Dream debut for Hart

Baltinglass driver to compete in F4 this weekend

HE might not have picked up the Motorsport Ireland Young Driver of the Year award yesterday (Tuesday) but Baltinglass student Max Hart has other significant developments to occupy his mind as he prepares to make his Formula 4 debut in Malaysia this weekend.

Hart, who was pipped for the prestigious award and a cheque for €50,000 by James Roe Jnr at Tuesday’s ceremony in Dublin, is currently on the way to Malaysia after being given the chance of a lifetime with his International Formula 4 SEA debut at the Sepang Formula One circuit for the final round of the championship.

The Scoil Chonglais student says that it’s a ‘dream come true’ to be able to showcase his ability this weekend on a major stage and that he is very hopeful that should things go well it will ‘open doors’ for him

18-year-old Max enjoyed a fantastic season with Leastone Racing in the British Monoposto 1000 Championship in 2019 where he secured numerous podiums, including a brace of wins, which secured him second in the championship on his first full season racing outside Ireland.

‘After a fantastic season racing the Leastone 1000 In the UK, I have been given the opportunity to race Formula 4 at the Sepang International Circuit for the final round of the championship,’ said Max.

‘I am delighted at this unique opportunity and can’t wait to drive this amazing F1 circuit. The race will be televised live on Eurosport TV.

‘Anyone who would like to come onboard as a sponsor for this event would be greatly appreciated.

‘A massive thanks to my long-term supporters Selco

Hygiene Supplies Ireland and Adapt Paper Products for helping me to make this possible.’

Max’s ultimate dream is to drive Formula One but he would settle for a paid drive on a lower stage if that dream doesn’t become a reality.

The mature Baltinglass student is also studying hard for his Leaving Certificate next summer in preparation for life beyond racing.

Meritus.GP runs the Formula 4 South East Asia series and was co-founded by Wexford native Peter Thompson, who is reported to have followed the Scoil Chonglais student’s progress in the UK this season very closely and was keen to bring him over to try out for the Grand Finals event in Sepang.

Max will join fellow Irishman Lucca Allen on the grid.