Reigning CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Champion Jayden Ojeda will switch open wheelers for tin tops in 2019 after announcing plans to compete in this year’s Kumho Super3 Championship.
The move comes after a successful test day in a Supercar with Brad Jones Racing (BJR) last year in which Ojeda impressed enough to be offered a seat in 2019 with Anderson Motorsport.
Following deliberation with those close to him, Ojeda accepted the preposition based on his career progression and the category set around Australia.
“I am thrilled to join the category,” Ojeda said.
“We got approached late last year for the opportunity and we couldn’t really say no because I really enjoyed driving the car and it’s keeping me nice and local.
“After the test with BJR, there was a lot to take in but I really enjoyed it and feel like it’s a good step for my career. We believe we have made the right choice.
“We’re really looking forward to this year, especially since there are a lot of rounds with Supercars, as well as the final round at Sandown with the Shannons Nationals which is just as exciting.”
The decision comes off the back a brilliant season in the CAMS PAYCE Australian F4 Championship where Ojeda won 14 races across the season, including six consecutive races across rounds two and three.
Ojeda then spent time testing the new TCR Australia car at Sydney Motorsport Park during the category’s official launch in November last year, before completing his 2018 testing with the BJR drive.
While he found it difficult to steer at first, the 19-year-old grew in confidence behind the wheel of the car, which ultimately led him to decision the move out of his comfort zone.
“Both the TCR and the Supercar runs were all very new to me and it was out of my comfort bubble,” Ojeda explained.
“However I think with the more laps I did, the better I got at driving them.
“It obviously gets very hot in there which is the one thing I am not used to but it’s something I have to develop and deal with as I progress in my future.”
As for the 2019 season, Ojeda is confident he can begin his tin top career on a high as all competitors in the Championship are in the same boat.
“I think it would be rude to say that we are not going to have a crack,” Ojeda added.
“Everyone coming into Super3 this year is pretty fresh so it is somewhat of an equal playing field.
“While some guys may test more than others and get more assistance behind the scenes, obviously I will have a crack and because it wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t going to send it.”
The five round Kumho Super3 Championship begins on 12-14 April at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit as part of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
