By ohnson 
Max McLaughlin achieved a third-place finish on Friday night in the Super DIRTcar Series competition. This was his best career finish against the renowned stars of the series. The Mooresville, North Carolina, driver engaged in a fierce battle throughout the race before eventually managing to reclaim his position and secure third place just before the checkered flag.
“Being on the podium is truly cool,” said McLaughlin. “Last year, we faced significant struggles. To start the year at the very first Super DIRTcar Series race and end up in third place is a massive accomplishment for us.”
During his Victory Lane interview, McLaughlin stated that he had made the wrong call regarding a setup decision. This decision compelled him to modify his plans on how to approach the track with his Teo Pro Car. Subsequently, he elaborated on the decision.
“I didn’t incorporate enough stagger into the car,” McLaughlin remarked. “We were quite tight out there. That affected us early in the race. I gradually found a groove that allowed me to carry more speed through the center. I could achieve a good run in that area. The problem was that if someone was on the outside, I would collide with them. The only way I could utilize that line was if no one was positioned there.”
McLaughlin made his move in the final three laps. The top lane opened up precisely as he had hoped, and he surged to the front.
“In the last couple of laps of the race, I moved to the outside,” he said. “I believe we advanced from seventh to third in the last three laps. That’s a remarkable run for us. Starting the year in such a manner is positive.”
Now with a career-best finish achieved, McLaughlin looks forward to more success on Saturday.
“We will go at it again tomorrow and hopefully end up in Victory Lane.”