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How do people really get into motorsports? In this special “Best Of” episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we throw the green flag on the most inspiring, quirky, and downright passionate origin stories from our favorite grassroots racers.

Host Bill takes us on a fast lap through more than a dozen guest highlights—each one sharing how they first caught the racing bug. From pushing go-karts uphill, wrenching on beat-up Miatas, attending legendary races as kids, or tagging along with track-day mentors, these stories celebrate the diverse and relatable entry points into motorsports.

Whether you’re already deep into HPDEs, autocrossing on the weekends, dreaming of your first endurance race, or just motorsports-curious—this is the episode for you. Learn how real people, many with zero racing background, took their first steps and built their racing careers one lap at a time.

💡 You’ll hear:

• How family ties, movie moments (Cars, anyone?), and $10 F1 tickets sparked lifelong passions
• Why every form of seat time is good seat time
• The value of mentors, community, and cheap cars
• Practical advice from seasoned racers for getting on track without breaking the bank

🔧 Fuel your own motorsports journey with stories that prove you’re never too 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 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, we welcome karting champion Alyssa Korecky to the Atomic Autosports studio to share her inspiring and relatable motorsports journey. Starting out on a homemade backyard dirt track, Alyssa evolved from riding a Power Wheels to racing full-speed LO206 karts at premier tracks like Mid-Ohio, Nelson Ledges, and Pitt Race.

We dive deep into Alyssa’s transition from casual backyard fun to competitive karting through the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and her first nerve-wracking race experience. From spinning out in her first practice session to ultimately winning a karting championship, her journey is one of resilience, family support, and self-confidence. This episode shines a spotlight on grassroots motorsports, especially entry-level kart racing like LO206 and how it opens the door to more advanced formats like TAG karting and shifter kart racing.

Alyssa shares great advice for those looking to enter the world of karting, including the importance of respecting speed, building confidence, and learning how to navigate a competitive environment—especially as a female driver. We also explore how racing influences her work life as a professional graphic designer, where precision, performance, and consistency echo her time on the track.

Whether you're exploring how to start in karting, curious about LO206 performance, or just love a good underdog racing story, this episode has something for everyone. We even touch on the broader value of high-performance driving events (HPDE) and how karting provides the perfect platform to build racecraft.

Big shoutouts to the community at Nelson Ledges, Pitt Race, and all those supporting the next generation of racers through local karting leagues, endurance karting events, and track day programs. This is grassroots racing at its finest—family, fun, and fierce competition.

🛞 Keywords: Karting, LO206, TAG kart, Shifter Kart, SCCA, Mid-Ohio, Nelson Ledges, Pitt Race, Concession karts, Female racer, Grassroots motorsports, Motorsport career, Go-kart racing, Racing family, How to start karting, Track days, Endurance racing, HPDE, High-performance driver education, Racing confidence, 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 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

Bill sits down with Matt Busby, President and CEO of Thunderhill Raceway, to talk about everything from his love of rotary engines to the future of track day events. Matt shares his incredible journey from being a car-obsessed teenager in Louisiana to managing world-class racing facilities, including NOLA Motorsports Park and NCM Motorsports Park.

We dive into what it takes to get started in racing—whether it's through karting, autocross, or jumping straight into open-wheel cars like Matt did. He shares how saying "yes" to an unexpected job offer in motorsports set him on the path to managing some of the most well-known racetracks in the country. Plus, we explore the business side of racing, from track operations to the evolving expectations of modern-day racers.

Matt also has some wild track stories, including a late-night minibike jousting match, an insane wrong-way incident on track, and the time a tornado nearly wiped out NCM Motorsports Park. We also discuss the biggest mistakes new drivers make at track days, how racing facilities must adapt to changing demographics, and why building a welcoming paddock culture is key to growing grassroots motorsports.

💥 Whether you're a seasoned racer, a weekend track warrior, or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights, entertaining stories, and expert advice from someone who lives and breathes motorsports.

🎧 Tune in now for an inside look at the world of motorsports!

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 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

Bill Snow talks with Chris Ludwig of LMS EFI about harnessing data to improve racing performance. Chris shares practical tips on using data effectively at various skill levels, from basic lap time analysis to in-depth brake and throttle assessments. Learn how data can help you become a faster, more consistent driver. Plus, Chris shares a funny anecdote about the importance of pre-race bathroom breaks!

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 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

Bill Snow interviews Ryan Hall, a professional driver and coach, offering valuable insights for racers of all levels. Ryan shares his experiences in IRL and Champ Car, his coaching methods, and the importance of consistent seat time. He also emphasizes the negative consequences of being late to grid and provides actionable tips for maximizing track time and avoiding costly errors.

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 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

Bill chats with Jason Kennedy of Auto Interest, a leading high-performance driving (HPD) organization, about their unique approach to track days and driver education. Jason shares the story of Auto Interest's evolution, from a small group of Ford Taurus enthusiasts to a nationally recognized HPD with a cutting-edge technology platform. Learn about their focus on driver education, innovative technology, and the importance of the right mindset for a successful track day. Jason also offers valuable advice for first-timers, including essential pre-event prep tips and how to get the most out of your time with an instructor.

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 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

Join the Atomic Autosports crew as they hit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show! 🚗💨 From cutting-edge technology and industry innovations to behind-the-scenes insights, the team shares their experience exploring one of the biggest racing trade shows in the world.

Get an up-close look at the latest performance parts, tools, and trends shaping the future of racing. Plus, hear what stood out to the Atomic crew as they connect with top industry pros and suppliers.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a gearhead, or just curious about the world of high-performance autosports, this episode is packed with must-see moments! 🏁

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 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

Bill from Atomic Auto Sports welcomes back Michael Ribas of Exceed Transition Coaching for a powerful episode focused on goal setting and achieving peak performance in motorsports. Whether you're an autocrosser, time trial enthusiast, or road racer, Michael's insights will help you plan for your best season yet. Learn how to set SMART goals, prioritize effectively, manage your energy, and leverage the power of coaching to excel both on and off the track. Michael shares inspiring success stories and offers a special discount on his coaching services exclusively for Late to Grid listeners. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable strategies for success!

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 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

Join Bill from Atomic Auto Sports as he chats with Andrew Markel, Technical Director of Content for Babcock's Media and a lifelong motorsports enthusiast. Andrew shares his incredible journey, from witnessing Formula 1 in Detroit as a child to his current work creating automotive content and his ongoing passion for grassroots racing. Hear about his experiences at the Indy 500, various driver's schools (including the unforgettable Bridgestone Ice Driving Academy!), and his hilarious adventures with old cars and pull-a-parts. Andrew’s story is an inspiration for anyone with a passion for cars and racing!

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 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

Luke Ryker from Track Heroes joins us to share his inspiring story of using high-performance driving to help veterans and first responders overcome PTSD. Discover the science behind this unique program, how it works, and the incredible impact it's having on the lives of those who've served. Learn about the different stages of the program, their partnerships with organizations like BMW Performance Center, and how you can get involved!

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 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.