Andrew Jankowiak Bio
Andrew Jankowiak (born March 10, 1988) is an American racing driver who competes part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 73 Toyota Camry for KLAS Motorsports. He has also previously competed in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Jankowiak was born in Tonawanda, New York, United States. He grew up in a family deeply involved in racing, with both his parents and uncle having been racing drivers. His mother, Debby Druar Jankowiak, was notably the first female to win a race at the Lancaster Motorplex. His father, Tony Jankowiak, and uncle, Tommy Druar, were also racers but tragically died in racing accidents in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Andrew frequently races using the number 73 as a tribute to his father and uncle.
From a young age, Jankowiak was exposed to motorsports, often visiting the Ransomville Speedway go-kart track with his mother and uncle. To support his racing ambitions, he worked as a delivery driver, using tips from his job to fund his racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Andrew Jankowiak began competing in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2019, initially driving for Susanne Lewis Racing. Although he intended to debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, he withdrew from that race but made his first start later that year at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. Over the next seasons, he competed in several Modified Tour races with various teams, including his own Jankowiak Racing and Steve Mendoza Racing.
His early NASCAR career involved gaining experience and developing his skills in the Modified Tour, which set the foundation for his transition to the ARCA Menards Series, where he began competing part-time in 2021.
Andrew Jankowiak Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Jankowiak’s early racing career in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour featured multiple starts with different teams. In 2019, he made his debut at the season finale at Thompson Speedway, though his race ended early due to a crash. In 2020, he competed in several events with mixed results, facing handling issues but gaining valuable track time and experience.
During this period, Jankowiak also ran races under his own team, Jankowiak Racing, and with Steve Mendoza Racing, building his presence in the regional racing scene.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In 2021, Andrew Jankowiak stepped up to the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 73 car part-time for his own Jankowiak Motorsports team. He acquired a car from Ken Schrader Racing and quickly showed promise. At the season-opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway, he qualified 11th and finished 8th on the lead lap, marking a strong debut.
Jankowiak continued to improve throughout the season, earning multiple top-ten finishes including seventh place at Talladega Superspeedway and Pocono Raceway, and ninth at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He also competed on the road course at Watkins Glen International, finishing 16th despite mechanical setbacks during qualifying.
In 2023, Jankowiak returned to the ARCA Series driving the No. 73 Toyota Camry for KLAS Motorsports, a team formed when fellow drivers Andy Seuss and Kevin Lapierre took over ownership to allow Jankowiak to focus on driving. His crew chief is Steve Mendoza, and the team runs Toyota machinery.
Driving Style and Strengths
Andrew Jankowiak is known for his perseverance and adaptability across different track types, including superspeedways and road courses. His racecraft and strategic approach have enabled him to consistently finish on the lead lap and secure top-ten results. His partnership with crew chief Steve Mendoza has been instrumental in optimizing car performance and race strategy.
Notable Races and Milestones
Jankowiak’s ARCA debut at Daytona International Speedway and subsequent top-ten finishes at major superspeedways like Talladega and Pocono stand out as key milestones. His tribute paint schemes honoring his family’s racing legacy have also garnered attention and respect within the racing community.
Andrew Jankowiak Career Wins
While Andrew Jankowiak has yet to secure a victory in the ARCA Menards Series or NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, his consistent top-ten finishes and competitive performances mark a promising trajectory in his racing career.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Jankowiak’s ARCA career highlights include multiple top-ten finishes in his part-time schedule, with a best finish of seventh place achieved at both Talladega Superspeedway and Pocono Raceway. His debut at Daytona International Speedway resulted in an impressive eighth-place finish on the lead lap.
Other Wins & Performances
In the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Jankowiak has gained valuable experience but has yet to record a top-ten finish. His participation in regional and local racing events has helped him develop his skills and racing acumen.
Andrew Jankowiak Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Andrew Jankowiak comes from a family with a rich racing heritage. His parents, Tony Jankowiak and Debby Druar, were both involved in racing, as was his uncle Tommy Druar. His mother was a pioneering female racer, being the first woman to win at the Lancaster Motorplex. The family’s deep connection to motorsports has been a significant influence on Andrew’s racing career.
Personal Life
Details about Andrew Jankowiak’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He is active on social media platforms where he shares updates about his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Andrew Jankowiak is expected to continue competing part-time in the ARCA Menards Series with KLAS Motorsports. With the team’s ownership structure allowing him to concentrate fully on driving, and the support of crew chief Steve Mendoza, Jankowiak aims to build on his previous performances and contend for higher finishes. His experience on superspeedways and road courses will be key assets as he seeks to advance his career further.
