NASA Time Trials: Data, Setup & Seat Time with Darek Koman

Send us Fan Mail You asked for it, and we’re delivering it: a deep dive into NASA Time Trials with Darek Koman from NASA Great Lakes. In this episode of Late To Grid, Darek joins us in the Atomic Autosports studio to talk about his motorsports journey from HPDE, autocross, and track days into NASA Time Trials and wheel-to-wheel Super Touring competition. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from simply turning laps to competing against the clock, this one is for you. We dig into why Time Trials is such a powerful stepping stone in motorsports, especially for drivers who want competition without immediately jumping into a fully caged race car. Darek shares how he uses track time to experiment with tire pressures, dampers, sway bars, alignment, driving lines, data, and the all-important “butt dyno.” Yes, it’s technical. Yes, it’s useful. And yes, your car may still decide the differential is no longer interested in differential-ing. This episode covers: How Darek got started through NASA HPDE and Time Trials Why Time Trials is a smart bridge between track days and wheel-to-wheel racing How to use data to understand where you are gaining or losing time Why tire temperatures, setup notes, and weather conditions matter The value of using every session you paid for Why rain sessions are some of the best car-control training available The community side of grassroots motorsports and NASA Great Lakes How a street car can evolve into a serious track or race car Whether you are new to HPDE, chasing faster lap times in Time Trials, building a track car, or considering your next step in grassroots racing, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has lived the progression. The racing season may be winding down, but now is the time to start preparing for the next one. If you’ve spent this season building a list of upgrades, repairs, or performance improvements for your race car or track car, don’t wait until the first event of next season is right around the corner. Atomic Auto Sports can help you create a plan and get the work scheduled so your car is ready when it’s time to head back to the track. Before you head out for your next track day, autocross, HPDE event, or racing weekend, make sure your safety gear is ready. Track First offers the motorsports safety equipment racers and performance-driving enthusiasts need to get on track with confidence. Visit their showroom in Akron, Ohio to check out the gear in person, or stop by Atomic Autosports in Wickliffe, Ohio, where you’ll find a smaller Track First showroom with essential racing safety equipment. 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.