Episode 3 - Max Coates
From Two Wheels to Team Manager: Max Coates’ Motorsport Journey
“The biggest thing is trust. If he tells me the car’s right, the car’s right.”
In this episode of The Spark Inside, hosts Christian Hewgill and Becca Knight chat with Max Coates, a British racing driver who has carved out a successful career across various motorsport series, from his early days on two wheels to becoming a racing team manager. Max shares his early start in karting, the transition to car racing, and the vital role family has played in his journey - especially with his dad as his lead mechanic. Max also delves into the realities of sponsorships, how simulators are shaping the next generation of racers, and the importance of self-analysis for improving performance on and off the track.
Whether you’re an aspiring racer or simply passionate about motorsport, Max’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and a deep love for the sport.
Key Moments:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Christian and Becca’s quirky car picks
[00:05:24] Guest Intro: Welcoming Max Coates
[00:06:19] Starting Young: From motorbikes to karting
[00:08:46] Making the Leap: Transitioning from karting to car racing
[00:12:37] Sponsorships: How to attract and maintain support
[00:14:08] Family in Racing: The unique dynamic of working with his dad
[00:20:17] Behind the Wheel: The highs and challenges of professional racing
[00:23:36] Self-Analysis: Max’s advice on becoming a better driver
[00:29:57] The Future of Motorsport: Media and the importance of visibility
Featuring: Max Coates
Presented by: Becca Knight and Christian Hewgill
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Podcast Website: www.thesparkinside.co.uk
The Spark Inside is an 18Sixty production brought to you by Niterra UK Ltd.
Max Coates
Max Coates is a British Racing driver currently competing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB for Graves Motorsport and aspiring to continue the journey into professional motorsport. This season has seen Max take podiums in all bar two races and he is currently leading the championship going into the final race of the season. Alongside his racing commitments he alsos runs a championship winning race team, High Row Motorsport, competing in the Britcar Trophy Championship and expanding into 2025. He also has a marketing agency, High Row Marketing, looking after social media accounts for various race teams and drivers. He is usually found in the passenger seat of a racing car flying around race tracks across the UK helping others to enjoy motorsport and develop their on-track driving techniques. Motorsport is his passion.
What first ignited my spark was...
...a little 50cc motorbike. My Dad and I used to go out riding around the local back lanes in our village of Scorton. I got into karting ‘by mistake’ and the rest, as they say, is history.