Trabuco Canyon, California resident Max Hayter is next up. While Max didn’t have the success he wanted at the 2008 Solo National Championship he did rise to the head of the pack as the 2008 Pro Solo Street Touring Unlimited National Champion. His weapon of choice was his 2006 Subaru STi on Dunlop Direzza Star Spec tires. Max is a member of the Cal Club Region SCCA.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals? 
MH: No – I have attended every year since 2006.
RR: Is this your first National Championship?
MH: No – I was 2006 STU Pro Solo National Champion… it would appear that I’m only good at Pro Solos!
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
MH: Well, the overriding memory was sitting on the line on my last run knowing that I was in 2nd and needing to pull my finger out if I was going to win! Crossing the line, I knew I had done a good run, but it seemed to take an age for Jason Isley, the announcer, to do the math!
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
MH: The key to my success this year was definitely the help of my very able co-drivers, Annie and Aaron, who were instrumental in getting the car working so well.
RR: Who inspires you?
MH: Running in Cal Club, we have so many great drivers to learn from, but I’d probably pick Tom Berry out in particular as someone I would love to emulate.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
MH: Gold Bond powder, to keep the boys minty fresh!
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
MH: ChaseCam video and MaxQData were invaluable throughout the year.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
MH: I tell really bad English jokes. Other than that, I have no idea.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
MH: Evolution School a couple of times – great learning experience.
RR: Describe your driving style.
MH: Smooth, but aggressive… or so I’m told. I have trouble remembering exactly what I do on course, I just go by feel.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
MH: My first AX car was a 2003 Subaru WRX Wagon, which won a few Tour and Pro trophies in STX, before I moved up to the STI. My favorite AX car was probably Tom Berry’s old 96 BSP Corvette; I’ve never quite forgiven him for selling it!
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
MH: The Emissions CEL rule in STX/STU – a complete joke of a rule that is a total waste of time and money.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
MH: Sebastian Rios for dragging me out to my first Autocross. Our constant battles to out-do each other have made us both better drivers, and friends.
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com & Max Hayter
For copies of photos email david @ evorticity.com
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