MAX HALL SCORES ROOKIE CUP VICTORY ON MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY DEBUT

Max Hall enjoyed a winning start to his Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Brands Hatch this past weekend (8-9 April) as he claimed an impressive Rookie Cup victory in the first race of the year.

The Westbourne Motorsport driver also produced two further feisty performances around the famous Kent venue to cement his status as one to watch for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

Having announced his graduation to the one-make series just a few days prior to the curtain-raiser, the 16-year-old wasted no time in making his mark as he translated his encouraging practice pace into qualifying.

In what proved to be a frenetic session around the 1.2-mile Indy circuit, the Motorsport UK Academy driver punched in a best time of 56.843 to not only secure third overall on the grid but also bragging rights in the Rookie category.

Launching off the inside of row two for the opening bout, Hall - who is backed by Halls Electrical, Durite, Brigade, Fischer Panda, PVL and Brandfixx - made a lightening start to challenge Tom Ovenden for second place over the first half of lap one.

Making door-to-door contact with Ovenden on the exit of Graham Hill Bend, the former JSCC champion’s slight loss of momentum saw him drop back a spot to fourth; and that was to be where he would stay until the final lap.

Producing a measured drive surrounded by a wealth of second-year competitors, Hall dropped to fifth on the run to the line but that wasn’t to take the shine off a sensational showing which saw him clinch a maiden victory in the Rookie Cup.

Buoyed by picking up his first piece of silverware the previous day, Sunday morning’s second race saw Hall demonstrate his talents further as he played his part in a mesmerising multi-car battle for second place.

Unfortunately, despite picking up the fastest lap along the way, contact in the latter stages at Clearways forced the teenager into the pit lane and subsequently down the order.

Starting the weekend’s third and final bout from 26th, Hall capped off what was a weekend to remember with a charging drive through the pack. Showcasing his overtaking prowess, Hall made up ten places within four laps before then picking his way up into the top 15; ultimately settling for 12th after a red flag halted proceedings late on.

Leaving Brands Hatch, Hall sits third in the Rookie Cup standings and ninth in the overall championship.

Max Hall: “It’s been a real rollercoaster of a weekend but one that I’ve absolutely loved! If you’d have said I’ll qualify third, pick up a Rookie Cup win and be one of the fastest cars over all three races I'd have probably snapped your hand off.

“I think if you look at the results they perhaps don’t tell the full story and whilst I’m a bit disappointed with race two, we showed what we can do by coming from the back of the grid in that last one.

“This weekend was always going to be about getting dialled into the car and building up the experience. We’ve done that - and much more - so I’m feeling confident that we can be right in the mix this year; I’m already buzzing to get to Snetterton.

“Of course, I’ve got to give a massive shoutout to the whole team at Westbourne Motorsport and all of my amazing sponsors for their hard work this weekend!”

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season continues on the 13-14 May around the Snetterton 300 circuit.