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 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.
