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Most middle school students spend their free time playing video games and participating in team sports and clubs. Not Max Garcia.
What drives the St. Hugh Catholic School eighth grade student is his dream of racing in, and winning, the Indianapolis 500. And at age 14, Max already is well along the road to getting there one day.
“It was my father who got me interested in racing,” Max said. “For as long as I can remember, we’ve been watching NASCAR races at Homestead Speedway, where my dad works. One day he said, ‘It’s your turn to drive; let’s see what you’ve got.’”
And with that, Max was literally off to the races.
Since he began racing Karts at age 7, Max steadily has moved up the competitive ladder, piloting small but powerful vehicles that resemble the famed Indy cars. In 2018, his first year of racing nationally, Max won the SKUSA Micro National Championship. He followed that in 2020 with the United States Pro Kart Mini National Championship.
In 2021 Max moved up to the X30 Junior class and claimed nine podium finishes in 15 national events. Last year he finished second in points at the United States Pro Kart Series and claimed third place at the SKUSA SuperNationals.
Max drives for Pabst Racing as No. 24 and is sponsored by Advanced Auto Parts, Bell Helmets, and OMP. His car, which is shipped by Pabst to his races, can reach speeds of 140 miles per hour on straightaways and corners at almost 100 mph.
“My dad is really into my racing, but my mom gets a little scared. She holds her breath the entire time,” he said with a laugh. “I am doing well, but I’m young. I’m competing against other drivers as old as 21. Right now, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.”
Max has competed in races as far away as LeMans, France and Kristianstad, Sweden. His next race is set for May 11 on the Indy Road Course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“You gotta trust the car and your own abilities,” Max said. “Any doubts you’ll end up in the wall faster than you can blink.”
Follow Max on Instagram at @maxgarciaracing.
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