Andy Jankowiak Bio
Andrew Jankowiak is an American racing driver who competes part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 73 Toyota Camry for KLAS Motorsports. Born on March 10, 1988, in Tonawanda, New York, Jankowiak has established himself as a dedicated competitor across multiple racing disciplines. He has also previously competed in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Jankowiak’s journey in motorsports reflects both his passion for racing and his family’s deep connection to the sport. He began his professional racing career in 2019 and has steadily built his resume through consistent competition and determination.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Jankowiak was born on March 10, 1988, in Tonawanda, New York, to parents Tony Jankowiak and Debby Druar. From a young age, Jankowiak frequently visited the Ransomville Speedway go-kart track with his mother and uncle Jake, developing his early interest in racing. This exposure to motorsports came naturally given his family’s extensive racing background.
Jankowiak’s family lineage in racing runs deep. His father Tony Jankowiak, mother Debby Druar Jankowiak, and uncle Tommy Druar were all racing drivers. His mother made history as the first female to win a race at the Lancaster Motorplex. Tragedy struck the family when Tommy Druar was killed in a race at Lancaster Motorplex in Summer 1989, followed by Tony Jankowiak’s death in a crash at Stafford Motor Speedway in April 1990.
To fund his racing aspirations, Jankowiak worked as a delivery driver for Bob & John’s La Hacienda, using his tips to support his motorsports career. This grassroots approach to financing his racing demonstrated his commitment and work ethic from the beginning of his journey.
Path to NASCAR
Jankowiak’s path to NASCAR began with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2019, driving for Susanne Lewis Racing. His debut attempt at the Musket 250 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the No. 41 Chevrolet resulted in a withdrawal, but he persevered and returned at the season-finale at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. Driving the No. 55 Airport Collision Dodge, he started 30th but was involved in a major crash on lap 13, finishing 38th.
The 2020 season saw Jankowiak continue his Modified Tour efforts with Steve Mendoza Racing, though he withdrew from the Laurel Highlands 150 at Jennerstown Speedway Complex. He later competed at Thompson in the No. 59 Jankowiak Racing Chevrolet, qualifying 28th and finishing 24th due to handling issues. His persistence led to improved results in 2021, where he drove for Jody Lauzon Racing at New York International Raceway Park, starting 17th and finishing 14th.
Following his Modified Tour experience, Jankowiak transitioned to the ARCA Menards Series in 2021, marking a significant step in his racing career progression. This move allowed him to compete on larger tracks and gain exposure to different styles of racing competition.
Andy Jankowiak Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
Jankowiak’s early professional racing career focused on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour between 2019 and 2020. During this period, he drove for multiple teams including Susanne Lewis Racing and Steve Mendoza Racing, gaining valuable experience in modified-style racing. His debut season included challenging moments, including crashes and mechanical issues, but provided crucial learning opportunities.
By 2020, Jankowiak began fielding his own entries under the Jankowiak Racing banner while also collaborating with established teams. This period of his career was characterized by resilience and determination as he navigated the competitive Modified Tour landscape. His improvements in finishing positions and qualifying results demonstrated steady progress as a driver.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Jankowiak launched his ARCA Menards Series career in 2021, driving the No. 73 entry for his own Jankowiak Motorsports part-time. He purchased a car from Ken Schrader Racing to use for competition. The season began at Daytona International Speedway, where he qualified eleventh out of 34 cars and finished on the lead lap in eighth place. This impressive debut at the Lucas Oil 200 showcased his potential at the superspeedway level.
At Talladega Superspeedway, Jankowiak continued his strong form on superspeedways. Starting 27th, he improved to finish seventh on the lead lap at the General Tire 200. He carried this momentum to Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he honored members of the United States Armed Forces from western New York killed in action by displaying them on his car and helmet. Starting eighth, he finished ninth on the lead lap.
