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Max Opalski

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:18:03 GMT

American Polish race car driver

Early Life and Karting

Maximilian Opalski was born on October 11, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois , United States. [3] He began racing at the age of five in karting, competing in regional series such as the World Karting Associatio n (WKA) and Route 66 series. Through the late 2010s, he progressed through various karting classes, achieving multiple top-ten finishes at national events and podium results in regional competitions. In 2019, Opalski achieved notable success with multiple race victories and strong results with podium finishes in the United States Pro Kart Series [4] and Challenge of the Americas. [5] [6] [7]

Early Life and Karting

Transition to Car Racing and MX5 Cup

Opalski transitioned from karting to sports car racing in 2022, joining Copeland Motorsports to compete in the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BF Goodrich. [8] Competing at various tracks around the US, including tracks like The Streets of St. Petersburg , [9] Virginia International Raceway , [10] and Watkins Glen . [11] Max Opalski finished the 2022 season with top ten finishes at the notible Road Atlanta . [12] He returned to the series with Copeland Motorsports for the 2023 season, where he aimed to build on his initial experience in the championship and secure competitive finishes. [13] After announcing his intentions to rejoin Copeland Motorsports and the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich , Max Opalski is finally ready for the first green flag of the season at the famed Daytona International Speedway . [14] Opalski was able to drive to a fifth-place result, his best career result in MX-5 competition as he completed his best weekend of car racing at that time [15] [16] . It wasn't until Road America later that year where Opalski and Noaker had a photo finish for third. Opalski took the spot by just 0.018s over Noaker for his first-ever MX-5 Cup podium. [17] Opalski did it again at Road Atlanta when he was able to take advantage of the Turn 10 incident, but had to hold off Wagner and Gonzalez for two laps to take the final podium spot. [18] Max Opalski finished the 2023 MX5 Cup season in 4th place [19]

Max Opalski Racing and Mustang Challenge

In 2024, at age 18, Opalski founded his own racing team, Max Opalski Racing, to compete in the newly established IMSA -sanctioned Mustang Challenge. [20] The team was announced to run a Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, with Opalski entered as its first confirmed driver. He was reported as one of the youngest team owners in the IMSA paddock at that time. [21]

During the 2024 Mustang Challenge season, Opalski drove the No. 2 Mustang and earned competitive results, including a sixth-place at season opener [22] , a top-five finish at Watkins Glen [23] and sixth-place results at Road America under his independent entry. He later joined McCumbee McAleer Racing for the remainder of the season, competing alongside a larger team structure. [24] In the final race of the season Max Opalski finished Race 1 and 2 in fourth [25] [26] [27]

Opalski Moves to MMR for Rest of Season

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:06:51 GMT

After opening the season as a startup with a family-run team, Max Opalski has made a significant additional investment in his racing future as he joins McCumbee McAleer Racing for the remainder of the Mustang Challenge season.

Max Opalski Racing was formally established at the start of the season in conjunction with the decision to join the newly-formed championship. In the opening three event weekends, the 18-year-old Opalski drove the No. 2 Team MOR/Opal Enterprises Ford Mustang Dark Horse R to a top-five at Watkins Glen after driving from the rear of the field, and earned a pair of sixth-place finishes at Road America that were on the pace of the race leaders.

Opalski felt the realities of the situation required a shakeup. That begins this weekend with Rounds 7 and 8 at Circuit of The Americas, in conjunction with the World Endurance Championship. “We put in a tremendous effort as a team and a family to launch Max Opalski Racing and are proud of the effort that we have collectively put in to find top-five pace under difficult circumstances all year,” Opalski said.

New Beginnings

Looking Ahead

“Our guys worked extremely hard and didn’t make very many mistakes, but it became clear to us that this Dark Horse R and this series requires more data and development to get the last bit of time out of the car. McCumbee McAleer Racing has that already, both with this version of the Mustang and their knowledge of the Ford Mustang platform in general.”

The opportunity to join MMR’s now four-car program comes with the expectation for Opalski that it will give him an opportunity for even better results. “I’ll have very fast teammates now, and that will help,” Opalski said. “It will help us collect a lot more data for ‘r and d,’ and we know going into a weekend that we’re not going to be behind on setup in the first session like is possible on your own. We can concentrate on fine-tuning within the setup window right from the start.”

Opalski has seen MMR in action as a competitor, both in the Mustang Challenge and previously through the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Opalski finished fourth in that championship a season ago. “Chad McCumbee, Steven McAleer, and the entire MMR team have always been a great team to race against,” Opalski said. “They had things dialed in MX-5 Cup, and always seemed to be well-oiled and organized.

“We did the best we could under difficult circumstances and limited testing as an independent team and feel like we did a great job. But I’m ready to see if we can take a step forward under their tent and am confident that we can.”

Source: https://sportscar365.com/imsa/mustang-challenge/opalski-moves-to-mmr-for-rest-of-season/

Max Opalski Racing Launches Mustang Challenge Effort

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:06:51 GMT

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.”

