RX8 Cup R5 Rundown - Driver Debut @ Sydney Motorsport Park
Jake Hextall’s RX8 Cup Debut at Sydney Motorsport Park
The RX8 Cup was back in action at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship, and it was a special weekend for RaceAway Track Time as we welcomed Jake Hextall for his first competitive outing in the series. From qualifying at the back of the field to charging into the top 10, Jake’s debut was the perfect example of what makes the RX8 Cup such an exciting one-make championship.
Jake qualified 17th with a time of 1:53.4308, settling in quickly as he got to grips with the RX8. His first race didn’t go to plan, with an aborted start and inexperience with formation lap/starting procedure catching him out. He dropped to the back of the 21-car grid but fought hard to claw his way back to 17th, setting a new personal best along the way.
Armed with feedback from our coaches, Jake launched into Race 2 with a much stronger start. In a clean and confident drive, he battled through the pack, trading spots with Toby Donohue driving with Maisie Place Motorsport before crossing the line in 13th place, with another PB lap time of 1:52.500.
Sunday’s action showed just how fast the field was running, but Jake rose to the challenge. He strung together three consecutive PBs in Race 3, dipping into the 1:51s for the first time and finishing 14th in a competitive fight. By Race 4, his confidence was clear. Starting 13th, he stayed out of the chaos in a drama-filled race, pushing forward to finish an incredible 10th overall – seven spots higher than where he had started the weekend.
Head coach Phil Alexander summed it up perfectly:
“Jake did a remarkable job for his SMSP RX8 Cup debut. The closer you get to the front in a one-make series like this, the harder it is to gain places. To finish inside the top 10 without a scratch on the car is impressive.”
Jake himself reflected on just how tough and rewarding the category is:
“The one-make series was definitely an eye-opening experience. It really amplifies driver skill. Whenever I thought I had a hold of it, one of the fast guys would pass me like I was standing still. But I learnt a lot and made progress every session.”
It was a brilliant debut made possible by the support of our RaceAway crew and coaches, who kept the car fast and Jake focused all weekend. Thanks also to @armstrongrider for capturing the moments behind the wheel.
For anyone inspired by Jake’s drive, there’s no better way to get started than our RX8 Cup Come ’n’ Try package. Spend a day behind the wheel of a professionally prepared RX8 Cup car with Bathurst 1000 top-10 driver Phil Alexander coaching you through every step. You’ll enjoy five on-track sessions, all the gear you need to race, and the chance to experience the intensity of a true one-make series. It’s the ultimate first step into RX8 Cup racing. ENQUIRE NOW
Jake Hextall – RX8 Cup SMSP Debut Results
Qualifying:
Position: 17th
Best Time: 1:53.4308
Race 1:
Start: 17th → Finish: 17th
Best Time: 1:53.2518
Race 2:
Start: 17th → Finish: 13th
Best Time: 1:52.500
Race 3:
Start: 17th → Finish: 13th
Best Time: 1:51.9861
Race 4:
Start: 13th → Finish: 10th
Best Time: 1:51.4308