At Pocono Raceway, Jankowiak secured sponsorship from Konnect General Stores through their Phillips 66 distribution. Starting ninth in a 24-car field, he finished seventh, marking his fourth top-ten and lead lap finish of the season. He also competed on road courses, including Watkins Glen International, where Marsh Racing collaborated with his team. Despite qualifying challenges, he gained valuable experience on different track types.
KLAS Motorsports Era (2023-Present)
On January 19, 2023, Jankowiak announced significant changes to his racing operation. The ownership of his race team was taken over by fellow driver Andy Seuss and Kevin Lapierre, allowing Jankowiak to focus solely on his driving duties. The team was renamed KLAS Motorsports, using the initials of the two new owners. Jankowiak continued driving the No. 73 car in the main ARCA Series on a part-time basis.
This restructuring provided Jankowiak with a more stable platform to compete at the ARCA level. The partnership with Seuss and Lapierre brought additional resources and expertise to the team, potentially opening doors for more competitive opportunities. Jankowiak’s role transitioned from owner-driver to focused competitor, allowing him to concentrate on race craft and performance.
The KLAS Motorsports era represents a maturation point in Jankowiak’s career, with a Toyota Camry serving as his vehicle of choice. The team’s structure allows for targeted entries in races that align with Jankowiak’s strengths and schedule, optimizing his opportunities for success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jankowiak has demonstrated particular strength on superspeedway tracks, with multiple top-ten finishes at Daytona and Talladega in his ARCA debut season. His ability to navigate high-speed pack racing while maintaining position on the lead lap shows strong superspeedway aptitude. Working with crew chief Steve Mendoza, Jankowiak has developed a collaborative approach to race strategy and car setup.
Notable Races and Milestones
One of Jankowiak’s most notable achievements came at the 2022 ARCA Menards Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he raced a special paint scheme inspired by the design his mother used to race. This tribute honored his family’s racing heritage. Throughout his career, Jankowiak has frequently raced the number 73 in tribute to his father and uncle, keeping their memory alive through his competition.
Andy Jankowiak Career Wins
Andrew Jankowiak’s racing career has been characterized by steady progress and consistent top-ten finishes rather than victory lane celebrations. His results across the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour demonstrate his competitive nature and ability to run at the front of the pack.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
In his ARCA Menards Series career, Jankowiak has recorded multiple top-ten finishes during his 2021 debut season. His eighth-place finish at Daytona and seventh-place results at Talladega and Pocono stand as significant achievements in his ARCA tenure. These finishes came on lead laps, showcasing his ability to remain competitive throughout race distance.
Other Wins & Performances
Jankowiak’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career included a 14th-place finish at New York International Raceway Park in 2021, representing his best result in that series. His transition from local modified racing to national ARCA competition shows his development across different racing disciplines and levels of competition.
Andy Jankowiak Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andy Jankowiak comes from a racing family with deep roots in northeastern motorsports. His father, Tony Jankowiak, married his mother Debby Druar after working alongside her on Tommy Druar’s pit crew. All three—Tony, Debby, and Tommy—were racing drivers. Debby Druar Jankowiak made history as the first female to win a race at Lancaster Motorplex. The family suffered tragedy with the deaths of Tommy Druar in 1989 and Tony Jankowiak in 1990, both in racing accidents.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents continued opportunities for Andy Jankowiak in the ARCA Menards Series with KLAS Motorsports. As a part-time competitor, Jankowiak will likely target specific races that align with his strengths on superspeedways and tracks where he has previously found success. The stability provided by the KLAS Motorsports ownership structure allows for strategic race selection and preparation.
Working with crew chief Steve Mendoza, Jankowiak will focus on maximizing his performance in selected events. The Toyota-powered No. 73 entry will carry his family’s racing legacy forward as he competes against both established ARCA veterans and up-and-coming talent. His experience from previous seasons should translate into improved qualifying positions and race results.
Looking ahead, Jankowiak’s approach balances his part-time status with competitive aspirations. The 2025 season offers the potential for additional top-ten finishes and possibly challenging for better results at tracks where he has demonstrated strength. His dedication to honoring his family’s racing heritage through his number 73 car continues to motivate his performance on the track.
