
The fate of their V8 Supercar hung in the balance following a horror-smash at Mt Panorama in October which saw the car sustain more than $40,000 damage.
After many hours and the enormous generosity of Jesus Racing Team Supporters, the V8 Supercar was back on the Oran Park track early this week to receive a shakedown, followed by an afternoon of testing.
Driver Andrew Fisher says the test-day was not without difficulties.
"Repairs to the car were finished at 4am Monday morning," says Andrew, "just hours before we were due to begin.
"Early on in the test the car had an unusual shudder in its steering system which was quickly rectified. Later in the session a power steering seal failed in the steering rack. The team wasn't carrying a spare so was forced off the track for a considerable period while repairs were carried out.
"However, we did get to give the car a good shake-down in the final couple of sessions and it performed brilliantly."
Andrew says overall, the day was a success with the Supercar eventually returning highly competitive times, leaving the team both encouraged and exhausted.
"Those two hiccups were the only things requiring attention after such a major rebuild, so it's a fantastic result," says Andrew. "Plus it's a credit to all involved, especially Rhett from Wollongong Performance Racing (WPR) who literally put the car back together.
The good news continues for the Jesus Racing Team with long-term supporters, Sydney's leading Christian radio station 103.2 FM signing on as a major sponsor for the final round for the Season.
"We are delighted to have 103.2 on board," says Andrew. "The radio station has been really supportive all along so it's great to be able to formalise the relationship. The work Jesus Racing performs off the track fits perfectly with 103.2 so they wanted to step up their involvement. Fisher says further discussions are currently underway with 103.2FM, with a view to carry their support into 2009.