MAX HALL SCORES TOP TEN FINISH ON MINI CHALLENGE JCW DEBUT

Max Hall marked his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW with a top ten finish to conclude what was an encouraging weekend at Brands Hatch.

Securing a last-minute deal to step up to the series with championship-winning outfit EXCELR8 Motorsport for the season finale, the teenage sensation impressed many as he finished inside the top 15 in two of the three races around the Grand Prix circuit.

Having established himself as one of the leading lights in the Trophy category this year, the two-time race winner arrived at the Kent venue eager to underline his credentials as one of the brightest talents that is rising up through the tin top ranks in the UK against a host of former champions and race winners.

Getting to grips with the more powerful JCW machine for the first time during Friday’s two practice sessions, last year’s Junior Saloon Car Championship title winner delivered a commendable performance during qualifying on Saturday morning.

In what was a frenetic session on the 2.433-mile layout, Hall - who is backed by Halls Electrical, Brigade Electronics, Fischer Panda, Durite, PVL UK, Brandfixx and GT Installation - set a best time of 1:36.957 for 14th on the grid.

Blasting off the line as the lights went out for race one, the front-wheel-drive ace lost a handful of positions on the opening lap however it wasn’t long until he fought back. In the thick of the action, the Motorsport UK Academy driver kept out of trouble to bring the car across the line in 14th.

Unfortunately, Hall’s chances of a strong result were over before they even began in race two as a technical issue meant he had to be pushed off the grid prior to the start.

Lining up at the very back of the grid for the finale, Hall undoubtedly saved his best till last as he delivered a mesmerising drive which saw him carve his way up the order to finish in tenth position.

Wasting no time in moving forward, the fledgling youngster showcased his overtaking prowess by making a number of eye-catching moves on his into the top ten.

Max Hall: “It was a really positive weekend and one that I enjoyed massively! Stepping up to the JCW class is no mean feat, given how competitive it is, but I think we gave a really good account of ourselves. It was somewhat of a glorified test in all honesty.

“Friday was all about getting dialled into the car for qualifying, which went well, and although there was a couple of tenths left on the table I was happy with where we lined up for race one.

“It was great to get that first race under my belt and I feel like we could have had a chance of challenging the top eight in race two; had it not been for a mechanical issue prior to the start. To bounce back and sign off with a top ten finish in the last race was amazing though!

“I’m grateful to everyone at EXCLER8 Motorsport and all of my loyal sponsors for the opportunity, it’s certainly given me plenty to think about heading into the winter. Before that though, we’ve got unfinished business in the Trophy!”

Hall will conclude his 2023 season back at Brands Hatch on November 4/5 as he closes out his Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign with Westbourne Motorsport.