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Late to Grid - Grassroots RacingAuthor: Bill Snow
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. Language: en-us Genres: Automotive, Leisure, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From Firefighter to Finish Line: Scaling a 50-Year Open-Wheel Legacy with John Harkenrider
Episode 6
Monday, 30 March, 2026
Send us Fan MailWhat 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.comThanks 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.
