Motorsport South Africa (MSA) proudly congratulates young 22-year old South African Max Smart on his selection as one of the three drivers to continue in the FIA Rally Star talent development programme for 2025.
“Max’s journey from local motorsport to international recognition in the FIA’s elite programme is a story of resilience, hard work, and a deep-rooted passion for racing,” says Vic Maharaj, Motorsport South Africa Chief Executive Officer.
Steve Harding, Convenor of the MSA National selection programme for FIA Rally Star and convenor of the FIA Rally Star African Continental final says that the FIA Rally Star Programme is a unique global programme that was launched in 2019/20. Covid then delayed the start so it was only in 2021 that the local programme started. “The programme is all about uncovering and cultivating young rally talent worldwide by creating pathways that break down traditional barriers to entry in motorsport and really help build the next generation of rally champions. Through regional finals, virtual Esports competitions, and grassroots events, the programme has introduced talented drivers from diverse backgrounds to the sport.
The journey
Max’s journey is an inspirational one. Beginning at an early age with a love for speed and competition that quickly evolved into a calling, Max has always displayed a natural talent for motorsport, initially competing in motocross events where he developed foundational skills in vehicle control, endurance, and quick decision-making and then ultimately transitioning and preparing him for the unique challenges of rally racing, where mental agility, physical stamina, and technical precision are paramount.
Harding says Max’s leap into rally racing was fueled by his ambition to showcase South African motorsport talent on the world stage. His journey gained momentum when he participated in, and won the African Continental final held at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria in 2022, competing against top young drivers from across the continent. Max’s exceptional performance earned him one of six places in the FIA Rally Star Programme and earned him a place in the FIA Rally Star Training season in 2023.
Once Max secured his place in the FIA Rally Star Programme, his training shifted to Europe, where he attended the FIA Rally Star Training Camp in Sardinia. Here, he received coaching on pacenote techniques, rally car engineering, media skills, and sports science, while also practicing on tarmac and gravel with the M-Sport Poland Rally3. The camp emphasised both physical and mental fitness, with daily exercise routines and performance assessments. “The team behind the programme showed real commitment to supporting us, which was inspiring,” says Max.
It was then time to gear up for his first rally in 2024. The European terrain was new and challenging, testing his skills on mixed surfaces and in extreme weather conditions that are standard in rally racing. Harding says Max’s adaptability and perseverance won him praise from his coaches and marked him as a standout talent. “His consistent performance through the 2024 Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) season (placed 7th overall out of a record 21 crews) and his podium finish in the JWRC in the Rally Italia Sardegna round, led to his re-selection for the 2025 FIA Junior WRC season – a remarkable achievement in this highly competitive programme.”
FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid adds, “Since they were selected for the FIA Rally Star programme, the three young drivers selected Max Smart, Romet Jürgenson’s and Taylor Gill have not only demonstrated their talent but also their determination and it’s only right they have been rewarded with further opportunities to learn and progress in 2025. At the same time, it’s a further demonstration of the success of FIA Rally Star that young hopefuls with limited experience who came through from grassroots level via selection events organised by FIA Member Clubs are preparing to embark on their second seasons in the FIA World Rally Championship.”
Towards 2025
With a unique blend of natural talent, intensive training, and support from MSA and the FIA, Max is poised to take on the challenges of the 2025 season with his co-driver Cameron Fair from Great Britain with renewed focus and determination. He has set his sights on pushing his limits and competing at an even higher level. His goal is to continue developing his skills with the long-term aim of competing in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), where he hopes to represent South Africa and inspire other young drivers to pursue their dreams in motorsport.
“My journey has really just begun, and I can’t wait to continue representing South Africa on the world stage in 2025. It’s a gift and opportunity of a lifetime. Nobody knows how hard you have to work to keep an opportunity like this as your own and I’m ecstatic to have done just that. All the hard work that I put in last year and this year has paid off and now we have a shot to go into a championship with experience of being there before.
After lots of learning this year, I hope to be able to pull everything together and go in for the win. It’s an incredible honour. Every challenge I’ve faced, from intense training sessions to competing on diverse terrains across Europe, has shaped me as a driver and strengthened my dedication to the sport. I’m grateful for the support from Motorsport South Africa, my family, my co-driver, the incredible coaching team and the experience I gained this year competing in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) for the first time.
My goal is to raise enough money to be able to enter additional events across the UK and/or Europe outside of the five JWRC events on the 2025 calendar, in order to further build my experience and skill,” says Max.
Maharaj concludes, “Max’s selection for another season in the JWRC is a huge milestone for South African motorsport. He is a brilliant ambassador for our country, and his journey showcases the depth of talent that exists here in South Africa. He embodies the resilience, passion, and skill that we celebrate in South African motorsport. We’re extremely proud of his accomplishments and look forward to supporting him as he continues to make his mark on the international stage.
His achievements underscore the potential of South African drivers in the global motorsport arena and inspire the next generation to dream big and pursue their passion for rally racing,” he concludes.
The 2025 FIA Junior WRC season begins with Rally Sweden from February 13-16.
PREPARED ON BEHALF OF MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA BY CATHY FINDLEY PR