Max Opalski joins forces with McCumbee McAleer Racing operation in Mustang Challenge…

Max Opalski Racing has launched a Mustang Challenge effort, with the 18-year-old Mazda MX-5 Cup graduate as the first confirmed driver. The Mooresville, N.C.-based operation announced its effort in the new-for-2024 IMSA-sanctioned series, featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, which kicks off at Mid-Ohio in June. “I’m looking forward to the new season in general,” Opalski said. “Everything is going to be a little bit different. I’m excited to stay in IMSA with some familiar faces, but I’m excited to drive a new car with a lot more horsepower in this Mustang Dark Horse R. It’s got a little bit different driving style, and I feel like I’m going to be very competitive this year.” As he adds team owner to his list of titles, Opalski is believed to be the youngest team owner in the IMSA paddock. “We’re in the middle of building a team,” Opalski said. “In the past, I’ve always been a part of a team, a driver for a team. You kind of just show up and everything is ready. Everything is there. Everything looks familiar. Now that we’re starting a team, you really notice all the things that don’t get done. If there’s a banner, we have to get that somehow. Someone has to drive the truck to the track, and who does that? Before, as a driver, you always think of yourself mostly. You have to think about everything and everyone. There’s a lot more on your plate, obviously, but it’s good because you know everything and how everything is running.”

I began my racing journey at the age of 5 in Chicago, Illinois, starting with kid-karts, the entry-level class in kart racing. For about two years, I competed in this class, gradually learning the fundamentals of racecraft and speed. During this time, I participated in regional racing series such as WKA and Route 66, where I focused more on developing my skills than on securing wins. My coaches often noted my coachable nature, which helped me improve over the years. A significant turning point came in 2016 when my family moved to Colorado. This move allowed me to race at a national level for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in my career. To support my development, my parents hired a personal driving coach who traveled with us across the country. My first national race was at the Rotax US Open in Las Vegas that same year. It was an exhilarating experience but also a wake-up call; I quickly realized the competition was fierce, and the talent pool was deeper than I had previously encountered. In 2017, I competed in the SKUSA Pro Tour for the first time, focusing on the mini swift class. My dedication paid off as I progressed as a driver, but 2018 proved to be another critical year as I moved up to the X30 Junior class. My coach, Wes Philips, and I started strong, finishing in the top ten of national races and achieving podium finishes in regional events like the SKUSA Pro Kart Series. By 2019, I was racing almost every week, and the experience was invaluable, leading to what I would consider my breakout year. At the start of that season in Florida, I qualified on the front row for the SKUSA Winter Series—a first for me. However, racing at the front brought new challenges, particularly managing the pressure of competitors behind me. Throughout the year, we faced the consistent challenge of being fast but struggling to maintain our position at the front. A highlight of 2019 was the Streets of Lancaster race in California, where I entered two classes and won both by over 5 seconds. This achievement significantly boosted my recognition in the racing community. The year ended with my participation in the SuperNats in Las Vegas, the largest kart race globally, where I finished 5th in one class out of 50 drivers and 10th in another class after starting from the back of the pack.

With a new season of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich less than two months away, 2019 Series Championship-winning team Copeland Motorsports is pleased to confirm their first signee of the 2023 season. Returning after a rookie year in 2022, Max Opalski has his sights set high when the new season takes the green flag in January at the famed Daytona International Speedway. “We are pleased to have Max back in one of our Copeland Motorsports prepared cars and after a year of learning in 2022, we are expecting quite big things from him this coming season,” expressed Copeland Motorsports Owner Dean Copeland. “Being comfortable with whom you are working with, familiarity, and speed is what it takes to win in this series and a second year with our program will provide Max with a lot of what is needed to win.” After a rookie season that featured highs and lows, Opalski finished the season strong with his two best finishes in the final two event weekends of the season. Progressing up the results sheets and showing the speed to run inside the top-ten, Opalski gained the experience needed to run at the front of the field in a new season of competition. “I am ready to get back out there and build upon the speed and results that we had in the latter half of this past season,” explained Opalski. “I had a tough start and a few events where I struggled. but I learned a ton that I can transition into this upcoming season. I am thankful for the partners that I have by my side and look forward to being able to represent them on the podium in 2023.” Copeland continued, “Max has the skill and drive to win, and I think once he gets that first one out of the way, he will be able to rack up many more in the future.” The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich will kick off January 25-27 at the 12-turn, 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway Road Course.  With the start of the 2023 season just under two months away, Copeland Motorsports will continue to add to their Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich driver lineup. Interested parties are asked to contact Dean Copeland and Copeland Motorsports.

Looking to follow in the footsteps of several Copeland Motorsports graduates, Max Opalski is set for his assault on the 2022 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich. With a schedule that will see competition at some of North America’s premier facilities, Opalski will begin his quest for race wins, podium results and the 2022 Rookie of the Year award beginning January at the Daytona International Speedway. “We welcome Max to the Copeland Motorsports squad and look forward to working with him in 2022 and beyond,” explained Dean Copeland. “We have had a ton of success bringing karters through the MX-5 Cup ranks on to bigger race programs and feel Max fits the mold of his predecessors such as Tyler Maxon, Tyler Gonzalez, Luca Mars and others.” Making the jump from karts to cars, Opalski has already been with Copeland Motorsports for several events throughout the 2021 season. Taking in the happenings on a race weekend, interacting with Copeland Motorsports drivers, and familiarizing himself with the series and competition, Opalski will enter his 2022 campaign prepared. “We have an extensive test program planned for the winter on top of what we have already done in the last half of this season,” explained Opalski. “I am thankful for the opportunity to join one of the best MX-5 Cup teams in the paddock, and one that has constructed their own internal ladder program.” Copeland continued, “Max has already completed several test days with us in 2021 and is preparing himself like many of the other successful candidates that we have had. We will take on Florida and several regional programs throughout the winter months as we prepare for the start of our national campaign.” With the start of the 2022 season at the Daytona International Speedway just over two months away, Copeland Motorsports will continue to add to their Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich driver lineup. Interested parties are asked to contact Dean Copeland and Copeland Motorsports.