Born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio, Max Gee grew up surrounded by the rumble of engines and the smell of race fuel. His passion for cars was practically inherited as a third generation gearhead. His grandfather was involved in drag racing, while his father was always working on a project or a race car, which naturally allowed Max to follow them both in their tire tracks.
His earliest memories of racing trace back to childhood visits to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where his family attended IndyCar races. Among his earliest and most vivid memories is watching Hélio Castroneves climb the fence after one of his back-to-back wins in the early 2000s, an image that left a lasting impression on the young fan. When his father, Director of The Mid-Ohio School, Sonny Gee began working at the track when Max was just nine years old, Mid-Ohio became his second home. Spending countless summers immersed in the sights and sounds of the track solidified his love for racing.
“It’s pretty much my second home. I’ve been coming here my whole life and made a lot of great memories here,” said Max Gee. “On top of being probably the most fun and technical tracks in the country, I enjoy every time I get to go out and drive.”
Growing up, Max looked up to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., whose fearlessness and determination became a guiding influence. He began his own racing journey in 2009 at Barberton Speedway in Akron, a small asphalt oval where he took part in his very first race. In 2016, he transitioned into road racing, marking the start of a new chapter in his driving career.
An early small-track win fueled his desire to keep chasing that same sense of accomplishment. Over time, Max’s dedication and talent led him to remarkable experiences. Racing at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an experience that he still considers surreal.
A career highlight came in 2017 when he captured a national championship. After a heartbreaking first attempt at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Mid-Ohio in 2016, he returned stronger the next year and triumphed in Indianapolis. Crossing the famous yard of bricks and celebrating with his father and family afterward remains one of his proudest and most emotional moments - a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
Looking ahead, Max hopes to return to the SCCA Runoffs and earn another national championship, with dreams of one day securing a ride in a professional series. The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli sits high on his bucket list, a historic series admired for its fierce competition and powerful cars.
Beyond the driver’s seat, Max has also built a rewarding career as an instructor with The Mid-Ohio School - a place deeply intertwined with his life story. Having grown up at the track and spent summers surrounded by talented instructors, he was inspired to join their ranks. He began instructing around 2014 and has since evolved into a lead instructor, taking on classroom responsibilities and constantly refining his teaching approach.
What truly sets The Mid-Ohio School apart is the people.
“We have the best instructors anywhere,” said Max, noting their impressive resumes and deep experience.
Coupled with the privilege of working daily at a world-renowned racetrack, it’s an environment that continues to inspire him every day.
“I enjoy every program, but my favorite is probably the Teen Defensive Driving Programs. I really enjoy seeing the young drivers improve and do things they didn’t think they could do as well as learning skills to keep them safe,” he explained.
For Max Gee, teaching at Mid-Ohio is more than a job - it’s being part of a family. The friendships he’s formed and the diverse people he’s met through the school have made a lasting impact. He credits instructing with transforming the way he thinks about driving and racing; instead of simply reacting behind the wheel, he now analyzes every input and technique. His students continually challenge him and often ask questions that offer fresh perspectives or remind him of what it felt like to start learning from scratch.
