Alboreto Award 2025 presented to Max Angelelli
In the setting of Historic Minardi Day 2025, the Alboreto Award will be presented, established in 2006 by LMMFC (Les Mans Model Fan Club) in honor of Michele Alboreto, a champion who died prematurely during testing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on April 25, 2001, aboard the Audi R8 on the Lausitzring circuit.
With this award, we wish to keep alive the feeling and thoughts for a great Champion, who had promised his support and backing for our initiatives. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to actively involve him as we would have liked, but the Alboreto award represents our gratitude for his contribution to the racing world and our determination to pursue our goals with passion and excellence.
The Alboreto award is given to outstanding figures in national motorsports who have particularly distinguished themselves during the current year. It represents special recognition for those who have excelled in their disciplines, leaving a significant imprint on the motor racing scene.
Max Angelelli, born in Bologna in 1966, is a former racing driver who built a successful international career, particularly in the United States. After winning the Italian Formula 3 Championship in 1992 and competing in Germany, he became tragically known for being at the wheel of the safety car during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola — just moments before Ayrton Senna’s fatal crash.
His career then took him all over the world, from Macau to Japan and ultimately to the United States, where he earned the nickname “Max the Axe” for his bold and decisive overtakes.
2005 was his golden year, as he claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and won the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series title with SunTrust Racing (later Wayne Taylor Racing), a team he helped found.
He developed a strong partnership with Wayne Taylor, even racing alongside his sons Ricky and Jordan. Throughout his career, Max won several major races, including the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, Petit Le Mans, and a second Grand-Am title in 2013. He retired from racing in 2017 with a second win at Daytona, sharing the car with Jeff Gordon and the Taylor brothers.
Max also competed five times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Ferrari, Panoz, and Cadillac, with his best result coming in 2002.
After retiring from racing, he stayed in motorsport as a manager and technical expert, working with Dallara on LMH and LMDh projects for Ferrari, Cadillac, and BMW.
Despite his success overseas, Max has always remained deeply connected to Italy. In 2020, he sold his shares in the American team to focus on his family, but soon returned to motorsport — this time, behind the scenes.
