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At Thunderhill Raceway, we don’t just host events—we shape the future of motorsports. As one of the premier racetracks in Northern California, we’re always looking ahead, ensuring that Thunderhill remains a top-tier destination for racers and driving enthusiasts. Our President and CEO, Matt Busby, recently sat down for an episode of the Late to Grid podcast to talk about his journey, the evolution of track operations, and where motorsports is headed.
Matt’s story is one that many racers can relate to—he started as an enthusiast, wrenching on RX-7s in Louisiana, and over time, his passion turned into a full-blown career in motorsports. His early years were spent in karting and open-wheel racing before he transitioned into the operational side of the industry, first at NOLA Motorsports Park, then NCM Motorsports Park in Kentucky, and now at the helm of Thunderhill.
What sets Matt apart is that he’s not just a track manager—he’s a racer at heart. He knows exactly what drivers need when they show up at a track, and that perspective helps us create the best experience possible for our customers.
One of the biggest trends Matt has observed over the years is the shift from traditional racing to more accessible track experiences. Gone are the days when getting into motorsports meant owning a race car, a trailer, and a dedicated race team. With track days, time attack, and HPDE (High-Performance Driver Education) events, anyone can get on track in a street car and start pushing their limits.
At Thunderhill, we’ve seen this shift firsthand. While wheel-to-wheel racing will always have its place, the most significant growth comes from events catering to a broader audience. Groups like GridLife have figured out how to create a festival-style atmosphere that blends racing, car culture, and entertainment. The future of motorsports isn’t just about what happens on track—it’s about the entire experience.
With over 30 years of history, Thunderhill has built a reputation as one of the best tracks in the country, but we’re not stopping there. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the facility, upgrade our offerings, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of the next generation of drivers.
The aging racer demographic is one of the biggest challenges in the industry right now. The drivers who have supported tracks like ours for decades are starting to phase out, and we need to ensure we’re bringing in new blood. That means investing in better amenities, more substantial event programming, and providing our track as welcoming as possible to newcomers.
“We’re in a transformative time,” says Matt. “We need to ensure we’re staying ahead of the curve, not just in terms of what we offer on track, but in how we engage with the motorsports community.”
“Racetracks across the country are always hiring,” Matt says. “Corner workers, event staff, operations—you name it. If you want to get involved, show up, be reliable, and don’t be afraid to start at the bottom.”
We’ve seen plenty of people start as volunteers and work up to full-time careers in racing. Whether you want to drive, work in event operations, or be around the action, there are plenty of ways to be part of the Thunderhill community
At Thunderhill, we know that motorsports is evolving, and we’re evolving with it. We’re committed to improving the track experience—whether hosting the best events, upgrading our facilities, or ensuring every driver who comes through our gates has an unforgettable time.
If you’re ready to experience Thunderhill for yourself, check out our upcoming events, sign up for a track day, or just come out and see what makes this place special. The future of motorsports is happening right here at Thunderhill, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
See you on the track, Ted 🏎️ 🏁
Watch Matt’s full interview on the Late to Grid podcast here:
Watch here:
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At Thunderhill, we’ve been delivering a superior motorsports experience for over 30 years. Our track remains one of the finest, safest, and cleanest road courses in America. Beyond the track, our team continues to set the standard for world-class customer service, exceeding expectations at every turn.
