Max's crash course weekend
Teenager Max Freeman is set to compete in his first national championship motorsport rally – just hours after completing his final GCSE exam.
The youngster will tackle a physics paper at Wolgarston High School, Penkridge, on Friday before heading to Leicestershire to do battle in the Hinckley-based Rally of the Midlands, which starts later that day.
Max, of Horsebrook Lane, Brewood, is taking part in a National B ranked event at the earliest possible age – just days after his 16th birthday.
He will be navigating for experienced driver and former chairman of Wolverhampton and South Staffs Car Club (WSSCC) Paul Price.
During Friday evening and Saturday, the pair will hurtle round 85 miles of stages in a rally-prepared Peugeot 106 GTi Cup.
On Friday, they will drive a stage at the heritage motorsport venue of Mallory Park and the following day there are further challenging sections at the famous MIRA testing ground and in the grounds of Merryvale stately home.
Mr Freeman, aged 43, said: "Max is no stranger to navigating – he began at the age of 12 and won his first competitive event at 14.
"This will be his first national ranked event though, and he's really looking forward to it.
"He's got a good, experienced driver with him and it will be interesting to see how they get on."
Max is getting his opportunity under a scholarship scheme promoted by WSSCC, which has been relaunched by the Pattingham-based club to help youngsters into motorsport.
Previous beneficiaries include Gemma Price, who went on to compete at World Championship level and Nick Bloxham who is now one of the country's top road rally navigators.
But Max may not follow their example, as he is hoping to begin driving himself as soon as he passes his test.
However he fares in the rally, he will not have time to hang around in Hinckley – he's got to be back in Staffordshire on Saturday night for his school prom.
