KELTY race ace Ronan Pearson will be cheered on by another rising motorsport star whose family has a rich tradition of success when the new Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season gets underway.

Ronan, 22, is gearing up for his second season in the prestigious series, which revs into action for 2024 at Donington Park over the weekend of April 27-28.

At the recent unveiling of the new livery that will adorn his car, the talented youngster is targeting a podium finish this year, and success in the Jack Sears Trophy, which is open to drivers who hadn’t recorded an overall podium finish at the start of the season.

His endeavours will be backed by promising rally star, Max McRae, who joined Macklin Motors-supported Ronan at the recent launch of the 2024 Team Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 Motorsport livery on the car he'll race in this year's BTCC.

McRae is the third generation of his family to embark on a rallying career, after his grandfather, Jimmy; his dad, Alister; and his late uncle, Colin.

Ahead of the upcoming British Rally Championship, Max told Macklin Motors: "It was really cool to be able to see a different form of motorsport close up, and to see some of Ronan’s preparations for what is going to be a busy season.

"It’s certainly shaping up to be a good one for both him and Macklin Motors which is great, and I’ll be cheering him on.

"The BTCC cars look fantastic, and who wouldn’t fancy a go in one! They are such a cool piece of kit, and you can see that all the BTCC teams put a huge amount of effort into them.

"To be honest, I don’t think the BTCC is respected around the world as much as it should be for how high the level is in British Touring Cars. Having lived in Australia and seen the Supercars Championship, which is quite similar, it’s clear to see how much effort goes into the BTCC.

"It’s top-level motorsport like I’m aiming to reach in my own career, and it’s cool to see it up close."

In 2022, the legacy of the McRae family was marked at Knockhill Racing Circuit when a corner of the circuit was named after them.

'McRae corner', at Duffus Dip, the track's first right-hander, was named in honour of the achievements of Colin, who was twice a British Rally Championship winner before becoming the first British driver to win the World Rally Championship in 1995; Alister, a British title winner who also competed in the World Rally Championship; and Jimmy, a five-time British Rally Championship winner.

This season, Max will take part in four of the six rounds of the British Rally Championship with the M-Sport team, alongside an additional, yet to be revealed programme.