MAX HALL GRADUATES TO JCW GRID WITH EXCELR8

Youngster Max Hall will graduate into the JCW class of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 after inking a deal to join forces with defending champions EXCELR8.

Hall made his debut in the Cooper class last season having stepped up from the Junior Saloon Car Championship as the 2022 title-winner, and secured multiple race wins and an impressive six podium finishes to end the year seventh overall.

The teenager also picked up a pair of pole positions, including at Thruxton – the quickest circuit in the UK.

Alongside his successful Cooper programme, Hall also made his debut in the JCW class when he joined forces with EXCELR8 for the 2023 season finale on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, battling back from a race two DNF to end the weekend with a top ten finish despite limited testing prior to the weekend.

Hall will work with former JCW racer Ronan Pearson to prepare for his 2024 campaign, which will kick off at Donington Park in late April.

“It’s so exciting to know that I’ll be part of the JCW grid on full-time basis after a successful one-off appearance at Brands Hatch,” he said. “Considering I went into that weekend with no testing, scoring a top-ten finish was absolutely amazing, and it only left me more determined to try and make the step up in 2024.

“EXCELR8 is a team I have always wanted to work with and having had a brief opportunity to be part of the line-up at Brands Hatch, I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together this season.

“I’m aware that it’s a big step up from the Cooper, but I feel confident that I’m with the best team to help me work towards my goal of challenging for race wins and pushing for the championship title.”

Team owner Justina Williams said she was confident that Hall would be able to translate his pace from the Coopers into the headline class.

“We knew Max was a quick driver from his performances in the Cooper class this year, but the way he adapted to the JCW car was hugely impressive for someone so young,” she said. “It was a big step to make and when you consider the rest of the field had been racing the cars all season, for him to score a top-ten finish showed his potential.

“We’re delighted to have been able to now sign Max up for a full season in 2024 and with the chance to get some testing under his belt over the winter and gain more experience behind the wheel, I have no doubt he can make an impression on the JCW field this year.”