RPW Exclusive: Chasing His Dream; Max McLaughlin To Follow WoO Late Model Series In ’24 With Team 22Inc

Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – MOORESVILLE, NC – It’s go time for Max McLaughlin.

McLaughlin has run Modifieds on the Super DIRTcar Series.

He’s raced against the best in NASCAR.

He’s even wheeled a UMP Modified.

Now, for the 2024 season, he’ll be extremely busy as he joins forces with Team 22Inc Motorsports to follow the entire World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

McLaughlin will be piloting the team’s Cornett-powered Longhorn with primary backing coming from Mohawk Northeast.

“This is a dream come true for me,” McLaughlin said. “Being able to race a Late Model and follow a national tour like the World of Outlaws is just amazing.”

The Mooresville, NC driver can’t thank his Super DIRTcar Series car owner, Al Heinke, and the people at Mohawk Northeast enough for following him to Team 22 for this new venture.

“Al has always been one of my biggest supporters throughout my career,” he said. “To have him believe in me enough to come with me on the Late Model tour means everything. He loves to race and knows how to be successful. He’s an amazing person.”

While he’ll be running with the Outlaws for their entire 2024 racing schedule, Modified fans will still get their fix of “Mad Max” behind the wheel of the HBR #8H.

“We’re still going to run the Modified as much as possible, just on a part-time basis,” he said. “I will always love the Modifieds and my team at HBR so getting to race the Modified as much as I can is great.”

The team will have Bicknells ready to go for Max when his schedule allows, namely as many Super DIRTcar Series events as possible like Super DIRT Week and other big events.

While McLaughlin will focus primarily on chasing checkered flags on the WoO trail while trying to become the Series’ top Rookie, he and Team 22 will also run select special events throughout the season.

“From the moment we started talking about the possibility of teaming up, GR (Smith) and everyone at Team 22 has been on the same page for what to expect,” he said.  “I have a lot to learn about these cars and they understand that.  However, they know I’ll give my all to be successful. I know they’ll give me 100% too.”

McLaughlin is ready for the challenge and grateful for the opportunities he’ll have in 2024.

I’m very thankful for the opportunity that GR and his family are giving me,” he said.  “I’m also thankful for Al that he’s come on board as the primary sponsor.  Having people like that believing in me and letting me chase my dreams is something I’ll be eternally grateful for.”

McLaughlin would also like to thank Gambler Transport, Brickhouse Tavern, Victory Circle Auto Sales, Team 22INC, Dirt King Apparel and Bell Helmets for being part of the team.

The new pairing will begin their assault on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series when the tour cranks up for 2024 at Volusia Speedway Park in January for the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals.