Episode 8 of The Building of a Race Team dives into one of the most pivotal and unpredictable chapters of Andy Jankowiak’s racing journey — from the wild chaos of Sportsman racing to the life-changing moment he bought an ARCA Series car from NASCAR legend Ken Schrader.
In this episode, Andy J shares never-before-told stories from his early racing days in the Sportsman division — the on-track chaos, the close calls, the rivalries, and the gritty reality of short-track racing that shaped his reputation as one of the toughest grassroots racers in America. These raw, unfiltered experiences reveal exactly how Andy learned to survive, adapt, and compete with limited resources but unlimited passion.
Then comes the turning point:
🔥 The decision to buy an ARCA Menards Series car from Ken Schrader — a move that changed everything.
We break down how this opportunity came together, why Andy took the risk, and how that single choice became the first major building block of what would eventually become KLAS Motorsports. From scraping together a budget to stepping into national-level equipment, this episode captures the exact moment when Andy’s racing career took its biggest leap forward.
🏁 WHAT YOU’LL SEE IN EPISODE 8:
Andy Jankowiak’s CRAZIEST stories from his Sportsman racing days
The unpredictable world of grassroots and short-track racing
How a phone call with Ken Schrader opened the door to the ARCA Series
The behind-the-scenes challenges of buying and preparing an ARCA race car
How this decision helped set the future for KLAS Motorsports
A powerful look at risks, resilience, and the reality of chasing a racing dream
If you love ARCA racing, short-track racing, NASCAR history, or underdog stories about how real race teams are built, this episode is one you cannot miss. This is grassroots racing at its purest — raw, unpredictable, and driven by passion.
📺 Watch Episode 7 of The Building of a Race Team now and follow Andy J’s unbelievable journey from local tracks to the national stage.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes covering the real story behind KLAS Motorsports and the racers who made it possible.
#ARCARacing #AndyJankowiak #KlasMotorsports
What is Racing with KLAS - The KLAS Motorsports Experience?
Welcome to Racing with KLAS, the podcast where ARCA Menards driver Andy Jankowiak and Aaron Inman from Washed Up Sports dive deep into the world of motorsports! 🚗💨
Andy keeps it real and unfiltered, sharing the raw truth about life as a NASCAR driver—the grind, the glory, and the behind-the-scenes moments fans never get to see. Expect hot takes, expert insights, and untold stories straight from the track. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just curious about what it takes to make it in the sport, this is the podcast for you!
🔥 Subscribe now and buckle up for an inside look at the world of professional racing! 🔥