With an impressive debut at the Essen Motor Show, MAD Performance officially presented itself to the public for the first time today. Behind the project stand BMW works drivers Max Hesse and Dan Harper – a duo that has competed side by side for international GT success for the past five years and is now taking the next step: building their own junior program in karting.
From karting to the world – and now back to the roots
Both drivers began their careers in karting: Max Hesse dominated several German championships, paving the way for his ascent into the BMW works squad. Dan Harper followed a similar path in England, collecting major karting titles before progressing into professional international motorsport. With MAD Performance, the two return to where everything started: “It feels a bit like going back to the roots,” they say. “Karting gave us everything. Now it’s our turn to give something back.”
The name of the team is no coincidence: MAD stands for Max And Dan, but also reflects what the pair embodies – ambition, energy, and a touch of healthy madness. Together they form a strong and successful duo and now aim to pass on their experience, knowledge, and international network to the next generation.
Starting 2026: Focus on Mini, OK-N Junior and OK-N
For the 2026 season, MAD Performance will concentrate on the categories Mini, OK-N Junior, and OK-N. The team will compete in the German Kart Championship (DKM) and the ADAC Kart Masters, the two most important karting series in Germany. To ensure professional operations at the track, MAD Performance has partnered with NEES Racing, an experienced technical and race-support team that will handle coordination and execution on-site.
Despite their demanding GT schedules, Max and Dan plan to be present at the track as often as possible – as mentors, direct contacts, and the face of the team. “We want to support our drivers personally and give them exactly what we might have missed at that age,” the two emphasize.
A team design inspired by the helmets
A visual highlight of MAD Performance is its new team and kart livery: the design draws heavily from the personal helmet designs of Max and Dan. “The helmet is the most personal element of any racing driver. We wanted that identity to be reflected in the team,” Max explains. With Rowe Oil, MAD Performance also welcomes its first official partner, who supports the project from day one.
The first test sessions are already scheduled for the upcoming weekend in Lonato, Italy. For Max Hesse and Dan Harper, the new project is not only a return to karting but above all a matter of the heart: “We want to build a team that truly moves young drivers forward – athletically, personally, and in the long term.” Young talents eager to join MAD Performance can now apply via Instagram or email.