“Mad Max” is second in Series Rookie of the Year points as he returns to his roots in October
By Matt Skipper
Max McLaughlin has been able to mix his racing career in 2024 as a rookie in the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models and a part-time racer in the Super DIRTcar Series.
With five races remaining until the championship finale at World of Outlaws World Finals, the 24-year-old gasser is second in the MD3 Rookie of the Year points as he focuses on finishing each night with something new to learn and grow his skillset.
“I think we’re the only true rookie on the World of Outlaws season and it’s been wild,” McLaughlin said. “My [second Late Model] race was at Volusia (in January); it’s been a lot of fun in any case. I didn’t know if I could be a Late Model driver at the start of the year with its challenges. I know that I can do it.
“It’s been about learning about these tracks we go to and having a setup that works to have results with some changes here and there. We’ve had our ups and downs. It’s awesome to get some wins, battle with these guys, and run towards the front, so I am having fun.”
He made his presence known driving the No. 22* Longhorn Chassis in 2024 with a prelim Series Feature win at Talladega Short Track, his first Summer Nationals Feature win at Adams County Speedway, and his first points podium with the Series at River Cities Speedway.
“Consistency is everything,” McLaughlin said. “Once you (win), you know you can contend to beat good people, get a podium with the Outlaws, and have a shot to win every time. It feels great and you wanna do it all the time. But, when you can’t, you get pissed. We’re looking forward to the end of the year, we got good cars and great sponsors. Bilstein and Longhorn have helped us setup-wise recently, and I’d like to see if we end the year on a good note.”
Known as “Racing’s Biggest Party,” McLaughlin keeps the event dear to his heart as he hopes to participate in the event each year until he hangs up the helmet later down the road. For now, he’s looking to finish one spot better than he did in 2023 for his first Billy Whittaker Cars 200 triumph.
“These Late Model races get pretty wild, and it reminds me so much of Super DIRT Week,” McLaughlin said. “The only difference is that we just don’t have the big names for the concerts. That week has an amazing atmosphere, the planning is really good with Brian Carter, Jeff Hachmann and all of WRG take such great care of that event. Losing Syracuse was a bummer for most, but I feel like SDW has had the best racing it’s ever had at Oswego.
“There’s never really been a bad race. I always look forward to it, no matter where I am in my career, I’m gonna be at Super DIRT Week racing. I’m gonna win that race before I quit. Al’s been my number-one guy my whole career. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I broke my back when I was 13 doing a backflip and I haven’t done one since. If I win, I’ll probably do one again.”
McLaughlin climbs back into his Team 22 Inc. machine with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models at Louisiana’s Boothill Speedway on Friday, Sept. 27, and the Texas Torpedo 50 at Rocket Raceway Park on Saturday, Sept. 28. They are the final two stops on the 2024 tour before the championship finale at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.
For more information about the upcoming events in the 2024 World of Outlaws CASE Late Models season, CLICK HERE. And for tickets to Super DIRT Week 52 (Oct. 7-12), CLICK HERE.
If you can’t make it to the track, watch every lap of the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models season and Super DIRT Week on DIRTVision – through your computer or mobile device.
