WARRNAMBOOL driver Jack Bell is hoping a change of luck at his home track is a sign of what’s to come.
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The former Allansford racer put forgettable form at Premier Speedway behind him on Saturday night to claim the Jack Willsher Cup.
Bell, 21, started on pole and survived a number of re-starts to score his first win in the prestigious formula 500 feature race.
He held off fellow south-west driver Dylan Willsher, who was aiming to win his grandfather’s race for the third time.
Australian number one Liam Williams, who was gunning for a third straight Jack Willsher Cup, rounded out the podium.
“It’s certainly up there as one of my biggest wins,” Bell said trackside post-race.
“It always brings a big car count and to do it at Warrnambool where we’ve really struggled the last few years is awesome.
“We have got a new car, it’s not a lot different though, and I guess just experience (helped out). You come here season in, season out and you just learn from mistakes.
“We’re always trying different stuff and we had a good run in Darwin (at the Australian title) in July and it’s got similarities so we used a bit of that as feedback and it worked out.”
Bell said it was a thrill to beat high-quality opponents.
He admitted he was unsure how big his gap was.
“When you’re in front you don’t really know,” Bell said.
“You know the calibre of drivers behind you so you’ve just got to put in 20 perfect laps and that’s all you can do.
“Liam’s the best right now but he’s also one of the greatest of all time and Dylan is probably the best around Warrnambool, so to be able to get a win with them (in the field) is awesome.”
Bell said the cup was held in high esteem.
“Jack did a lot for the class back in his day and it’s still great to see him wandering around here,” he said. “I get along with the Willsher family really well so to do it for them is great.”