Fri 20 Sep 2024

ERC Take Five with Max McRae

Max McRae returned to the top of the FIA Junior ERC Championship podium when he triumphed in the Hankook-supplied category on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion earlier this month. This is what the late Colin McRae’s 20-year-old nephew had to say following his victory in Wales for the TRT Rally Team.

You were visibly emotional at the finish, how much relief was there when you won and did you ever stop believing a second Junior ERC victory this season could be possible?
“To win again [after two bad rallies] and to do it in the UK as well is really good. Of course [I didn’t stop believing] because I know there’s ability and we’d already had one win this year. It felt like a long time ago but we’ve done it again when some people don’t get another win for years. It’s easy to look at the negatives but there are so many positives and this is a massive one.”  


Although the Junior ERC title is out of reach how important was this result? “The result shows we can do it on rough gravel and narrow Tarmac that’s slippery and grippy as well.”

Rali Ceredigion marked the return of international championship rallying to the UK for the first time since 2019. How extra special did that make your win in Wales?
“It’s very special to be one of the guys on the top step of the podium after five years is very cool, especially when the last time international rallying was here was Rally GB. I’m glad to take the flag to the top.”  


Rally Silesia is next up on the ERC schedule from 11 - 13 October. Is there a target in mind?
“We’ll see what we can do in Poland. I’d like to say another win as it’s less pressure with the championship now. It would be great to get another podium but the main thing is to get the experience.”

You started out in Junior ERC at the same time as Mille Johansson back in 2023. What do you think of his achievements in winning the title this season?
“He’s had such a consistent season, I take my hat off to him. He’s been on the podium in every rally he’s done so I’ve got a lot of respect for that.”

Chile
Starts: Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM
Poland
Starts: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:00:00 AM
China
Starts: Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 3:00:00 AM