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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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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

The season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 netwo

The season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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:

➡️ Gro

The season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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 season is finally here, but is your car actually ready? Whether you need a precision track alignment, corner balancing, or just a fresh set of tires mounted, Atomic Autosports has you covered. Don’t let a tech form or a bad setup ruin your weekend. Book now and get dialed in at AtomicAutosports.com.

Want to shave seconds off your lap times? Head over to AtomicAutosports.com. We’ve built a library of alignment specs, downloadable track-day checklists, and a gallery of our latest builds to get your gears turning. Everything you need for a smoother event is just a click away at AtomicAutosports.com.

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 radairfranchise.com and let’s get you living life in the fast lane.

Stop being Late To Grid and start being prepared. Atomic Autosports is your source for Malco detailing, Red Line lubes, and high-temp fluids. Need pit accessories or some fresh Atomic merch for the podium? We’ve got you covered. Stop in the shop in Wickliffe Ohio or visit AtomicAutosports.com

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.