With Jake Fisher stepping out of his Junior Speedway racing career and onto the tarmac scene for the first time, it was always going to be a testing time for the young ace.
Round two of the WA Excel Cup was run at Collie Motorplex over the weekend and to say that Fisher adapted to his new motorsport environment would be a big understatement.
A 25 car field greeted the Collie circuit and some heavy experienced drivers were on show. Qualifying was where it counted and after a couple of test and tune events over recent months, Fisher found his feet on the day when it counted, taking an astounding 7th place out of the entire field.
Starting from 7th in the first race of the day, he had a strong start and was holding his own. Dropping a place to 8th, he was chasing the lead pack each lap. His 8th place finish would start him from that position in race 2.
On the start he dropped a place back to 9th and once again, showed his class, holding off challengers from behind to defend his top ten placing.
On the final race of the day, starting from 9th on the grid, a mechanical issue with the brakes, saw him slide back four spots on the start. He fought his way from 13th up to 11th, before the braking issue sent him off the circuit.
He rejoined in 18th place and brought the car across the line finishing the race. A little disappointed, Fisher also took on board, this was his very first Excel Cup race day and two top ten placings on his first day against experienced drivers was his biggest plus.
“I’m just learning in this space and it is only my first race event in Excels,” he said.
“I have to be patient, as it’s a big step up for me, especially from my speedway career.”
In any form of motorsport, learning curves are part of the territory and Jake Fisher is one who will learn from his experience, fast!
All eyes turn to April 12th when round three of the Excel Cup Championship heads to Wanneroo Raceway in Perth’s northern suburbs.
If his first race day is anything to go by, big things are ahead for this amazing young individual who continues to grow in stature and is fast showing the motorsport world he has a point to prove in the months ahead.