27/03/2024 09:35
Rising star of the rally stages Max McRae has praised the level of competition in the British Touring Car Championship, insisting that the teams involved deserve more respect on the global stage.
The teenager was able to get up close and personal with one of the front-running outfits in Britain’s premier racing series when he was invited along by Macklin Motors to the launch of the 2024 Team Bristol Street Motors livery.
Max spent the day alongside Macklin Motors-supported racer Ronan Pearson, who embarks on his second season in the series this year aiming to challenge for the Jack Sears Trophy title.
Whilst Ronan has cemented his position as one of the young drivers to watch in circuit racing in the UK, Max’s reputation on the rally stages continues to grow as he seeks to become the latest member of the McRae family to forge a successful career in competition.
Grandfather Jimmy was a five-time winner of the British Rally Championship, whilst uncle Colin was twice British champion and became the first British driver to lift the World Rally Championship title in 1995.
That same season saw father Alister lift the British title before he went on to compete in the WRC himself for the likes of Subaru, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
Max launched his own career in Australia – where he was living at the time - back in 2020 before heading back to Europe last year to compete in the Junior European Rally Championship.
This season, he will take part in four of the six rounds of the British Rally Championship with the M-Sport team alongside an additional programme that has yet to be revealed.
“My programme this season means I’m doing more than rallies than I have done before, and I hope I will be able to learn a lot,” he said. “I’ve already announced my deal with M-Sport, which means I will be driving a Rally2-spec car for the first time, and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I won’t be in contention for a title as I’m not doing every round and it’s more of a learning year, but there are more plans being announced soon, and I’m aiming to challenge for a championship there...”
With his season yet to get underway, Max took the opportunity to join Ronan at Caffeine & Machine for the reveal of the Team Bristol Street Motors livery, including the Macklin Motors-supported machine that his fellow Scot will be racing this year.
After a positive day in which Max was able to mingle with race fans and spend time with Ronan - as well as both Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton - it was clear to see that the BTCC team had made a lasting impression on the youngster.
“It was really cool to be able to see a different form of motorsport close up, and to see some of Ronan’s preparations for what is going to be a busy season,” he said. “It’s certainly shaping up to be a good one for both him and Macklin Motors which is great, and I’ll be cheering him on.
“The BTCC cars look fantastic, and who wouldn’t fancy a go in one! They are such a cool piece of kit, and you can see that all the BTCC teams put a huge amount of effort into them.
“To be honest, I don’t think the BTCC is respected around the world as much as it should considering how high the level is in British Touring Cars. Having lived in Australia and seen the Supercars Championship, which is quite similar, it’s clear to see how much effort goes into the BTCC.
“It’s top level motorsport, like I’m aiming to reach in my own career, and it’s cool to see it up close.”
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