Matt Busby on Racing, Track Operations, and the Future of Motorsports

In this episode of Late to Grid, host Bill Snow sits down with Matt Busby, President and CEO of Thunderhill Raceway, to talk about everything from his love of rotary engines to the future of track day events. Bill gets Matt to share his wild journey from being a car-obsessed teenager in Louisiana to managing world-class racing facilities, including NOLA Motorsports Park and NCM Motorsports Park.

You can dive into what it takes to get started in racing—whether it's through karting, autocross, or jumping straight into open-wheel cars like Matt did. He shares how saying "yes" to an unexpected job offer in motorsports set him on the path to managing some of the most well-known racetracks in the country. Plus, we explore the business side of racing, from track operations to the evolving expectations of modern-day racers.

Matt also has some wild track stories, including a late-night minibike jousting match, an insane wrong-way incident on track, and the time a tornado nearly wiped out NCM Motorsports Park. We also discuss the biggest mistakes new drivers make at track days, how racing facilities must adapt to changing demographics, and why building a welcoming paddock culture is key to growing grassroots motorsports.

💥 Whether you're a seasoned racer, a weekend track warrior, or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights, entertaining stories, and expert advice from someone who lives and breathes motorsports.

🔧 *Chapters:*
00:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Matt Busby
00:01:53 – Matt’s Rotary Obsession & Racing Background
00:09:57 – How Matt Got Into Motorsports
00:16:58 – The Transition to a Career in Racing
00:24:54 – Moving to Thunderhill Raceway
00:39:57 – The Future of Motorsports & Track Days
00:47:22 – How to Get Involved in the Industry
00:52:58 – Has Matt Ever Been Late to Grid?

🎧 Tune in now for an inside look at the world of motorsports!