Tough start to Hall’s pro debut

Team Green MX UK’s Lewis Hall finally got his pro championship career underway at the opening round of the Maxxis British championship at Culham MX Park over the Easter weekend, and as expected it was a baptism of fire. The 15 year old reigning MX Nationals MXY2 champion found it challenging and hard work on a deeply rutted and knarly circuit, as did many. It was certainly tough going. 

Feeling nervous Lewis couldn’t quite find the rhythm he was hoping for in qualifying and struggled to put a flowing lap together, yet still qualified 25th ahead of some established MX2 racers with 3-4 years more experience.  

After getting boxed out on the first corner of this opening moto, Lewis struggled a little in the opening few laps in getting to grips with the fierce pace that is MX2 racing, but once he settled down he started to move up the field until he made a small mistake and dropped it in a corner just pushing a little too hard. He picked it back up and kept charging to the flag to bring it home 29th.  

The second moto started off much better with a start inside the top 20. Whilst running 16th on the second lap he got completely taken out by Tom Neal’s stray bike after he flipped off the back of it. An unfortunate racing incident that put Lewis down and in 36th position, but showing heart and desire, as well as good fitness he worked his way back up to 25th position by the time the flag fell.  

Jeff Perrett - Team Manager

“I knew it would be tough for Lewis today. Very rarely does a kid 17-18 jump into the pro ranks and run in the points or sharp end first time out, even more so 15 year old kids. He rode really well. Of course, Lewis thinks differently but when he’s had time to reflect he'll realise it was a good effort and learn from the experience. That’s the thing with Lewis, he learns quickly and is level headed. He’ll go away knowing what he’s got to work on and he’ll work hard at it. He doesn’t often show nerves but he was definitely nervous this weekend. Now we’ve got the first one out of the way and he knows what it’s all about he’ll be more relaxed about it and ride the race like he knows he can. I was particularly pleased with his stamina and fitness as he pushed to the flag, but then I always am. The kid has got a big heart and that will serve him well.” 

Lewis Hall - Pro MX2 - KX250F

 “That was proper tough. The pace is so fast at the start of the race. I think that’s the most obvious thing I’ve learned today and I need to work on that, which I will. I was definitely nervous and tense for the first part of the day but once I got the first race out of the way I felt much better. It was annoying that I got taken down by Tom’s bike but I know it wasn’t intentional, just one of the those things. So after that I just concentrated on my own riding and pulled back through the pack the best I could. I was much happier with my performance in the second moto and now I’ve got this first pro race out of the way I now know what to work on and I think I’ll be much more relaxed next time out. I have to be realistic. I know I’m quite a bit younger than anyone else in the class so I just need to get my head down and learn every week and always remain positive. It’s my rookie year and there’s a lot to learn.” 

The full team of Lewis, Kacey Hird, Raife Broadley and Ben Mustoe will be out in force this coming weekend at the Michelin MX Nationals at Lyng.