Most 16-year-olds are learning how to parallel park. Max Garcia is learning how to take corners at 180 mph.

While most teenagers spend weekends at football games, school dances or working part-time jobs, 16-year-old Garcia’s “after-school job” involves strapping into a race car for ABEL Motorsports, one of the top INDY NXT by Firestone teams.

The Florida native makes his debut in the INDYCAR development series in the 2026 season, joining teammates Myles Rowe, Colin Kaminsky and Jordan Missig. Not bad for a kid who doesn’t turn 17 until March 17.

“They think it’s crazy,” Garcia said with a grin when asked what his friends think of his job. “They always ask how fast I go.”

The answer: 180 mph.

Max Garcia

On Oct. 27, Garcia took part in the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (photo, above). On the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course, he rocketed down the front straightaway at speeds most drivers in this world will never touch.

“To say I’ve gone 180, it’s insane,” he said.

Despite the whirlwind pace of his racing career, Garcia’s life off track looks surprisingly normal. He still wakes up early for class, turns in homework and hangs out with friends at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami.

While many race drivers, no matter their age, choose to live closer to team headquarters (ABEL Motorsports is in Indianapolis), Garcia plans to stay in South Florida to finish high school -- something his mom insists on.

“We talk about it every once in a while,” Garcia said. “It’s really cool that I can go home and just be a 16-year-old for a little while before I have to focus again. It’s fun and it’s really cool being able to explain to my friends what I do.”

His mom keeps him grounded in a good way, Garcia said. Staying in school has taught other traits that translate into better communication with his race team.

“My mom really wants me to finish high school and then go to college,” Garcia said. “She wants me to graduate in person in Florida. Honestly, I think it’s been great (because) it’s helped me socially and made it easier to connect with my team.”

For now, that balance – between being a normal teenager and a professional racer – works fine.

When Garcia walks the halls of Christopher Columbus High, he’s surrounded by champions. The baseball team has won two state titles. The football team has three since 2019, including back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. The basketball team has claimed four in a row, led most recently by Duke freshmen Cameron and Cayden Boozer.

The school’s alumni list reads like a who’s who: baseball legend Alex Rodriguez, entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis and perhaps soon, Max Garcia.

Garcia’s résumé is already impressive. He won the 2024 USF2000 championship and the 2025 USF Pro 2000 title. His next challenge? Trying to become the second consecutive rookie to win an INDY NXT championship, following Dennis Hauger’s 2025 title run with Andretti Global before his move this offseason to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Dale Coyne Racing.

At 16, Garcia is living a dream most drivers spend a lifetime chasing, all while trying to pass his next math test.

“The trajectory, my progression, has been insane,” Garcia said. “It’s better than I could’ve asked for. I feel like I’m in such a great place. Sometimes I forget I’m only 16. It’s hard to go back to junior year at home after all this, but it’s awesome. It’s such a privilege to be able to race cars.”