Late to Grid - Grassroots Racing

Bill Snow
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  • Automotive
  • Updated weekly

We share the stories and inspiration that will help get more people behind the wheel and on the track. Track days, HPDE, SCCA, NASA, ChampCar, LeMons, and autocrossing - we interview drivers and industry insiders that will help drivers along their motorsports journey. The name, Late To Grid? In the past the host, Bill Snow, was always late to the track, late to get the car ready, and hence - Late To Grid. His goal with the podcast is to grow the sport and highlight the tools and resources that will help you get to the track and faster behind the wheel.

  1. 5 days ago

    From Daytona Dreams to HPDE Reality: Rory Gamble’s Motorsports Journey

    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 inspirationThe 2007 Daytona 500 and becoming a racing fanRental karting and early motorsports experiencesBuying and tracking a BMW M2First HPDE experience at Mid-OhioNASA HPDE programs and driver developmentGrassroots racing cultureBuilding confidence behind the wheelLessons for new track day driversThe importance of community in motorsportsLooking 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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    49 min

  2. 9 Jun

    NASA Time Trials: Data, Setup & Seat Time with Darek Koman

    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 TrialsWhy Time Trials is a smart bridge between track days and wheel-to-wheel racingHow to use data to understand where you are gaining or losing timeWhy tire temperatures, setup notes, and weather conditions matterThe value of using every session you paid forWhy rain sessions are some of the best car-control training availableThe community side of grassroots motorsports and NASA Great LakesHow a street car can evolve into a serious track or race carWhether 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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    46 min

  3. 12 May

    High School Racing Is REAL?! The Future of Grassroots Motorsports

    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?  Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    43 min

  4. 14 Apr

    From CPA to Paddock Leader: Eric Kaul on Racing, Community, and Networking

    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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    1hr 4min

  5. 31 Mar

    From Firefighter to Finish Line: Scaling a 50-Year Open-Wheel Legacy with John Harkenrider

    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.  Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    44 min

  6. 16 Mar

    From Rusty Miatas to Global Marketing: Building a Spec Iron Legacy with Chris Armbruster

    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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    55 min

  7. 3 Mar

    The LinkedIn of Motorsports? How RACERSHIP is Revolutionizing Sponsorships

    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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    47 min

  8. 16 Feb

    The Road to Endurance: NASA Great Lakes and the Team Racing Endurance Cup (TREC)

    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 properlyBuild safe and competitive endurance setupsDevelop as high-performance driversTurn track-day passion into structured racing programsTogether, 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. Want faster laps and fewer headaches at the track? Atomic Autosports helps grassroots racers go from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.”  From alignment and suspension tuning to track-day prep, Atomic Autosports is here to help you drive smarter, safer, and quicker. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, learn more at atomicautosports.http://www.atomicautosports.comcom If you’re serious about getting faster, start at AtomicAutosports.com where you can find guides, information, and even connect with us to make sure that your motorsports journey stays on track.  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.

    1hr 17min
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We share the stories and inspiration that will help get more people behind the wheel and on the track. Track days, HPDE, SCCA, NASA, ChampCar, LeMons, and autocrossing - we interview drivers and industry insiders that will help drivers along their motorsports journey. The name, Late To Grid? In the past the host, Bill Snow, was always late to the track, late to get the car ready, and hence - Late To Grid. His goal with the podcast is to grow the sport and highlight the tools and resources that will help you get to the track and faster behind the wheel.

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