CJ McLaughlin Bio
Charles Joseph McLaughlin is an American professional stock car racing driver born on July 1, 1992. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 91 and No. 92 Chevrolet Camaro SS for DGM Racing with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. McLaughlin has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series throughout his career.
McLaughlin graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. Despite sharing a surname with other drivers in NASCAR, he is not related to former NASCAR driver Mike McLaughlin or his son Max McLaughlin, who has competed in the Truck and ARCA Series.
Early Life and Background
McLaughlin was born in Framingham, Massachusetts. His path to professional racing included formal education in mechanical engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, which provided him with technical knowledge applicable to motorsports competition.
He began testing opportunities in stock car racing in 2016. McLaughlin tested an ARCA Racing Series car for Hamilton Hughes Racing early that year, marking his initial steps toward professional competition in major touring series.
Path to NASCAR
McLaughlin transitioned to NASCAR national series competition in 2019. His debut came in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series at Iowa Speedway, where he finished 23rd driving the No. 33 for Reaume Brothers Racing. This race marked his first appearance in NASCAR’s top three national touring divisions.
His NASCAR Xfinity Series debut followed shortly after at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. McLaughlin drove for RSS Racing in the ROXOR 200, establishing a relationship with the team that would continue into the following season. This debut began a pattern of part-time Xfinity Series competition that would define his NASCAR career.
CJ McLaughlin Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
McLaughlin’s professional racing career began with dual-series competition in 2019. After his Truck Series debut at Iowa, he immediately expanded into Xfinity Series competition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. RSS Racing became his primary team during this formative period.
In 2020, McLaughlin committed to a 20-race schedule with RSS Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This expanded schedule provided valuable seat time and experience competing against full-time series regulars. The season established him as a consistent part-time competitor in the series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series (2019-Present)
McLaughlin’s NASCAR Xfinity Series career has featured stints with multiple teams. His debut with RSS Racing in 2019 led to a full part-time schedule in 2020. He has driven for various organizations including MBM Motorsports, Mike Harmon Racing, and SS-Green Light Racing throughout his tenure in the series.
In 2021, McLaughlin announced a five-race Xfinity Series schedule while also returning to Truck Series competition with Reaume Brothers Racing. He drove both the No. 34 and No. 35 entries for the team in select Truck Series events. This dual-series approach demonstrated his versatility across NASCAR’s national divisions.
McLaughlin continued Xfinity Series competition with RSS Racing in 2022, driving the team’s Nos. 38 and 28 cars. He focused exclusively on Xfinity competition that year, stepping away from Truck Series duties. In 2023, he joined Emerling-Gase Motorsports for eight races, sharing the No. 53 car with team co-owner Joey Gase and other drivers.
2024 Season Highlights
McLaughlin began the 2024 Xfinity Series season driving part-time for RSS Racing in their No. 38 car. During this period, the team entered a partnership with Viking Motorsports as Don Sackett, CEO of sponsor SciAps, entered into a team ownership collaboration with RSS.
After competing in early-season races, McLaughlin transitioned later in the year to SS-Green Light Racing. He drove three races for the team, including the August event at Daytona in the No. 14 car. He also competed at Atlanta in September and Talladega in October in the No. 07 car, with sponsorship from Main Street Auto for these events.
Driving Style and Strengths
McLaughlin’s background in mechanical engineering provides technical insight into vehicle setup and performance. His part-time schedule approach has allowed him to develop experience across different teams and equipment packages. He has demonstrated particular experience on intermediate tracks and superspeedways through his various race entries.
Notable Races and Milestones
McLaughlin’s NASCAR milestones include his 2019 debut at Iowa Speedway in the Truck Series and his first Xfinity Series start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway later that year. His appearances at Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega in 2024 represented significant superspeedway experience in his career progression.
CJ McLaughlin Career Wins
McLaughlin has not recorded wins in NASCAR national series competition to date. His career has focused on part-time schedules and development opportunities with various teams across the Xfinity Series and Truck Series.
2025 Season Performance
McLaughlin’s last confirmed competition came during the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season with SS-Green Light Racing. His recent appearances at major superspeedway venues including Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega demonstrated continued involvement in the series through part-time opportunities.