FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about Matthew, his racing program, or how to get involved?
You will find the answers to the most common questions below. If there is something we have not covered, feel free to reach out directly through the contact page.
About Matthew
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How old is Matthew Laprade?
Matthew was born on January 10, 2012, which makes him 14 years old. He is one of the youngest drivers competing at his level anywhere in the Southeast, and across his four-division 2026 program he is regularly racing against — and beating — drivers who are years older than him.
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Where is Matthew from?
Matthew is from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where his hometown track — New Smyrna Speedway — hosts the annual Speedweeks festival at the start of every racing season. Growing up with one of Florida’s most celebrated short tracks on his doorstep has been a significant part of his development as a driver.
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How did Matthew get started in racing?
Matthew began his racing career in karting, winning the Vega National Championship and Florida State Championship in the Rookie class in 2019. By 2021 he had claimed the Florida Dirt Championship Series State Championship and the World 100 Karting title in the Junior 1 class. His transition to stock cars was equally rapid — he was winning races and championship titles before he was a teenager, and he has not slowed down since.
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What does Matthew do off the track?
Away from racing, Matthew plays golf through PGA Junior League and enjoys fishing. He approaches both with the same competitive mindset he brings to the track — always looking to improve and always focused on the next challenge.
The Racing Program
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How many divisions does Matthew race in?
In 2026, Matthew is competing across four divisions simultaneously — Pro Trucks with Grant Thompson Racing, Late Model Stock Cars with Tom Usry Racing, Asphalt Modifieds with BMF Shocks & Chassis, and Sportsman with Boyd Tech. Running four separate programs in a single season at 14 years old is an extraordinary undertaking and reflects the ambition and commitment that define the Matthew Laprade Racing program.
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How many races does Matthew compete in each year?
The 2026 season features over 60 confirmed race dates across the four divisions, spanning nine states and more than 15 race venues. From the Sportsman season opener at Citrus County Speedway in January through to the Snowball Derby double-header at Five Flags Speedway in December, it is the most demanding schedule of Matthew’s career to date.
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What is the Snowball Derby?
The Snowball Derby is one of the most prestigious short track racing events in the United States, held annually in December at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. It draws national-level talent from across the country and is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Southeast short track racing. Matthew made his Modified debut at the 2025 Snowball Derby, finishing sixth. He also finished second in the Pro Truck division at the same event — a remarkable result in his first appearance at the event. He returns to the Derby in December 2026 in both the Pro Truck and Modified divisions.
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Where can I find Matthew's race schedule?
The full 2026 race schedule — with dates, tracks, locations, divisions, and series — is available on the Schedule page. It is updated throughout the season as additional events are confirmed.
Sponsorship
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How do I become a partner of Matthew Laprade Racing?
Partnering with Matthew Laprade Racing is straightforward. Visit the Sponsorship page for a full overview of what the program offers and the packages available, then get in touch directly through the Contact page. A member of the team will respond promptly to discuss your objectives and put together a proposal tailored to your business.
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What does a partnership with Matthew Laprade Racing involve?
Partnership packages range from entry-level brand association through to full title partnerships, and can be structured per event, per series, or across the full season. Benefits typically include car and suit branding, social media exposure, website listing, press release coverage, and trackside visibility — with hospitality and VIP access available at higher partnership levels. All packages are flexible and can be tailored to your specific goals.
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Why should my business partner with a youth racing program?
Matthew’s program offers something genuinely rare — a compelling personal story, a growing social media audience, and a packed race calendar with multi-state reach. Partners who invest early in a driver’s career benefit from compounding brand association as that driver’s profile grows. Matthew is at the very beginning of what promises to be a long and high-profile career. The businesses backing him now are the ones who will have been there from the start.
Following Matthew
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Where can I follow Matthew on social media?
Matthew is active on Facebook and Instagram, where race weekend content, behind-the-scenes updates, and results are posted throughout the season. Follow along at the links below.
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Where can I read race recaps and news?
Full race recaps, press releases, and season updates are published on the News page after every race weekend. Each article covers the race, the result, the car, and the key moments — giving fans the full story behind the result.
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How can I get in touch with the Matthew Laprade Racing team?
The best way to reach the team is through the Contact page. Whether you have a partnership inquiry, a media request, or a general question, someone will get back to you promptly.