MEET MAX

Max McLaughlin’s dream is to follow in his father’s footsteps and the talented teen is well on his way. His Dad, Mike “Magic Shoes” McLaughlin was not only a fan favorite in NASCAR but a talented racer in his own right. “Magic Shoes” won the 1988 NASCAR Modified National title and was elected into the DIRT Hall of Fame in 2013 for his skills as a dirt racer growing up in upstate New York.

In 2014 Max began racing in UMP Modified competition, full size cars racing on dirt ovals, producing over 700 horsepower. Needless to say going from a 450 pound kart to a 2450 pound full size race car was a challenge. He won his first career UMP modified event in March of 2015 and following that up with a King of the Carolinas championship at the Carolina Speedway in October.

“I just love to race,” said Max. “It doesn’t make a difference as long as it has a motor, I want to race it.” Max’s breakout season also included winning the Millbridge Speedway Outlaw Mini Sprint track championship. His stats for 2015 are staggering with 14 wins and 21 number one qualifying positions in 35 races.

Max’s big break came when Big Block modified powerhouse Heinke-Baldwin Racing , HBR, gave Mad Max a shot at driving one of their potent 900 HP race cars at the World Finals in Charlotte, NC in November. “I can’t thank HBR enough for giving me a shot to drive at Charlotte,” said McLaughlin. “In my wildest dreams I never thought I would become the youngest “Fast Timer” in the 44 year history of the Super DirtCar series.” The future looks bright for Max as he prepares for the 2016 racing season…with his sights set on improving on his amazing 2015 season.

“Max is more talented than I ever was, "stated his Dad, Mike. “He just has it and each year he keeps growing as a racer. I believe that Max can accomplish whatever he sets his sights on. It’s definitely pretty cool to watch your son follow in your footsteps.”

In 2017 Max finished 9th in the Super DirtCar series points and was awarded the 2017 Most Popular Driver award. Max set five fast times and broke four track records in his sophomore season on tour. He also picked up a win at both Fulton and Brewerton Speedways as well as a Triple 30 Feature at Super Dirt Week. The future looks bright.