Lewis Hall and Sam Nunn showed their true potential at Landrake in the MX Nationals yesterday for the Rob Hooper Racing Yamaha team, with Hall gaining his first-ever Pro Overall victory and Sam Nunn having his best-ever ride.
Images courtesy of Warren Kee
Hall joins a long line of riders who have recorded their first Pro overall under the RHR awning and shows the true purpose of the team, which is to nurture and progress young riders and their careers.
Recent weeks have seen the team struggle for consistency, but from the outset, this weekend had a different feel about it, with Nunn setting a blisteringly fast time in qualifying, only being pipped for pole at the last minute by French racer Florian Miot. Hall also showed excellent speed, qualifying in third behind his teammate.
The intent and purpose of the teenage duo was shown early in the opening moto, as Hall set the pace at the front while Nunn was scything his way through the field after a poor start. A small fall on the fourth lap for Hall saw Nunn take his place as the MX2 front runner, making it an RHR Yamaha one-two. Unfortunately, Nunn would crash hard mid moto gifting Hall back the lead. Nunn would have to retire from the moto, and after a tussle with eventual winner Jay Hague, Hall would end the race in second.
Hall was once again battling it out at the front of MX2 in the second race behind leader Miot and like in the first race Nunn was again moving through the field. While Hall was settled in second behind Miot, Nunn was pulling out all of the stops, and by passing Hague for third, he would do his teammate a great favour as that meant Hall would take the overall by just one point with a 2-2 day. Nunn’s third would be his best ever Pro race finish and was close to being his first Pro podium.
A delighted Team Boss, Rob Hooper, said, “This has been our best weekend so far this year. We have always known the potential was there for both of our riders, and they showed today while we have faith in them. I was gutted for Sam that he crashed while leading, but I was really happy that he came back and had a fantastic second moto. This will do Sam’s confidence no end of good. Lewis was riding great all day, and he thoroughly deserved to stand on the top step of the podium.”
A beaming Hall said of his day, “This means a lot! First-ever overall PRO MX2 win. Big Thankyou to everyone that has stuck by me through thick and thin, happy to finally give something back.”
“It was a good day at Landrake,” said Nunn. “I think I showed everyone that I can run up front and challenge for podiums. Looking forward to this weekend now. Thanks to Rob and the team for all their help.”
The team round out their MX Nationals campaign this weekend at Cusses Gorse MX near Salisbury and will be looking to continue their Landrake form.
