think)
• Why grassroots race tracks are disappearing
• How legislation moves through state government
• Real examples of laws that almost shut down racing
• What YOU can do right now to protect your local track

This episode isn’t just about policy, it’s about preserving the motorsports journey for future drivers, teams, and fans.

You need to get involved! Go to:

https://www.semahq.org/campaigns/right-to-race

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a real motorsports journey? In this episode of Late to Grid, we sit down with Eric Kaul to talk about the road from accountant to a well-known name in the paddock, and why networking at the race track can be just as important as speed behind the wheel.

Eric shares how he got started in autocross, grew through HPDE and track day events, and eventually made the leap into endurance racing. Along the way, he explains how community, mentorship, and showing up for others helped shape both his racing career and his business in the motorsports industry. He also dives into the value of fitness, preparation, and being the kind of person people can count on when things go sideways at the track.

This episode is packed with insight for anyone interested in motorsports, racing, autocross, high-performance driving, and the relationships that help drivers and teams grow over a racing season. If you are looking to get started or go further in grassroots racing, this one is a reminder that success is not a solo mission.

Looking to build your own path in racing with the right support system behind you? Atomic Autosports is here to help you move from interested enthusiast to confident driver.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a 10-second drag racer and a 15-year fire service veteran takes over a 50-year motorsports legacy and decides to modernize the hustle?

You get something bigger than a shop. You get a standard of excellence.

In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we dive into the career of John Harkenrider, General Manager of Havoc Motorsport. John talks about the transition from the high-stakes world of firefighting to managing one of the nation’s premier open-wheel arrive-and-drive programs at Autobahn Country Club.

From building nitrous-fed Trans Ams... to becoming a team "gopher"... to now overseeing a fleet of F3 and Formula Mazda cars, this episode is about the relentless work required to run a professional racing organization. It’s about the evolution from grassroots drag strips to championship-winning Atlantic Open programs. And it's about why "Work Harder" is more than just a banner on the wall—it's a requirement.

🏁 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How John transitioned from 15 years in the fire service to leading a top-tier race team
• Why LinkedIn has become the ultimate tool for landing international drivers and title sponsors
• The reality of Arrive and Drive programs and why the "Bumble" model of sponsorship is changing the game
• What happens when a renter "isn't vibing" with a car and how it affects lap times
• The massive financial investment of scaling a fleet of six-figure F3 chassis
• Why John’s favorite quote is: "Early is on time, on time is late, and late equals go home"

This isn’t just a 9-to-5. This is a 24/7 commitment to precision and performance. A professional paddock built on discipline, leadership, and racing spirit.

Havoc Motorsport blends a half-century of history with the modern necessity of high-level networking. Whether you are a karter looking to make the jump to open-wheel, a brand seeking a VIP hospitality presence at the track, or a driver wanting a "one-stop-shop" for coaching and data, this episode reveals what it takes to operate at the highest levels of the SCCA and FRP.

And with Atomic Autosports focusing on the same "Atomic Prep" philosophy, the connection between technical excellence and shop-level discipline has never been clearer.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a global social media manager for one of the world’s most iconic tire brands decides to spend his weekends chasing podiums in a mud-filled Copart Mustang?

You get something bigger than a hobby. You get a masterclass in technical curiosity and community.

In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we sit down with Chris Armbruster to discuss his journey from childhood memories of his father’s rotary-swapped Beetle to building a Spec Iron Mustang from the ground up. Chris shares his evolution as a racer—from "survival driving" in endurance races to high-stakes sprint battles—and explains why the NASA community is a unique ecosystem where even your toughest competitors will hand you spare parts to keep you on track.

🏁 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Chris transitioned from a $500 "rusty" Miata to a competitive Spec Iron Mustang build.
• Why "Driver Mod" is often the worst advice for new racers and why tires should be your biggest investment.
• The science of "heat spotting" and what dismounted NASCAR tires can teach you about your camber setup.
• The terrifying reality of being an instructor when a student’s GT-R goes airborne at 130 MPH.
• Chris’s next target: joining the 200 MPH club at Bonneville in a Bentley Continental GT.

