One of world rallying's greatest dynasties will continue next year when Max McRae takes to the stage for the first time.
The son of former Hyundai, Subaru and Mitsubishi WRC driver Alister McRae and nephew of 1995 world champion Colin, hopes to join his father and grandfather – five-time British champion Jimmy – at the McRae Rally Challenge in Scotland.
Fifteen-year-old Max, who lives in Perth, Australia, is already demonstrating motorsport prowess Down Under to edge far more experienced racers to win the Arise Racing Driver Search. He will tackle a fully-funded season in the Western Australia Formula 1000 series.
McRae Jr has already bagged plenty of karting titles, but his eye is definitely on the special stages in the longer run.
“I was lucky enough to come over to Wales earlier this year to drive some of Uncle Colin’s cars,” he said.
“That was so cool. An incredibly opportunity – those cars were just fantastic.”
Max drove a Subaru Legacy RS and Impreza WRC 97 at the Walters Arena test venue.
“Later that week, I went to Rallyday for the first time,” he added. “It was amazing to see so many people and so many more amazing cars.”
Based at Knockhill race circuit in Scotland, October’s McRae Rally Challenge will bring rally stars from around the world to celebrate the anniversary of Colin McRae’s world title.
“It’ll be a great day,” said Jimmy. “We’ll need to find Max some sort of junior car for the event – we can’t go there without him. But he can’t have too much power, we don’t want him embarrassing his father!”
Alister added: “Max’s really keen on rallying, but he’s got this season in Formula 1000 ahead of him. Let’s see how it goes.
"There’s no pressure from our side – especially not when you see how expensive all this is! I’ve told Max, he needs to have a word with Gramps, tell him to put his hand in his pocket!”
Story: WRC.com, Picture courtesy of Autosport/Colin McMaster
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