MAX HALL MAINTAINS TITLE CHARGE WITH BATTLING THRUXTON PERFORMANCE

Max Hall maintained his championship challenge in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this past weekend (June 3/4) as he claimed a brace of hard-fought top ten finishes at Thruxton.

Taking centre stage on the support bill of the British Touring Car Championship around the fastest circuit in the UK, the Westbourne Motorsport driver showed his fighting spirit across three frenetic races to remain firmly in the mix for both Drivers’ and Rookie Cup title honours.

Hall - who is backed by Halls Electrical, Brigade Electronics, Fischer Panda, Durite, PVL and Brandfixx - kicked off the weekend in sensational style as he charged to a maiden pole position in what was a scintillating qualifying session on Saturday.

Working in tandem with team-mate Harry Hickton to try and benefit from a tow, the 16-year-old stormed to the top of times at the end of his first run and despite the best efforts of others, he was not to be beaten.

Lining up on the front row for race one, the teenage racer made a sluggish start which culminated in him being shuffled back to sixth on the opening tour.

Following a brief safety car period, Hall fought his way past Nicky Taylor for fifth only for the positions to be reversed after the chequered flag due to officials deeming that last year’s Junior Saloon Car champion had gained an unfair advantage.

The weekend’s second encounter would unfortunately see the Motorsport UK Academy driver non-score as he was inadvertently involved in a scary multi-car incident at the Club chicane, which resulted in a red flag.

Jockeying for position towards the front of the field, Hickton tipped into a roll which forced the chasing pack to scatter in avoidance. Sadly, Hall would pick up damage to his radiator in the melee which resulted in him being unable to take the restart.

Starting at the back of the grid for the weekend’s third and final race - which was broadcast live on ITV4 - Hall arguably saved his best till last as he carved his way up through the order to finish inside the top ten and on the Rookie Cup podium for a second time.

In front of a capacity trackside crowd and bumper TV audience, Hall showcased his overtaking prowess by making a number of eye-catching moves and make up multiple positions every lap; ultimately finishing seventh overall and third in the Rookie category.

Leaving Thruxton, Hall now sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship whilst continuing to lead the Rookie Cup standings.

Max Hall: “It’s been a bit of an up and down weekend but I’m still happy to come away with the points that we scored. We definitely had the pace to be on the overall podium but things didn’t quite fall our way - there’s still plenty to be positive about though!

“Getting pole position - especially here at Thruxton on the BTCC package - was just amazing and something that I’m really proud of. Me and Harry [Hickton] got our heads down, worked on utilising the tow and thankfully it all came together.

“Race one was a bit of a struggle as a poor start left me in the train and trying to get out of it was difficult at times. Then in race two I just had nowhere to go when Harry was rolling; we were certainly in the mix before it all kicked off though.

“To then round things off with a top ten from the back of the grid is brilliant and a good way to head into this lengthy break we’ve got. We’re in a good place championship-wise so I already can’t wait to get back out there.”

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season continues on the 29/30 July in North Yorkshire at Croft Circuit.