McRae back behind the wheel this weekend

16-year old McRae made his ARC debut in Queensland in June, but his Ford Fiesta Rally4 has since been returned to WA as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the national series.

“This is the first rally I’m going back to; before now, every event has been a first time for me,” McRae said.

“I had some good experience at the rally last year and I’m sure that’s going to help when we get there on Saturday. Obviously we’re going there with a faster car, so we’re looking for a strong result.”

In 2020 he took his first top-10 finish and finished second in class behind cars considerably more powerful than the front-wheel drive Ford Fiesta ST he was driving then.

Beyond Saturday, Max plans to tackle the remaining rounds of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship at the wheel of the Fiesta.

“Competing in the Australian Rally Championship’s great for this season,” said Max.

“I did a fair bit in WA last season, but the chance to go further afield where the roads are so different is a fantastic experience.

“I learned so much from Queensland and I’m looking forward to more of the same as the year rolls out – Coronavirus permitting.”

The vastly experienced Bill Hayes will be back in the co-driver’s seat this weekend, with Mac Kierans being locked down under New South Wales’ COVID-19 regulations.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get Mac over from Sydney,” McRae added, “but the Coronavirus regulations are there to keep everybody safe.

“I know I’m really fortunate to be able to call on somebody of Bill’s experience – it’ll be great to be back with him again.”