This isn’t just about lap times; it’s about a shared goal of having fun safely and lifting the next generation of racers. Whether you’re a builder debating torque vs. cornering power or an instructor looking to improve your "teaching moments," this episode is your green flag.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a former educator and industry veteran looks at the fragmented world of motorsports networking and decides to build a bridge?

You get something bigger than an app.
You get a connection.

In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we dive into the launch of RACERSHIP with founder Heidi Bandish. Heidi talks about what it means for racers, brands, and mentors to finally have a dedicated space to find each other and grow the sport together.

From the halls of PRI… to the "Women with Drive" summit… to building a motorsports-exclusive networking platform, this episode is about the power of the network. It’s about the evolution from cold-calling sponsors to building a "living resume" that speaks for you. And it’s about how RACERSHIP is creating a structured, accessible gateway for the next generation of racers.

🏁 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How RACERSHIP combines the lifestyle of Instagram with the professionalism of LinkedIn
Why the "Bumble" model of sponsorship puts brands in the driver's seat
How to build a "Living Resume" that showcases lap times, results, and pitch decks
The three tiers of mentorship: Peer-to-peer, professional, and career-focused
Why the 2026 season is the year of the "Founding Member" badge
Heidi’s advice on why you should never "let someone cut in front of you" in your career

This isn’t just social media.
This is a professional paddock in your pocket.
A digital stage built on transparency, growth, and racing spirit.

RACERSHIP blends the need for funding with the necessity of mentorship. Whether you’re a youth racer looking for a mentor, a brand looking for fresh talent, or a veteran driver looking to organize your racing history, this platform creates a realistic entry point into high-level partnerships.

And with Atomic Autosports championing driver development and shop-level precision, the connection between technical prep and professional networking has never been stronger.

🔥 Why This Connection Matters

Heidi Bandish has spent years at the heart of the industry with PRI and SEMA, learning that the best opportunities come from who you know.

RACERSHIP exists to help the community:

Streamline the sponsorship pitch process
Connect students with internships and career paths
Monetize mentorship and coaching services
Build a trusted marketplace for racing gear

Together, the goal is simple:
➡️ Professionalize grassroots racing
➡️ Educate the next generation
➡️ Lower the barrier to sponsorship
➡️ Create lasting racer-brand partnerships

If you’ve ever thought:
“How do I get my deck in front of a real person?”
“Where can I find a coach to help me reach the next level?”
“Is there a place for racers that isn't full of non-racing noise?”

This episode is your green flag.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a nationally recognized motorsports organization partners with a local performance shop that lives and breathes track days, endurance racing, and driver development?

You get something bigger than an announcement.
You get momentum.

In this episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we dive into the exciting partnership between NASA Great Lakes and Atomic Autosports. Bill, Jay Andrew and Glenn Robinson talk about what it means for drivers, teams, and the future of endurance racing in the Midwest.

From a random envelope in the mail… to autocross cones… to building a multi-state endurance racing program, this episode is about the motorsports journey. It’s about the ladder from first-time HPDE driver to team-based endurance racing competitor. And it’s about how the NASA TREC (Team Racing Endurance Cup) series is creating one of the most accessible and exciting formats in grassroots racing today.

This isn’t Formula 1.
This is real-world, grassroots racing.
Four-hour battles built on strategy, discipline, and trust.

TREC blends the thrill of endurance racing with accessibility. Whether you’re currently in HPDE, autocross, or thinking about building your first race car, this format creates a realistic entry point into competitive racing without needing a six-figure budget.

And with Atomic Autosports supporting drivers through car prep, performance consulting, and track support, the pathway into endurance racing has never been clearer.

🔥 Why This Partnership Matters

NASA Great Lakes has built one of the strongest regional programs in the country covering Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Atomic Autosports exists to help drivers:

• Prepare cars properly
• Build safe and competitive endurance setups
• Develop as high-performance drivers
• Turn track-day passion into structured racing programs

Together, the goal is simple:

➡️ Grow grassroots endurance racing
➡️ Educate drivers
➡️ Lower the barrier to entry
➡️ Create sustainable racing careers

If you've ever thought:

• “Could I actually race wheel-to-wheel?”
• “Could my track day car become an endurance car?”
• “Could my friends and I start a racing team?”

