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:
Looking 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.
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 […]
Send a text 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 […]
Send a text 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 […]
Send a text How does a random envelope in the mail or a Foxbody Mustang graduation present lead to running a massive five-state racing program? Bill Snow sits down with Jay Andrew and Glenn Robinson from NASA Great Lakes to discuss the "ladder of success" in motorsports. In this episode, we dive deep into the […]
In racing, problems are inevitable—but they happen much more often when you don't have a plan. Bill Snow sits down with Thomas Gaydos, a polymer engineering student at the University of Akron and a rising talent in SCCA club racing, to discuss his unique entry into motorsports. From burning through a DVD of the movie […]
