CJ McLaughlin Bio
Charles Joseph McLaughlin, known professionally as CJ McLaughlin, is an American professional stock car racing driver born on July 1, 1992, in Framingham, Massachusetts. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 91/92 Chevrolet Camaro SS for DGM Racing with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. Throughout his career, he has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series.
Early Life and Background
McLaughlin was born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts. Growing up in New England, he developed an early interest in mechanical work and motorsports, eventually pursuing formal training in engineering. He attended the Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. His technical education has been widely noted as a foundation for his approach to stock car racing.
Despite being named McLaughlin, he is not related to former NASCAR driver Mike McLaughlin, nor to Mike’s son Max, who has also competed in the Truck Series and ARCA Series in recent years. This clarification has been publicly noted to avoid confusion among fans and media following the family’s racing activities.
Path to NASCAR
McLaughlin’s path to NASCAR began with testing opportunities at the regional level. In early 2016, he tested an ARCA Racing Series car for Hamilton Hughes Racing, marking his first professional-level seat. This test laid the groundwork for his transition into NASCAR’s national touring series.
By 2018, McLaughlin had begun his NASCAR career in earnest, working his way through part-time opportunities before reaching the Truck Series and Xfinity Series. His engineering background and methodical preparation helped him earn rides with smaller, developing teams as he built experience on larger tracks.
CJ McLaughlin Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
McLaughlin’s professional racing career began with his ARCA test for Hamilton Hughes Racing in early 2016. He spent the next two years gaining experience and preparing for national-series competition. His early years were marked by persistence and a willingness to accept part-time rides to prove his capabilities.
During this developmental period, McLaughlin focused on refining his skills and building relationships with smaller teams. His mechanical engineering degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology gave him an analytical edge in understanding car setups and race strategy.
NASCAR Truck Series Debut (2019–2021)
In June 2019, McLaughlin made his NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series debut at Iowa Speedway in the M&M’s 200, driving the No. 33 for Reaume Brothers Racing. He finished 23rd in that inaugural Truck Series start, gaining valuable experience on a new track type.
In April 2021, McLaughlin announced his return to Reaume Brothers Racing for five Truck Series races beginning at Kansas Speedway in the No. 34, with additional races including Charlotte. His part-time Truck schedule complemented a five-race Xfinity Series campaign that same year, split between MBM Motorsports and Mike Harmon Racing.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Career (2019–2024)
McLaughlin made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in July 2019 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the ROXOR 200, driving for RSS Racing. He returned to RSS Racing for the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, running a 20-race schedule that helped establish his presence in the series.
In 2022, McLaughlin drove part-time for RSS Racing in the Xfinity Series, piloting the team’s Nos. 38 and 28 cars. On January 30, 2023, it was announced he would run eighteen races for Emerling-Gase Motorsports in either the No. 35 or No. 53 car. After team co-owner Joey Gase drove the No. 53 at Daytona, McLaughlin shared driving duties on the No. 53 with Brad Perez and Patrick Emerling for much of the season.
McLaughlin began the 2024 Xfinity Series season driving part-time for RSS Racing in the No. 38. That year, longtime sponsor SciAps CEO Don Sackett entered an ownership collaboration with RSS, fielding the entry under the Viking Motorsports banner. After McLaughlin competed in the early part of the season, Matt DiBenedetto took over driving duties. McLaughlin later returned to the Xfinity Series with SS-Green Light Racing for three races: Daytona in August in the No. 14, and Atlanta in September and Talladega in October in the No. 07, with Main Street Auto as sponsor.
DGM Racing Era (2025–Present)
McLaughlin’s most recent NASCAR activity came with DGM Racing in collaboration with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, where he drove the No. 91/92 Chevrolet Camaro SS in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This partnership reflected his ongoing commitment to part-time competition while balancing other professional pursuits.
Driving Style and Strengths
McLaughlin’s mechanical engineering background from Wentworth Institute of Technology informs his analytical approach to racing. He has shown comfort on intermediate and flat tracks, and his part-time schedules with multiple teams have demonstrated adaptability across different car setups and crew chief communications.
Notable Races and Milestones
McLaughlin’s career milestones include his Truck Series debut at Iowa Speedway in 2019, his Xfinity Series debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2019, and his multi-team 20-race Xfinity campaign with RSS Racing in 2020. His 2023 season with Emerling-Gase Motorsports and his 2024 return with SS-Green Light Racing at Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega highlight his continued presence in the series.
CJ McLaughlin Career Wins
CJ McLaughlin has competed part-time across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. No verified victories have been recorded in the national NASCAR touring series based on the available information.
Xfinity Series Highlights
McLaughlin’s Xfinity Series career has featured steady part-time competition rather than race victories. His most extensive season came in 2020 with RSS Racing, when he ran a 20-race schedule. He has continued to make select starts with multiple teams in subsequent seasons, including Emerling-Gase Motorsports, RSS Racing, SS-Green Light Racing, and DGM Racing.
Other Wins and Performances
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, McLaughlin has made select starts with Reaume Brothers Racing, including his 2019 debut at Iowa Speedway and his 2021 return at Kansas and Charlotte. His ARCA Menards Series experience began with a test for Hamilton Hughes Racing in early 2016.
CJ McLaughlin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Despite sharing a surname with former NASCAR driver Mike McLaughlin, CJ McLaughlin is not related to Mike or his son Max. Max McLaughlin has competed in the Truck Series and ARCA Series in recent years. CJ McLaughlin’s own path to racing has been independent of any family racing legacy.
Personal Life
McLaughlin graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering, an educational credential that has informed his professional approach to stock car racing. He is known professionally as CJ McLaughlin within the NASCAR community.
2025 Season Performance
McLaughlin’s most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series activity has been with DGM Racing in collaboration with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, where he drove the No. 91/92 Chevrolet Camaro SS. As a part-time competitor, his 2025 schedule has been built around select events rather than a full-season campaign.
Throughout 2025, McLaughlin has continued to balance his part-time racing efforts with his engineering background. His work with DGM Racing reflects the growing trend of smaller teams collaborating to field competitive entries in the Xfinity Series. As the season progresses, McLaughlin’s role with the team has remained focused on select race weekends.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin’s future in NASCAR will likely continue to center on part-time opportunities with developing teams. His mechanical engineering expertise and experience across multiple organizations position him as a reliable driver for teams seeking technical feedback and steady performance.