In North America, motorcycle road racing doesn’t enjoy the popularity it does in other parts of the world. MotoAmerica Superbike and King of the Baggers rider, Max Flinders, has been trying to change that for over 10 years. As one of the early entrants into the then-newly formed entity MotoAmerica, Max has been a stalwart in the paddock over the years and consistently one of the most popular riders. We had a chance to catch up with Max a few weeks out from the 2026 Daytona 200, where he will be racing in the King of the Baggers class, to get to know him better and catch a glimpse into the life of a professional motorcycle racer.
Let’s start with the obvious question; have you always been fascinated by cars and motorcycles?
I definitely have been fascinated by cars and bikes my whole life. As long as I can remember I’ve been helping my dad work on bikes and cars. When I was 3 and a half, I started riding a Yamaha pw50 and was instantly hooked. By the time I was 6 my dad got me a project car for the 2 of us to work on together. So, I’ve been in the garage a ton playing with fast toys since I was a kid.
Speaking of motorcycles, you recently got your motorcycle operator’s license. What took so long?
Honestly, I never really wanted a motorcycle license for the street. I absolutely love riding, but I just have very little self-control of how fast I go. So, street riding was always a when am I going to get arrested kind of thought. But I have “matured” a lot I guess and just wanted to be able to take my girlfriend for rides and go explore some NH mountain roads with my dad. So, I got a cheap bike, got my license and so far, have only been pulled over once.
When did you know you wanted to get into racing?
Ever since I was a kid, I have loved racing in any form. From need for speed and mx vs ATV on the ps2 to riding bikes with my friends I loved winning and being in front. So, when I started racing that natural ambition to be in the lead grew more and more. I’ve been addicted ever since and it’s just such an amazing sport to compete in.
What was the very first motorcycle you raced?
The first motorcycle I ever raced was a pw50. In that race the front wheel got stuck in a rut and front flipped me into the ground. We didn’t realize the other kids had fully kitted out KTM 50cc monsters. So right after my dad started looking for another bike. So, it was the first and last race for the pw50.
What is it about racing that got you hooked?
The thing about racing that got me so hooked is the mental game you get to play while on a bike. I don’t know if everyone knows but the whole race is like a chess game from start to finish. From setting up moves to pass to defending a line to knowing where you are stronger or weaker than your opponent it’s a giant game and whoever plays better wins. With the competitiveness I’ve had since I was a kid there’s nothing like pulling off a perfect race knowing you are the best.
You’ve been racing in MotoAmerica Superbikes for over 10 years, but somewhat recently added a ride in King of the Baggers. Tell me how that came about.
The bagger ride was kind of a surprise to everyone. I’m always looking for other rides to stay on a bike and keep racing anyway I can. I knew the M3 team were looking for a new rider and had a few candidates they were leaning towards. But I had a friend at one of the bike shows that whispered my name in his ear and next minute I got a phone call. When the baggers stated racing with MotoAmerica, me and the crew saw the draw it had on the American viewers and knew if I had an opportunity, I should definitely take it. So, when the chance arose, I snatched it and haven’t looked back since. It’s a crazy class and machine but honestly is one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden.
Tell me a little bit about the toughest challenges to juggling everything you have going on race weekends?
The toughest things over a race weekend for me are just my own logistics of where, when, and how. Since I drive the truck for the team, set up, ride, social media, decal application, mechanic and get food, sometimes I forget to sit down and think about the track. Then I’m now on a bagger team too, so I am running around like a crazy person most of the weekend. It’s tough but I just smile and get on with it because if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t be racing. So, managing all that and making sure I chat with the fans keeps me extremely busy.
If you could change one thing about racing in 2026, what would it be?
If I could change something for 2026, I’d give myself a factory ride. This may be my last year racing. The thought of never really getting to see what I would be capable of on a factory bike may haunt me forever. So, I’d snatch that chance in a heartbeat if presented with it.
Do you follow any other motorsports racing; F1, MotoGP, Indy Car, British Superbike?
I follow mainly motorcycle racing. I’m a huge MotoGP and World Superbike fan. I don’t think I missed a race last year. I really enjoyed the F1 Netflix special but have a bigger connection with bikes and always rotate back that way.
If I were to open your garage door at home, what would I find in there?
If you opened my garage door the first thing you would see is my project car. It’s a kit car known as a Nova in England and a Sterling in America. It’s super cool and catches everyone’s attention. Then behind that you would see a line of bikes with RZV500, (Yamaha) R6, (Yamaha) R1, Ducati Hypermotard, Suzuki 750 GT and 4 dirtbikes. So, a pretty sick garage.
Living in the Northwoods of New Hampshire, what’s your daily driver?
Living in NH my daily is a V8 Dodge Ram 4×4. We have had Rams since we moved to America. The V8 is just a plus cause it’s awesome and the 4×4 is necessary seeing as we have 3 ft of snow right now.
What’s your dream car and why?
The Koenigsegg One:1 is my dream car just due to the fact it is an amazing feat of engineering that looks absolutely stunning. That or a stage 2 Lancia Stratos rally car because they were the fastest things I’ve ever seen through the woods.
You have a bit of wanderlust and enjoy traveling. Tell me how that came about.
I’m very lucky with racing because I have races all over the country. So, with me driving the truck to every round I have just made a point to see the country I live in as much as I can. It’s been amazing and I’ve seen and done so many incredible things, but the best part is bringing people along. I’ve given about 6 or 7 people road trips in my truck and showed them the things I have been lucky enough to see. So, I want to keep finding cool places to share with my friends and family.
Any particular destinations you love driving to, or roads you like to drive on?
Honestly driving along the west coast is always amazing. But in the Fall driving the Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) not far from where I live has to be one of the most breathtaking drives. It’s a valley road through the mountains with incredible foliage and fun twists and turns. I highly recommend it to anyone.
What’s your favorite circuit you’ve raced on?
Laguna Seca has to be my favorite track I’ve raced on. Not only for the corkscrew but for the areas around, the history of the track and the amazing fans that show up there. I do miss racing alongside world super bikes there but having the track to ourselves is just as fun.
Any race tracks you haven’t been to yet that are on your “need to race at” list?
The one track I need to ride is Phillip Island. That track looks so much fun and going into turn one at the top of fifth gear must be such an amazing feeling.
Thank you, Max, for taking time to speak with us. We certainly enjoyed learning more and will be following this season with keen interest. We’ll be sure to stop and say hello when we head to Road America this summer.
