Max Smart had a very successful 2023 Rally Season, earning a place in the Junior World Rally Championship where he will represent South Africa.
South Africa (10 January 2024) – In August last year, we met up-and-coming rally driver Max Smart who was taking on the FIA Rally Star driver search in the hope of earning a place in the Junior World Rally Championship. Well, Max made it happen and qualified!
Max got into motorsports by riding in Motorcross first. It was evident he had a raw talent for racing. From there, he moved into the realm of rally racing and has found great success!
There are very few South Africans in the motorsport industry, but every year, that changes. With the likes of the Dakar, Formula 1, MotoGP and International Rally, there is so much opportunity to see talented South Africans get behind the wheel. The only thing that often holds these incredibly talented riders and drivers back, is meaningful sponsorship.
Max was able to complete his 2023 season in Europe and has now set his sights on 2024.
“As the winner of the FIA Rally Star African continental final and after a successful 2023 season in Europe, I’ve been promoted to a full season in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) for 2024.”
“I am proudly representing South Africa in this monumental championship. The last time we had a driver competing at the World Rally Championship (WRC) level was back in 2012. I’m putting in the work to have a bright future waving the South African flag on the world rally stage.
Outside of my incredible sponsored season I will be competing and training in other events throughout 2024 to gain skills, experience and to build performance for the JWRC.
This all comes out of my family’s budget and we are so grateful for any financial support to help us chase my dream of becoming the Junior World Rally Champion in 2025.
We’re all in on the journey and believe in my talent. Your support will have the greatest impact on my 2024 development and performance.”
The hope is to raise funds needed to take part in the 2024 season, adding another motorsport star to the international stage.
For the 2024 season, he plans to work on his raw talent with coaches to refine his skills and make him a contender to watch. There are five events to look forward to this year:
- Rally Sweden 🇸🇪 on 15-18 Feb
- Croatia Rally 🇭🇷18-21 May
- Rally Italia Sardegna 🇮🇹30 May- 2 June
- Rally Finland 🇫🇮 1-4 Aug
- Acropolis Rally 🇬🇷 5-8 Sept.
Max’s dreams span beyond podium places in 2024; his hope is to go on to win the Junior World Rally Championship in 2025. Follow his journey via Instagram here.
If you would like to support his journey to the championship, you can donate via BackaBuddy here or to become a sponsor, email the team here.
Max is on the road to reaching his dream. He is determined to make a success of himself and to fly our beloved flag alongside him. We have no doubt and look forward to learning more about the world of Rally racing! South Africa stands with you Max.
Sources: Team Max Swart – Supplied / FIA
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