If the opening round of the season was anything to go by, there’s no surprise that fourth in the Goodyear Touring Car Trophy/TCR UK drivers’ standings Max Hart is one of the five drivers in with a shot at the title when the season finale takes place at Donington Park on Monday.
The 19-year-old Irishman opened his account in spectacular style at Silverstone in April with an out-of-the-blocks win in round one. But since then, a series of what in motorsport is referred to as ‘challenges’, a second victory has alluded him so far. Taking into account a further six podium finishes and his sheer pace in all of this season’s races, it does come as a surprise, however, that Max hasn’t occupied the top step again since the start of the year.
31 points behind championship leader Lewis Kent, the deficit may look out of reach to anyone else, but with 78 points up for grabs from the three races – 25 points for a win and one for setting the fastest lap – driving his Maximum Motorsport-prepared Hyundai i30 TCR, Max is fully aware of the task ahead.
“Going to the event in fourth place, I feel I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s going to be difficult to make up the difference to Lewis (Kent) – especially as the car will be carrying ballast weight following my Anglesey qualifying result – so I’m just going to give it my best shot, do what I can and see if I can improve on my current championship position.
“Having competed there in saloons and single-seaters, I know Donington well and would go as far as to say it’s my favourite UK circuit. I’m hoping that my experience of the track will help, particularly in the race.
“I’m really looking forward to the event. I’m actually not feeling that much pressure, because I’ll be doing the chasing, although I do want to make the most of this final event of what has been a special season for the championship. Therefore, I’m going to drive the best I can and hopefully, the results will follow. Bring it on!”
