CJ McLaughlin Bio
Early Life and Background
Charles Joseph McLaughlin was born on July 1, 1992, in Framingham, Massachusetts, United States. Growing up in a region with a rich motorsports culture, McLaughlin developed an early interest in racing. He pursued his education at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering, a background that would serve him well in the technical aspects of racing.
Path to NASCAR
McLaughlin’s journey into professional racing began with testing an ARCA Racing Series car for Hamilton Hughes Racing in early 2016. He made his debut in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in June 2019, finishing 23rd in the M&M’s 200 at Iowa Speedway while driving for Reaume Brothers Racing. His transition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series came shortly after, where he made his first appearance in the ROXOR 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
CJ McLaughlin Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
McLaughlin’s professional racing career began in 2018 when he participated in the ARCA Menards Series. His first race in this series was the Shore Lunch 200 at IRP, where he gained valuable experience. In 2020, he continued to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, running a 20-race schedule with RSS Racing, which helped him establish a foothold in the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In 2021, McLaughlin returned to Reaume Brothers Racing to compete in the Truck Series, while also racing part-time in the Xfinity Series for teams such as MBM Motorsports and Mike Harmon Racing. He continued to build on his experience in 2022, driving part-time for RSS Racing in the Xfinity Series. In 2023, he announced plans to compete in eighteen races for Emerling-Gase Motorsports, showcasing his commitment to advancing his career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
DGM Racing Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, McLaughlin began the Xfinity Series season driving part-time for RSS Racing. He later joined SS-Green Light Racing for several races, including events at Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega. This period marked a significant step in his career as he sought to solidify his presence in the series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
McLaughlin’s strengths as a race car driver include his technical knowledge, honed through his engineering background, and his adaptability on the track. His strategic approach to racing allows him to navigate challenging situations effectively, making him a competitive presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
While McLaughlin has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR series, his consistent participation and development as a driver highlight his potential for future success. His journey through various series showcases his determination and resilience in the face of challenges.
CJ McLaughlin Career Wins
CJ McLaughlin has competed in multiple NASCAR series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series. However, he has not yet recorded a win in these series.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
As of 2025, McLaughlin’s best finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has been 39th, achieved in both 2022 and 2023. His participation in the series continues to provide him with opportunities to improve and potentially secure his first victory.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, McLaughlin’s best finish was 108th in 2021, while in the ARCA Menards Series, he achieved a best finish of 36th in 2019. His experiences in these series have contributed to his growth as a driver.
CJ McLaughlin Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
There is limited public information available regarding CJ McLaughlin’s family background. Notably, he is not related to former NASCAR driver Mike McLaughlin or his son Max, who has also competed in the Truck and ARCA Series.
Personal Life
McLaughlin graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he focused on mechanical engineering. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, with no public details about his marital status or family.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, CJ McLaughlin continues to compete part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 91/92 Chevrolet Camaro SS for DGM Racing. His performance has shown gradual improvement, with a focus on securing better finishes and gaining experience. The season is still in progress, and McLaughlin aims to capitalize on upcoming opportunities to enhance his standings in the series.