This episode is your green flag.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

In racing, problems are inevitable—but they happen much more often when you don't have a plan. Bill Snow sits down with Thomas Gaydos, a polymer engineering student at the University of Akron and a rising talent in SCCA club racing, to discuss his unique entry into motorsports.

From burning through a DVD of the movie Cars to competing at the prestigious SCCA Runoffs, Thomas shares how a "data-driven" engineering mindset has helped him navigate engine failures, heat issues, and the complexities of maintaining a multi-car family racing team.

Learn why Thomas advocates for buying your first race car instead of building it, his "niche" for rebuilding manual transmissions, and how the Gaydos family turns every paddock spot into a hub of community and camaraderie.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

Think the racing season ends when the checkered flag flies? Think again. Bill Snow returns to the Atomic Autosports studio to explain why he calls the winter months the "Growth Season".

In this episode, Bill breaks down seven actionable strategies to ensure you hit the ground running for 2026. From deep-diving into your RaceKeeper video to find hidden tenths, to the "cardboard and magic marker" method for project management, this is your roadmap to a faster next season.

Whether you are auditing your racing budget, shakedown-ing your car for Zero Mechanical DNFs, or hitting the karting track in NOLA to stay sharp, this episode covers the discipline and focus required to never be late to grid.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

Think you know sponsorships? Think again. In this episode, Bill Snow welcomes JP Moery to the Atomic Auto Sports Studio to peel back the curtain on high-level motorsports partnerships. From his roots in the Washington D.C. business community to managing sponsorships at the IndyCar level with A.J. Foyt Racing, JP shares why true "activation" is about more than just slapping a decal on a quarter panel.

JP explains how to shift your mindset from "asking for money" to "solving business problems," the power of viral moments (like Santino Ferrucci’s legendary podium beer chug), and why your closest circle of influence is your best prospecting ground. Whether you are a grassroots racer or aiming for the pros, this episode is a masterclass in business development, professional networking, and maintaining the positive mindset needed to stay on the gas.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Late to Grid podcast, Bill Snow takes us inside the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis. Covering over 1,000,000 square feet of exhibitor space, Bill explains why this is his favorite industry event and how grassroots racers can benefit from attending. He breaks down the importance of arriving with a clear "game plan" to navigate thousands of exhibitors and maximize business growth.

The episode covers key highlights from the show floor, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to analyze driver data, the legendary opening breakfast featuring Mario Andretti, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Atomic Autosport uses the show to solve complex technical and e-commerce challenges. Whether you are a business owner or a hobbyist, Bill explains why a PRI membership is a vital investment in the future of the racing industry.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Late To Grid, Bill sits down with Jay Chapman of Goodyear Racing to unpack a motorsports career built from karting roots, NASCAR weekends, Grand-Am adventures, MX-5 Cup development, and now supporting racers across vintage and grassroots programs.

Jay shares stories of growing up in a karting family, wrenching and volunteering his way into professional motorsports, and eventually designing and supporting racing tires used across SCCA, NASA, vintage series, and more. He also explains how Goodyear develops products for everything from sprint racing to endurance competition — and what grassroots racers get wrong most often about tires.

Whether you’re a racer, a builder, or just love the industry, this episode is packed with practical insights, human moments, and amazing behind-the-scenes stories.

The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one.

If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner.

Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track.

Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment.

You know me as the host of Late To Grid, but my biggest shift wasn't on the track, it was leaving corporate life to own a Rad Air location. It gave me the freedom to turn my passion for cars into a career and actually get to the track more often. Ready to own your future? Visit http://radairfranchise.com/ and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Thanks for listening and taking an interest in growing grassroots racing. The Late To Grid podcast shares the stories and inspiration that help listeners along their motorsports journey.

Find all episodes on the Atomic Autosports website.