Mustang Challenge Effort

Team Composition and Goals

Max Opalski Racing was one of the first to commit to the series, with Opalski set to pilot chassis number four, highlighting his early commitment to the championship. Joining Opalski on the business side is longtime racer and driver coach Jim Daniels, who has more than 30 years of experience in motorsports as a car builder, team manager, and series official, in addition to his driving and coaching experience.

Daniels will continue to coach Opalski and other Max Opalski Racing drivers while serving as team manager. “I’m really enjoying the process of working with Max and the Opalskis to help him learn not just about driving but the business of racing,” Daniels said. “We’ve worked together for the past few years to get quicker on the track, and he’s a very talented driver. This is full circle in some ways for me. In 2010 during the original Ford Mustang Challenge series, we won the Mid-Ohio round with 18-year-old Ben Crossland driving. Now we’re back in the same place to open this season with another 18-year-old talented driver. We plan to have some teammates with him, and I’m looking forward to this season and everything that’s involved with it.”

A grid of up to 30 cars is expected for the Mustang Challenge season.

Source: https://sportscar365.com/imsa/mustang-challenge/max-opalski-racing-launches-mustang-challenge-effort/

Meet Max Opalski

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:06:51 GMT

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.

The year 2020 marked my most successful year yet. Although I didn't attend any winter races in Florida, I won several regional races in California as part of the Challenge of the Americas series. The 2020 Pro Tour began at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, but the race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a months-long hiatus from racing.

In August 2020, kart racing resumed, and the entire SKUSA Pro Tour series took place in New Castle, Indiana, over two weeks. I earned pole position in two of the three races and secured a few podiums, enhancing my points standings. The following series, the United States Pro Kart Series, featured six races where I finished in the top five for every race, with two wins and two second-place finishes. Those victories were my final races in junior karting, as 2021 saw my transition to senior classes.

My first race as a senior was the ROK the Rio in Las Vegas, where I qualified on pole and finished second. The remainder of 2021 was challenging, with several top-five and mostly top-ten finishes. The intense competition in the senior class, coupled with engine issues, made it difficult to stay at the front, but the experience was still rewarding. I participated in six national-level races that year, nearly double the previous years.

Reflecting on my karting journey, I realize I couldn't have achieved this success without my dedicated team, particularly Ryan Perry Motorsports, who meticulously analyzed data and video footage to help me improve. Additionally, I competed in shifter karts at the national level, with notable performances in both the Florida Winter Tour and the Challenge of the Americas.

In June 2021, I completed the Allen Berg Racing School, obtaining my SCCA license, and began testing in the MX-5 Cup car, amassing over 50 laps at Dominion Raceway. In January 2022, I debuted in the Global MX-5 Cup at Daytona. The year primarily focused on learning the nuances of car racing, with several top-ten finishes that prepared me for the challenges of 2023.

In the offseason, I dedicated my time to training in Spec Miata and on simulators, enhancing my driving and car setup knowledge. My first pro race in 2023 went exceptionally well, with a top-three qualifying position and a fifth-place finish. My performance at the Firestone Grand Prix at St. Pete showed promise until mechanical issues hindered our efforts.

Early Beginnings and Rise in Karting

Transition to Car Racing and Continued Growth

Source: https://wecanallrace.com/maximilian/

Back with Copeland Motorsports for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Cup season

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:12:54 GMT

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.

Aiming for a breakthrough second season on the track

Source: http://copelandmotorsports.com/max-opalski-rejoins-copeland-motorsports-for-the-2023-mazda-mx-5-cup-season/

Max Opalski Joins Copeland Motorsports for 2022 MX-5 Cup

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:57:34 GMT

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.

Chasing wins and rookie honors in the 2022 MX-5 Cup

Source: http://copelandmotorsports.com/max-opalski-joins-copeland-motorsports-for-2022-mazda-mx-5-cup-program/

Apollo Motorsports Junior Rok Saturday Report

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:17:19 GMT

One of the quickest drivers all weekend in Junior ROK was Max Opalski (RPM / Tony Kart). An issue in the main event on Saturday took a possible sweep away. Sunday, Opalski completed the sweep to become the third different new winner in the category. Opalski set fast time in qualifying and won the Prefinal. He jumped out to the lead and set the pace all 20 circuits, establishing a 2.8-second advantage at the checkered flag.

Quickest driver of the weekend

Source: https://www.challengekarting.com/magazine/calspeed2020/13/

Latest News

Max Opalski

American Polish race car driver

Early Life and Karting

Transition to Car Racing and MX5 Cup

Max Opalski Racing and Mustang Challenge

Opalski Moves to MMR for Rest of Season

New Beginnings

Looking Ahead

Max Opalski Racing Launches Mustang Challenge Effort

Mustang Challenge Effort

Team Composition and Goals

Meet Max Opalski

Early Beginnings and Rise in Karting

Transition to Car Racing and Continued Growth

Back with Copeland Motorsports for the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Cup season

Aiming for a breakthrough second season on the track

Max Opalski Joins Copeland Motorsports for 2022 MX-5 Cup

Chasing wins and rookie honors in the 2022 MX-5 Cup

Apollo Motorsports Junior Rok Saturday Report

Quickest driver of the weekend

ROK THE RIO 2020