Irish racer Max Hart set for World Championship debut

History will be made this November when Irish motorsport star Max Hart competes in the FIA World Touring Car Championship at the Macau Grand Prix in China. The 23-year-old, from Baltinglass County Wicklow, will become the first person from Ireland to compete in the TCR World Championship when he gets behind the wheel of his O’Driscoll’s Whiskey-backed Hyundai at the prestigious event.

The Macau GP runs from November 15-17 at the world famous Guia Circuit, which is renowned for its fast straights, tight corners, and uncompromising crash barriers. Although this will be the second time that the Irishman has raced at Macau, having won there in the TCR China championship in 2023, this time around he will be making his World Championship debut, while also challenging for the TCR Asia title.

Commenting on making his World TCR debut, Hart stated: “Racing in FIA World TCR is a dream come true for me. I feel incredibly lucky to represent Ireland on this global stage. It’s been a long road to get to this point and ultimately achieve a goal that I set many years ago. It will be a proud and emotional weekend.”

Max’s World TCR appearance is the latest landmark in his career progression which has taken him from his first steps in Karting through to the British TCR Championship and on to Asia where he has raced since the beginning of 2023. For the 2024 season Max signed with the Z-Speed Hyundai team in TCR Asia where he currently sits second in the championship standings heading in to the final event.

Career Highlights:

• 2018 Formula Vee Star of Tomorrow Champion – Champion (8 wins from 12 races)
• 2018 UK Monoposto 1000 race debut at Brands Hatch – 2nd (without testing)
• 2019 UK Monoposto 1000 Championship – Championship runner up
• 2019 Mondello Park 6hr Ford Fiesta endurance race – 2nd (with team mates)
• 2019 Asian Formula 4, Malaysia – 3rd (4 race debut weekend, without testing)
• 2019 Formula 3 test at Silverstone with Team Fox
• 2019 Motorsport Ireland young driver of the year Monthly award winner
• 2019 Motorsport Ireland young driver of the year Finalist (Top 3)
• 2020 TCR Uk runner up with 7 podiums from 7 races with 1 win
• 2021 Multiple TCR race winner
• 2022 TCR UK Multiple Lap Record and Race Winner
• 2023 TCR China and announced Hyundai Junior Factory Driver
• 2023 Macau GP Race Winner in TCR China
• 2024 TCR Asia Multiple Race Winner and 2nd Overall in the Championship with two races to go.