MEET THE
TEAM

Born in Scotland and raised in Western Australia, Max carries one of rallying's most iconic surnames. He is the grandson of five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae, son of FIA World Rally Championship event winner Alister McRae, and nephew of the legendary Colin McRae. However, Max is rapidly establishing a reputation and legacy of his own.

Since launching his international rally career, Max has demonstrated front-running pace across a variety of championships and surfaces, securing outright podium finishes and stage victories against some of the world's best emerging talent. His speed, determination and natural car control have earned him recognition as one of the most exciting young rally drivers in the sport today.

The 2026 season has continued that upward trajectory, with standout performances in both national and international competition, including a landmark outright victory on the prestigious Jim Clark Rally alongside co-driver Cameron Fair. The result further cemented Max's position as one of Britain's brightest rally prospects.

Away from competition, Max is passionate about helping others develop their driving skills. As an instructor at The Forest Experience, he brings modern rally techniques, professional-level experience and a relaxed, approachable teaching style that allows drivers of all abilities to maximise their potential.

Whether you're taking your first steps into rally driving, looking to improve your pace notes and car control, or preparing for competition, Max's combination of current championship experience and natural coaching ability provides an invaluable learning opportunity.

Please contact our team directly to book tuition for competitors or rally experiences.

Email: info@forestrally.co.uk

Follow Max's journey on social media: @maxmcrae18

With a rallying career spanning almost five decades, Tom Hynd first competed in his debut event in 1978 and remains actively involved in the sport today. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of navigating for a wide range of drivers, from emerging junior competitors to some of rallying's most accomplished talents.

In 1999, Tom was invited to co-drive for Northern Ireland Forestry Champion John McKeown during his campaign in the Scottish forests. The team specifically sought someone with extensive local knowledge, and in his first attempt at the championship, John secured an impressive second overall finish.

Over the years, Tom has worked alongside several drivers who have gone on to achieve significant success. He navigated for Finlay Retson, helping guide him from Scottish Junior Championship success through to competing in the Junior British Rally Championship in 2018. Earlier in his career, Tom also co-drove for Garry Pearson, working alongside him when he was just 17 years old before competing together in the British Rally Championship in 2013.

More recently, Tom partnered with Linzi Henderson, helping her secure the Scottish Rally Championship title alongside multiple class victories. His experience ranges from grassroots club rallies to World Rally Championship events, accumulating numerous outright victories as a navigator with a variety of drivers. While co-driving has been a major part of his career, Tom has also enjoyed considerable success behind the wheel himself.

As a driver, Tom achieved several class victories in the Scottish Rally Championship and claimed wins in multiple one-make championships during the highly competitive Peugeot 205 era. More recently, he successfully competed in and won the Mini Rally Gravel Challenge Championship in 2024. He has also competed at international rally level, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of events and conditions.

Across both driving and co-driving roles, Tom has competed in an extraordinary variety of machinery. From modern rally cars to iconic Group B legends, he has experienced some of the most memorable cars in rallying history, including the Metro 6R4 and the legendary Peugeot 205 T16.

After thousands of competitive stage miles and countless events, Tom would struggle to put a number on how many rallies he has contested. What is certain, however, is that rallying has provided him with a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Few people in the sport can match his breadth of knowledge, and there are very few rally cars, roads, or situations that he hasn't encountered along the way.

Today, Tom brings that wealth of experience to Forest Experience Rally School, helping drivers of all abilities develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of rally driving from one of the most knowledgeable figures in British rallying.