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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.

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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.

Need to get your car ready for the track before the season starts? Schedule your appointment here to make sure that you're not Late to Grid!

Flowers, bees, fresh cut grass and...oh yeah, RACING is just around the corner. It would be the "pits" litereally if your car wasn't ready to get on track early. Get your car scheduled for service today to make sure that it is Atomic Prepped and not Late to Grid. We even have an easy link for it! Springtime scheduling

Ready to get more from your track days? Want to move to the front of the line for your track day prep? Then you need the Atomic Autosports Apex Club. From a merch pack and exclusive events to priority booking for your track prep essentials. The Atomic Auto Apex Club helps you get on the podium. Stop chasing lap times alone. Join the Apex Club to maximize your performance and share your passion. Sign up at Atomic Autosports.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.

Need to get your car ready for the track before the season starts? Schedule your appointment here to make sure that you're not Late to Grid!

Flowers, bees, fresh cut grass and...oh yeah, RACING is just around the corner. It would be the "pits" litereally if your car wasn't ready to get on track early. Get your car scheduled for service today to make sure that it is Atomic Prepped and not Late to Grid. We even have an easy link for it! Springtime scheduling

Ready to get more from your track days? Want to move to the front of the line for your track day prep? Then you need the Atomic Autosports Apex Club. From a merch pack and exclusive events to priority booking for your track prep essentials. The Atomic Auto Apex Club helps you get on the podium. Stop chasing lap times alone. Join the Apex Club to maximize your performance and share your passion. Sign up at Atomic Autosports.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.