RPW’s “The Ten” With Mike Mahaney

Column By: RYAN HILL / RPW – KINGS FERRY, NY – Mike Mahaney straps in for today’s installment of RPW’S “THE TEN. “ Mike is an accomplished driver out of Kings Ferry, NY who has been around racing his whole life. He started his career as his father, Jim “ Workshoe” Mahaney’s crew chief, at the age of 10.

At 15, Mike started racing Tobias Slingshots where he racked up multiple track championships as well as winning the Northeast Tour Championship. He then rose through the ranks of racing, moving to 600cc Micro Sprints, Sportsman, 358-Modifieds, Big Blocks and now running the Super DIRT Series as well as ESS and World of Outlaw Series races in the #33 360 and 410 Sprint Cars.

1- WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ON OF THE NUMBER’S YOU USE, THE #33?
When I started racing I would have picked my dad’s #30, but we were racing together, so I added a 3 for Dale making my #33.

2- HOW DID YOU START RACING?
I saved up for a Tobias Slingshot when I was 14. I raced that at Paradise Speedway in Geneva, NY. My dad raced so I was able to learn from him how to work on the cars, he helped out a lot.

3- WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE DRIVER BEFORE YOU RACED?
My dad has always been my favorite; he was very exciting to watch.

4- WHAT TYPE OF RACE CAR DO YOU WANT TO DRIVE?
I get to drive a lot of cool cars, but I would love to drive a 410 Sprint Car.

5- WHAT IS THE ONE RACE YOU WANT TO WIN?
I badly want to win the Fulton 200, we have come close in the past couple years. My dad always wanted to win that one too; if I win it I would dedicate it to him.

6- WHAT ARE “BUCKET LIST” TRACKS FOR YOU TO RACE AT?
The Knoxville Nationals and Tulsa Chili Bowl.

7- WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST RACING MOMENT?
My proudest moments are when my family is there for a win.

8- WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASING RACING MOMENT?
When I have spun or wrecked without assistance.

9- WHAT IS YOUR OFFSEASON LIKE?
I stay busy with my shock business, rebuilding the cars, traveling, snowmobiling, playing basketball and I try to stay in shape.

10- HOW HAS RACING AFFECTED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
Racing is my personal life; it leaves me very limited time for other things.

Mike has a very busy schedule planned for 2017. Interested in seeing where and what car he will be racing? Check that out and see all his merchandise available for purchase at www.mikemahaneyracing.com.

You can also keep up with Mike on social media. Search Mike Mahaney Racing on Facebook and Twitter or @michael_mahaney on Instagram.