Working and racing for Joe Ryan Race Cars, Maddox Hooper has learned a lot about what it takes to race legend cars. While he saw success at Winter Nationals, he now has set his sights on winning the Cook Out Summer Shootout this year. 

Hometown: Primm Springs, Tennessee

Team: Joe Ryan Race Cars

Division: Legend Car Semi-Pro

Number: 19

Favorite Track: Colorado National Speedway

1. How did you get your start in racing?

I started racing go-karts when I was 11. My dad raced go-karts when he was young, and that really got me into racing, and it kept going from there.

2. How did you get your number?

My brother and I used to ride dirt bikes a lot, and that was the number they always gave me, so I stuck with that.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

I would say Billy Workman, because he has a great work ethic, and puts in a lot of hard work.

4. What is your favorite racing memory?

Winning at Auburndale the last day [of Winter Nationals], because the team worked super hard on the car, and it was super awesome to get it done.

5. We saw you get your first win in the Semi-Pro division at Winter Nationals, what was that experience like for you?

It was super great, because we struggled early in the week to find speed and we worked really hard to get it right and it paid off at the end of the week.

6. What's the experience working with Joe Ryan been like? How has working on cars helped you as a driver?

It’s awesome being in the shop and learning new things from him every day. It helps me know what the car needs at the track, and it’s awesome to learn things from the guys at the shop.

7. What do you want to get out of racing?

To become a better person and have a good work ethic. Just to do the right things on and off the track.

8. How do you measure success while racing?

Just getting better. Progressing from where we started.

9. What is your favorite track?

Colorado National Speedway, its super big, and it has a lot of character.

10. What are your racing goals for 2026?

Have a good [Summer] Shootout. My biggest goal is definitely to try and win the Shootout.

11. If you could race at any track in the world, what would it be?

I think it would be Tucson in a Legend Car, I’ve never been there, but it looks like a fun track to run.

12. What's the biggest lesson that racing has taught you in life?

How to handle adversity. When things don’t go your way, you just have to keep working hard and getting better. You will always face adversity, and you have to find your way through it.

13. What are some of your hobbies outside of racing?

I love hunting and fishing. I am a big outdoors guy.