In 2018, the CAMS Australian Formula 4 Championship will feature four of their rounds on the Shannons Nationals calendar.
Here’s a quick look at some of the new names entering the development open-wheel championship this season.
Thomas Smith
A kart-star in his own right, Thomas Smith has recently confirmed he’ll enter the championship with Team BRM.
With an Australasian Kart Title to his name, along with runner-up in the Victorian State Cup and Victorian Kart Championship, the 15-year-old has opted to make the leap into circuit racing.
“My ambitions for this year are to really hit the ground running from my transition from karting to car racing, and hopefully have a promising year with results and see if I’m capable of sticking to an open-wheeler path in the near future,” Smith said.
Jayden Ojeda
Success has come naturally to Jayden Ojeda, who won his first state karting title in 2010 and a further two titles apiece in 2013 and 2014.
Ojeda has also represented Australia in the 2014 Rotax Max World Championship after claiming that season’s Rotax Pro Tour in Junior Max.
Racing a Formula Ford in 2017, Ojeda achieved numerous outright wins, podiums, pole positions and lap records in the category.
“I am excited to be taking the next step in my career in the leading open-wheel development category and I hope to be fighting at the front of the field in the Formula 4 Championship in 2018,” Ojeda said.
Lochie Hughes
Gold Coast teenager Lochie Hughes will join this year’s championship with Team BRM, stepping up from a successful karting career.
Hughes was recently part of the Ricciardo Kart team and has also been announced as one of four CAMS Foundation Rising Stars.
“After six years in karting, 2018 will be my first year in cars,” Hughes said.
“I’ve had numerous results in Europe, America, and Australia. Highlights being second at the WSK Gold cup, vice-champion of Florida winter tour, vice-Australian KA2 Champion, and Race Of Stars Champion.”
Josh Smith
Reigning KA3 Junior Victorian Kart Champion Josh Smith will join this year’s grid, who was also named as a CAMS Foundation Rising Star for 2018.
With strong results in karting including 2016 Race of Stars Champion and a runner-up placing in the 2014 Australian Championship, Smith has eyed Australian Formula 4 as the next step in his professional progression.
“I feel this championship is a big step towards my ultimate goal of a racing career… I am excited to learn key skills to use on and off the track in the future,” Smith said.
Zayd Tones
With six years of experience in karting under his belt, Year 10 student Zayd Tones from Queensland will run his first year in cars with Formula 4 this season.
“My ambitions for 2018 being my first year is to be competitive, learn lots and to have lots of fun throughout the year,” Tones said.
“I have been working hard on my physical and mental fitness in the lead up to the first round. I can’t wait for my first official race!”
Jackson Walls
Patrizicorse has confirmed Jackson Walls as its first driver signing, as the team prepares for its debut season in the 2018 CAMS Australian Formula 4 Championship.
Walls, who steps up from national level karting will enter his first season of circuit racing this year.
Michael Patrizi, owner of Patrizicorse, was impressed by Walls’ performance in testing as the highly credentialed kart squad prepares for its debut season in Formula 4.
“We are really looking forward to having Jackson driving with our team as we begin this exciting journey from karting to car racing,” Patrizi said.
