OSWEGO N.Y. — Super DIRT Week for Max McLaughlin has gone well to put it lightly.
The week started out with a win in the 358 modified at Weedsport Speedway, followed by a second-place effort at Brewerton Speedway and a second-place finish in Saturday’s Salute The Troops 150 at Oswego Speedway.
The race started with Marc Johnson and Stewart Friesen on the front row with Mad Max starting outside row seven in 14th. The yellow silk waved a lot during the course of the event.
At the halfway break, McLaughlin was fourth behind Marc Johnson, Stewart Friesen and Peter Britten. Matt Sheppard took the lead on lap 139 as Friesen shredded a right-rear tire with five to go giving McLaughlin second place for the restart.
However, McLaughlin could not mount a challenge to Sheppard.
The second-place effort was not a disappointment to McLaughlin.
“We’ve had a great week overall,” McLaughlin said. “I feel like if we had a caution in the triple 25 with the big block earlier we could of won that too. It comes down to Al Heinke giving the car to go win races. I haven’t been able to give him the results he wanted recently but it sure feels good this week.”
This is McLaughin’s second stint with Heinke Baldwin Racing.
“I don’t know (how it’s been different)” McLaughlin commented. “For one I feel like I am twice the driver I used to be, I’ve matured as a driver. The switch to Bicknell and DIG Racing Shocks has really been good for me. All of it has been good for me. Jake being my crew chief, my dad and Kurt working in the shop. It’s a pleasure to drive.”
With a second place in the Salute To The Troops 150 event, McLaughlin has launched his name as one of the favorites to win the Super Dirt Week finale Sunday evening.