JAMES Hall’s championship hopes lie in tatters after he was forced to retire from round seven of the Kick Energy Championship at Pembrey.

The 15-year-old, from Witney, and co-driver Simon Bradley came into the event looking to make an assault on top spot, but were plagued with technical difficulties.

Hall and Bradley lost ten seconds in stage 1 after locking their front wheels, but pressed on to finish the stage in fifth place.

But their hopes came to an abrupt end just a quarter of a mile into the second stage as their progress was halted by a gearbox problem.

“I’m not just disappointed for myself, but also for Simon and the rest of the team,” said Hall.

“I’m now going to focus on Cadwell Stages (round eight, November 20) and prepare for the event like never before, to try and regain some points.”