Local teen taking on European motorsport

Max Mason at the Ferrari Academy 2022

Central Coast’s Max Mason, 17, a passionate and determined young racer, is making waves in the European motorsport scene.

The journey for the former Central Coast Sports College pupil began with a prestigious selection for the Ferrari Driver Academy shootout in Sepang in 2022, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

This opportunity paved the way for further testing, including stints with GB3 and Arden, as well as an F4 test with Renauer in Austria and Nascar oval testing in Charlotte NC.

In November 2021, Mason learned to drive with a clutch in the paddock at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, a place steeped in racing history.

With only an hour to learn, he faced the challenge of taking on what some may call one of the world’s hardest tracks.

Mason tackled the mountain in a Radical SR3 during the Bathurst Challenge, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.

His first experience in an F4 car at Wakefield, coached by the talented Joey Mawson, further solidified his aspirations and honed his skills.

In 2023, Mason committed to a full season in the EuroNASCAR series, showcasing his skills and ambition on the international stage.

Max Mason on the Euro NASCAR Vallelunga race track outside Rome, Italy

However, his promising season was cut short by a devastating on-track accident caused by multiple cars losing control.

The accident left Mason with serious neck and back injuries, forcing him to withdraw from the competition and focus on recovery.

Undeterred by this setback, Mason spent 2024 rebuilding his strength and honing his skills through rigorous fitness training and simulator racing, all while balancing his studies to complete Year 12.

His resilience and hard work have paid off, leading to an exciting new opportunity – Mason has been selected from a pool of 160 applicants for the Indian F4 shootout in France this July.

He is one of the 10 chosen to compete for a fully funded drive in the 2024 season, which runs from August to November.

Mason’s determination and talent have brought him to the cusp of achieving his dream, but he needs the support of the local community to make it a reality.

As he prepares for the Indian F4 shootout, Mason is seeking local supporters to help him secure his place in the 2024 season and beyond.

As a member of the Australian Sports Foundation, those wishing to support Mason can also benefit from tax incentives, making their contributions even more impactful.

Looking ahead, Mason has already secured a full drive in the 2025 EuroNASCAR series, where he aims to compete for both the Junior and overall trophies.

His return to racing marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his perseverance and unyielding passion for motorsport.

A proud product of Central Coast Sports College, where his love for sports was nurtured, Mason’s journey is testament to the power of community support and personal determination.

Currently in Italy, Mason continues to train and prepare for the challenges ahead, driven by his unwavering commitment to succeed.

Mason’s story is not just about racing; it’s about family, resilience, community, and the pursuit of dreams.

As he embarks on this next chapter, the Central Coast community stands behind him, ready to cheer him on to victory.