Max McRae is still enjoying a successful 2021, despite having competed in less events than planned due to the ongoing pandemic.
Having contested a number of rounds of the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship (WARC) last year, McRae finally made his national debut this year – and certainly lived up to the expectations of being the son of a former World Rally Championship driver.
Running in the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST during May’s Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, the West Australian was highly impressive throughout the two-day RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship event – securing podiums in both the ARC Junior Cup and Shamrock Haulage ARC 2WD Cup.
Unfortunately, his debut ARC season was put on hold as the championship calendar is reshuffled, meaning he will have to wait a bit longer to get that second round under his belt.
“Competing in the Australian Rally Championship has been great this season,” McRae said.
“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.”
While he will have to wait a little longer to compete on the national stage again, the teenager won’t have to wait as long to get behind the wheel at state-level, with the fourth round of the WARC taking place this month.
Locked in for the WA Car Club Karri Rally, the 17-year-old will return to the same event where he picked up his first top-10 finish in the championship as well as a maiden class podium last year.
McRae was also handed a major boost ahead of the event with realtors Realty Lane and car accessory vendor Auto One jumping behind the youngster.
“It’s been a while since we were out but to be coming back with some really exciting news on the sponsorship front is fantastic,” McRae said.
“Auto One’s definitely the go-to place for Australia’s car accessories and Realty Lane the only sensible option for selling your place in Perth.
“I’m genuinely stoked to have these guys with us. They’re both passionate about what they do and really enthusiastic about working with me. I’ll be doing everything I can to deliver the sort of value they want from working with me – starting with the Karri Rally down south on Saturday.
“This is the first rally I’m going back to; before now, every event has been a first for me. 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.”
Both Auto One CEO Mark Garwood and Realty Lane owner Daniel Gonzalez were also thrilled to lend their support to the up-and-coming youngster.
“Rallying is one of the most relevant and demanding forms of motorsport in the world,” Garwood said.
“We’re delighted to be working with Max on his programme with the Fiesta. We know what it takes to keep him on the right road and we’re ready with the same expert advice we offer every customer who walks through the doors of our 46 stores across Australia.”
“We are so grateful for the opportunity of partnering up with such a young talent as Max McRae and excited to see him working so hard to leave his own mark on the world rally stage,” Gonzalez added.
“Having had the opportunity of spending time with Max, his hunger, commitment and dedication to his craft is truly inspirational.”
The WA Car Club Karri Rally takes place in Manjimup, Nyamup and surrounds on Saturday 21 August.
