Max Hurley's 1972 Dodge Demon Pro-Stock

Oscar Max Hurley, also known as "Max" from West Jefferson, North Carolina, established himself as one of the most prominent drag racers in North Carolina's history. Inducted into the North Carolina Racing Hall of Fame in 2009, Hurley's impressive career spanned 28 years, during which he claimed victory in around 280 races. In addition to his success on the track, Hurley was renowned for his generosity and support of fellow drag racers through his famous "Max Hurley Speed Shop." Notably, Hurley achieved 13 national event wins, driving his own vehicles and engines. One of his ultimate achievements was winning the Competition Eliminator Winner at Rockingham, NC, in 1974

Born on June 28, 1935, Max Hurley would go on to be one of the most noteworthy drag racers in the history of North Carolina. Hurley is survived by his wife, Wanda, and daughter, Shannon. He died on July 19, 2017, at 82.

Max Hurley's Gulf Station, West Jefferson, NC

Competition Eliminator Winner at Rockingham, NC, in 1974

Max Hurly's 1972 Dodge Demon was acquired by McGrath Keen, owner of Detroit Garage. Mr. Keen's goal was to restore the vehicle to its 1974 appearance. He chose Faulk's Classic Car Repair for the restoration. FCCR invested approximately 1,000 hours in the restoration. One of the most complex parts was selecting the paint colors for the 1974 appearance, according to Mr. Faulk. Through research, it became apparent that no one knew what colors were used initially. After multiple spray-outs, Chrysler Inferno Red was used for the primary color. The white center and stripes are GM Olympic White, with the gold trim in Harley-Davidson Pure Gold. Although these colors did not exist in 1974, they gave the vehicle a clean, bright appearance while maintaining its original integrity. See full restoration

Becky was a passionate fan of Max Hurley and had a longstanding friendship with him. Mr. Keen also shared a friendship with Becky. Following her passing in April 2024, Mr. Keen honored Becky by dedicating the "Max Hurley Demon" to her. Becky White, a single mother to three daughters, bravely entered the male-dominated world in the late 70s by writing stories about the weekly events at Farmington Dragway. In 1981, she founded a small newspaper focused on promoting and supporting sportsmen racers, which quickly gained popularity thanks to her hard work and the racers' support. Becky was instrumental in establishing the SCRA Sportsman's Class Racers Association in 1986. Throughout her career, Becky served on the board of the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame. She was honored with the Inaugural Jeff Byrd Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for her dedication to promoting drag racing.

Becky White

Candace Huffman, daughter of Becky White.

The car was revealed at the Southeast Nostalgia Pro Stock at the Shriners’ Drag Race and Hot Rod Expo inside the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina. Other shows included the Perry, Georgia, Auto Fair and the Pharaoh's Car Club of Perry, Georgia, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, and the 2025 Nostalgia Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY, and showcased on the turntable at Summit Racing Equipment, McDonough, GA.

McGrath Keen and Candace Huffman Southeast Nostalgia Pro Stock display at the Shriners’ Drag Race and Hot Rod Expo

Perry, Georgia Auto Fair and Pharaoh's Car Club of Perry, Georgia, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

2025 Nostalgia Nationals at Beech Bend Raceway Park. Bowling Green, KY

Summit Racing Equipment, McDonough, GA.