For our latest OL Spotlight, we're delighted to feature R. Anthony (Max) Reid (1975). Anthony has been a Motor Racing driver for fifty continuous years and, on Saturday 25th January, The St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles presented him with the Roberts Burns Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Motor Racing.

Previous recipients of this highly-regarded award include Sir Sean Connery, Sir Angus Deaton (Noble Laureate) and Frank Lloyd (the first Scot to win an Oscar).

Q1. What led you to a career in Motor Racing?

'I was inspired by famous Old Lorettonian Jim Clark, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and Indy 500 Winner. I used to sit opposite his plaque in the Chapel on Sundays and dream, when I should have been listening to the Headmaster’s sermon.'

Q2. What are some of the biggest highlights from your career?

'There have been many highlights, starting with winning the Jim Russell Racing School World Scholarship, which paid for my first full season of motorsport. I then finished 3rd at Le Mans 1990 in a Porsche, which changed my life, and in 1992, I was Japanese F3 Champion against Jacques Villeneuve (1997 F1 World Champion) and Tom Kristensen (nine times Le Mans Winner).

I was also team mates with Damon Hill in Formula Ford 2000 (and he never beat me), BTCC Masters Champion in 2004, winner of the Buenos Aires 200 km in 2008, winner of the ‘Shootout’ competition at The Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2007 and 2012, a multiple winner at the Goodwood Revival, and Goodwood Road Racing Club House Captain from 2014-2023.

In the year 2000, I was part of a team of drivers in two Volvo S60s that broke 18 British Land Speed Records - including the 24 hour record, which we still hold. I also still hold the 5km record because I was the only driver to drive the 'Sprint Car' and break all the early records.

I also made five appearances as a stunt driver on the TV programme Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.'

Q4. How did it feel to be presented with the Roberts Burns Lifetime Achievement Award?

'It was an incredible honour to be recognised by the St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles for 50 years of excellence in motorsport, especially knowing I was following in the footsteps of fellow Scottish recipients such as Sir Sean Connery, Sir Angus Deaton (Noble Laureate) and Frank Lloyd (the first Scot to receive an Oscar).'

Q5. What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

'Working as a team with multiple skilled people to achieve success on the track.'

Q6. What’s next for you?

'Next up is the Goodwood Members Meeting in April. I’m also mentoring young protégé drivers, including James Hedley, who I recently accompanied on a trip to Japan. This was arranged through contacts from my time racing there in the 1990s.'

Q7. What do you remember most from your time at Loretto?

'Loretto taught me how to be independent, resilient and relentless in the pursuit of my dreams, and that anything is possible in life.'

Q8. What advice would you give to current Lorettonians?

'Pursue your dreams and passions as a young person and you will never have to work for a living. And the friends you make at School will be friends for life.'

Future OL Spotlights

To be featured yourself or to nominate someone else, please get in touch at society@loretto.com.